Invention Virginia & Invention DC
Welcome to Invention Virginia & Invention D.C.
From problem to prototype to possibility.
Invention Virginia and Invention D.C. help K-12 students turn curiosity into solutions through invention education.
Students identify problems they care about, develop ideas, design and build prototypes, and learn how to communicate their solutions. Along the way, they strengthen creativity, problem-solving, design thinking and entrepreneurial skills while connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges.
Virginia Tech works with educators, schools and partners to support student invention experiences, educator resources and opportunities for young inventors to share their work through regional, state and national showcases.
A growing invention community
Invention Virginia and Invention D.C. are part of Virginia Tech’s role as a regional affiliate of Invention Convention Worldwide, which works to expand access to invention and entrepreneurial education for K-12 students. Since the program began in 2024, more than 22,000 young inventors and supporting educators have participated. Virginia Tech is actively seeking sponsorship and support at all levels, including opportunities for a named sponsor, to help expand access and sustain student invention experiences.
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K-12 Newsletter
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At a Glance
Audience: K-12 students and educators participating through schools and partner organizations
Educator experiences: Workshops and classroom resources are available as part of the program model
Student experiences: Workshops, invention development, prototyping and showcase opportunities
Duration: 3-hour educator workshops; 40-minute student workshops; annual expos and state competitions
2027 dates coming soon
Cost: No cost to participating students, educators or schools. Programming may be arranged through school, community or sponsoring partners.
One Program, Regional Opportunities
Invention Virginia
Invention Virginia supports K-12 invention education across the commonwealth, connecting students and educators with invention resources, regional expo opportunities and the broader Invention Convention pathway.
Virginia Tech supports the program through STEM and career and technical education expertise, helping students move from identifying a real-world problem to designing, prototyping and communicating an original solution.
Invention D.C.
Invention D.C. extends the same invention education pathway to students and educators in Washington, D.C. and the greater Washington, D.C. area.
The program is coordinated with Invention Virginia and supported by Virginia Tech STEM and career and technical education expertise. Students participate in the same broader process of identifying problems, developing inventions and connecting with regional and state showcase opportunities.
Upcoming Events
2027 dates coming soon
Check back for upcoming Invention Virginia and Invention D.C. regional expo, state convention and registration information.
How the Invention Journey Works
Support for Educators
Invention education is designed to work within school and classroom environments as well as through special programs.
Educators can access flexible resources that support problem identification, design thinking, prototyping and entrepreneurship while helping students move through the invention process. Virginia Tech can also work with schools and partners on educator learning and student workshops connected to invention programming.
Support the Next Generation of Inventors
Partnership and sponsorship support can help Virginia Tech expand access to invention education, educator resources, student workshops and showcase opportunities across Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Opportunities are available at multiple levels, including the potential for a named sponsor. Organizations interested in supporting young inventors, strengthening STEM pathways or connecting with invention education are encouraged to contact Virginia Tech to discuss partnership opportunities.
Bring Invention Education to Your Learners
Interested in introducing invention education to your students, supporting a regional opportunity or partnering with Virginia Tech? Connect with our team to learn more about educator resources, student experiences, regional events and opportunities to support Invention Virginia and Invention D.C.