2024 Invention Challenge

The Fall 2024 Bright Spark® Graphic Design Challenge has concluded! This challenge asked “How Might We reimagine temporary housing to help people in crisis?”

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all participants!

Meet the Winners

Fall 2024 Invention Challenge

The Fall 2024 Bright Spark® Invention Challenge is a free, virtual program designed for students between 4th and 12th grade (ages 9-18). Students are invited to compete individually or in teams, and had to be led by an adult (Teacher / Sponsor).

Students used the design thinking process to identify a real-world problem, empathize, ideate, and prototype a physical invention. This year, we’re asking: “How Might We reimagine temporary housing to help people in crisis?” Students are encouraged to design an inventive solution and present it in a 90-second video pitch.

Public Voting

Meet the Judges

Rafael Aponte Olmo

Program Analyst, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA

Alfred Burks III

FEMA; Office of Response & Recovery

Nicole Heyman

Chief Housing Officer, City of Chattanooga

David Norman

Shelters Business Development, Branch Technology

Christina Zekas

Program Analyst, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA

“Having my students participate in the Bright Spark competitions using Design Thinking has helped them expand their design skills, empathy skills, presentation skills and has increased their confidence.”

– STEVE SWEIGART, FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS

How to Participate

You must register to participate. Team up with others or participate as an individual. The registration deadline is September 27, 2024.
Design a product, service or technology that helps people prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
To showcase the invention prototype, generate a 90-second pitch video introducing what you’ve designed.
Submit your video! Videos will be used for public voting to determine the finalists. A judging panel will select the winners from the finalist group.
Attend virtual award ceremony on November 20, 2024!

Judging Criteria

The finalists are judged based on the following criteria:

Idea - Identifies a real-world problem/challenge
Originality - Idea is original, novel, creative and/or inspiring
Ideation Process - Demonstrates the invention’s function and application
Prototype - In alignment with ideation and considers cost and material needs
Experiment - Demonstrates multiple testing of prototype

Awards

Students/teams are eligible for the following awards:

Best Overall by Age Level: Elementary, Middle, High
Most Creative
Best Prototype
People’s Choice Award

All teacher leaders receive Design Thinking Leadership digital badge. Teachers of winning individuals/teams are eligible for the 2024 Innovation for Good award presented by Bridge Innovate.

If you have any questions, contact us at hello@bridgeinnovate.com.

Meet the Winners of the 2024 Bright Spark® Invention Challenge

Check out the winning submissions from the Fall 2024 Bright Spark® Invention Challenge! The winning teams receive a certificate and a $100 gift card. Teacher Leaders also get a badge for Design Thinking Leadership.