Over 25 Years of Gates Innovation
2026 Dates
List of 3 items.
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Judging Process
- At the expo, judges speak with each inventor to evaluate the entries before selecting 10-15 finalists.
- The following day, finalists make individual presentations to the panel of judges using additional support material such as slide presentations to describe their invention and process in more detail.
- Judges sequester to determine the contest winners.
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Criteria
All entries are judged on four criteria:- Functionality
- Creativity
- Marketability
- Clarity of Communication
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Patent Support
In exceptional cases, judges may award a "patent nod" to a particular invention. Those projects receive additional funding for more in-depth research, design and guidance through the patent process.
2026 Competition Finalists
Finalist Grades 5/6
Bike Rack Protection, Wyatt H. and Danny M.
The Easier Peanut Butter, Margot W. and Rosie W.
Braces Safe, Shreya P.
Keep Calm and Carry On, Charlotte K. and Ella C.
Four on the Floor, Madeline A. Emerson M. and Olivia S.
The Save Me Safety Stirrup, G C.
Finalist Grades 7/8
Pillthritis, Morgen K. and Haddie C.
Bait-N-Weight, Stuart L. and Bentley O.
TurfTrapper Technology, Elle S.
Helmet Hero, Morgan W. and Serena F.
The Clutch Crutch, Lauren T. and Harper K.
Out Without A Shout, Mayur M. and Jordan P.
Competition Day Judges
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Jorge Ramos
Jorge Ramos is currently an Aeronautical Structural Engineer at Lockheed Martin Space where he provides analysis and input on spacecraft designs, Jorge has been involved in successfully launching multiple spacecrafts for NASA and the Department of Defense.Read More -
Taylor Sperry
Taylor Sperry '02 leads strategic initiatives that support healthcare entrepreneurship, early-stage technology development, and cross-campus innovations at the University of Colorado Anschutz Innovations.Read More -
Steven Chalmers
Steven Chalmers is a dedicated and prolific tinkerer, and the inventor of a unique cat drinking fountain called the AquaPurr.Read More
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Cindy Cookson
Cindy Cookson is a vice president of Global Product Line Management at Gates Corporation. She leads the product line strategy, innovation commercialization, and financial performance for the industrial fluid power portfolios.Read More -
Jake Dresden
Jake Dresden is the Metro Denver Director for A Little Help, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of older adults by connecting them with local volunteers to provide services and companionship.Read More
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Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
