X
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this website, you consent to our use of these cookies.
Program
Gates Invention & Innovation Program

Competition Day

Over 20 Years of Gates Innovation

2021 Dates

List of 3 items.

  • Virtual Invention Expo

    April 5-7, 2021
    Presentation online site will be available on April 5

  • Virtual Finalist Presentations

    Thursday, April 8, 2021

  • Virtual Awards Ceremony

    Friday, April 9, 2021
    8:30 a.m.
    Zoom information to come

Competition Day

At the expo, students are prepared to display and discuss their hard work from start to finish.

List of 3 items.

  • Judging Process

    1. At the expo, judges speak with each inventor to evaluate the entries before selecting 10-15 finalists.
    2. 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.
    3. Judges sequester to determine the contest winners.
    Cash awards up to $500 are given in both the Grades 5/6 and Grades 7/8 categories.

  • Criteria

    All entries are judged on four criteria:
    • Functionality
    • Creativity
    • Marketability
    • Clarity of Communication

  • 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.

Competition Finalist & Winners

Congratulations to our 2021 Winners!
Honorable Mention and Patent Nod: Claire H., with “The Rush Brush”
3rd Place: Cate W. and Elle G. with “Suitcase Aide 2.0”
2nd Place: Josh P. and Nate R-N. with “Adjust-A-Brush 2.0”
1st Place: Kate H. and Sophia J. with “The Easy Crate”
 
2021 Finalist:
EZ Shield: Coco C. and Mia T.
Adjust-A-Brush 2.0: Josh P. and Nate R-N.
Suitcase Aid 2.0: Cate W. and Elle G.
Maskly: Alia B.
The Rush Brush: Claire H.
Kitchen Buddy 2.0: Sophia S.
The Easy Crate: Kate H. and Sophia J.

Competition Day Judges

  • Steven Chalmers

    Steven Chalmers is a dedicated and prolific tinkerer, and the inventor of a unique cat drinking fountain called the AquaPurr.
    Read More

  • Jake Dresden

    Jake Dresden is director of outreach and development for A Little Help, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of lives for seniors. 
    Read More
1/2

  • Bill Waelke

    Bill Waelke is vice president of investor relations at the Gates Corporation, where he develops investor communications and maintains relationships with the investment community. 
    Read More

  • Xiao-Jing Wang

    Xiao-Jing Wang MD, PhD, is a professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and an internationally renowned expert on skin biology and oral cancer. 
    Read More
1/2

Graland Country Day School

55 Clermont Street    |    Denver, CO 80220    |    303-399-0390
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1924, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.