Q&A: Inventors Share Insights into Gates Program

Cayla Wolf (8), co-inventor of Tod Lock and Tod Lock 2.0: “We weren’t happy with just being in the finals and we knew we could persevere with our idea and make it better. We didn’t want to give up on an idea we were so passionate about.” 

Helen Austin (7), inventor of Doggy Wings and Doggy Wings 2.0: “My first year was the prototype; it was really interesting. However, I realized it was too bulky and could have made it better in order to help animals in a way that made me feel nice. So, I decided, why not try again? It was really fun and enjoyable, and it made me think harder than I usually would.” 

 

Remy Wolkov (8), co-inventor of Tod Lock and Tod Lock 2.0: “They helped us when we didn’t know what the next step was, and they pushed us to find more ideas. They gave us all of the resources that we needed, but they didn’t give us the solutions, so we could pursue independence.” 

Helen: “It was not easy or stressful, really just exciting. The program really pushes your limits, but not in a bad way. You always have people around you to help you if you were struggling with something, but you also had to learn to work on your own.” 

 

Ava Jacobson (5), inventor of a to-be-named Fit Bit holder: “My experience doing Gates for the first time has been wonderful. I am having so much fun creating new solutions for problems in our world. I was having trouble at first coming up with something that has not already been created, but now that I have my idea I am so excited to get started. It is slightly scary to present your idea to the coaches, but they’re very nice and will help you. I am so excited to continue with my project.” 

Griffin Adams (6), inventor of the Easy Buckle: “Gates was different than anything I had done. I had fun and got to build whatever I wanted (unless it was too expensive). Last year I made it to the finals. When you find out that you are a finalist, there is a lot of pressure to make the slideshow, practice it, and get a good sleep.”