CONTEST OVERVIEW

Thomas Edison Pitch

Contest Overview

The Thomas Edison Pitch Contest was created in 2010 as a competition to showcase and encourage invention, innovation and entrepreneurship among students before they get to college. Every year, students submit their great ideas to win prizes and gain the hands-on experience exclusive to our contest! To celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we are extending a special challenge to participants. LEARN MORE HERE →

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Students in grades 4-12 are invited to compete in this contest honoring innovation & Thomas Edison. We will have an elementary school category, middle school category, and high school category to compete in. Our fun STEM contest will allow students to create their own inventions to solve problems that they see in the world today. You'll have the chance to:​

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• Learn about STEM, history, & entrepreneurship all in one contest

• Receive a FREE Maker-Kit full of inventing supplies from Picoturbine ($200 value) & a $300 Stipend for your teacher/mentor

• Pitch your invention to a panel of judges who are real-life scientists & entrepreneurs

• Work on a team with friends to win the Grand Prize - A 3D PRINTER FOR YOUR SCHOOL

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2019-2020 CONTEST

REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1

Why Choose Our Competition?​

With so much going on during the school year, it is hard to choose exactly what you want to squeeze into your 180 days. Let us help you choose our contest...

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COMPLETELY DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS SAVE TIME

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By making submissions easier (through our NEW digital programs & materials), we'll save you time doing administrational work, leaving you more time to do the most valuable part of this competition - Work on  your inventions!

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EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE, NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL 

From homeschoolers to private schools to under-funded public schools, we have always welcomed teams from all different backgrounds to compete in our contest. We provide all of the supplies that you need to compete with no hidden fees, minimum requirements, or prior experience required. 

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HANDS-ON LEARNING THAT PREPARES STUDENTS FOR THE REAL WORLD

Hands-on is by no means a “new” movement, in fact Thomas Edison often used this methods in his R&D labs. That being said, even today, many schools find it difficult to incorporate hands-on projects and principles into student work. This contest gives your students the opportunity to engage more, put skills they've already learned into practice, use critical thinking to understand how what they are learning can be used in the real world.

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INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING KEEPS THINGS INTERESTING

From history to STEAM to entrepreneurship, this contest is a lot more diverse than your average science competition. Learning about all of this in one project is all about creating something new by crossing boundaries, and thinking across them. Seeing problems in 3D will help students be successful in all walks of learning and life.

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HELPFUL & ATTENTIVE STAFF 

Although our digital programs have become more advanced and automated over the years, our contest support is more alive than ever! At the other end of the email, question box, and phone line are the staff at the Edison Innovation Foundation  who are working hard to keep this competition alive for students and teachers alike. There is no such thing as a stupid question or too many questions for this staff. 

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STUDENT TESTED, TEACHER APPROVED

We have continuously improved our contest over the years to fit the needs of students, teachers, school, parents, and more with expert help and 10 years of experience. The contest is not only a hit among students, but loved by teachers and parents as well! Don't take our word for it though, see reviews from past competitors below:

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Contest Testimonials

“This project allowed our environmental club to work hands-on with what we are passionate about. Students were highly engaged. We will use [the stipend] towards our environmental club to help with fundraisers and promote environmental conservation. Thank you!"

2019 TEACHER MENTOR

“My students were able to create on their own and follow a detailed rubric too. It was an authentic experience that gives student's voice."

2019 TEACHER MENTOR

“My students worked non-stop for months on this design that took them through developing a product, researching what exists and using the research to further develop their idea, creating videos, portfolios, a presentation, and an actual product. All of this work and effort is impressive and greatly appreciated. Every year, I always hope to find this type of dedication and independence in students to share these competitive moments with."

2019 TEACHER MENTOR