Held June 11 & 12, 2010
Click here for a list of the 2010 MIC Award Winners
53rd annual Minnesota Inventors Congress invention expo.
New programs and events that inspire creativity and innovation were incorporated into the Invention & Idea Show floor for the 53rd annual Minnesota Inventors Congress event held in Redwood Falls MN. From the exhibits on the show floor, to the FIRST Robotics demonstrations and the MIC Jump$tart Competition the response from the public was very positive.According to Deb Hess, MIC Executive Director, “The 2010 Invention & Idea Show was a great success. The invention chosen by the judges to receive the $ 1,000 F. Robert Starr Award (Grand Prize) was the BACKSAFE, invented by Jovan Palmieri, Elk River MN. Hundreds are killed by backing vehicles eachyear. BackSafe saves lives and prevents backing accidents by revolutionizing communications between spotters and drivers of large vehicles. The invention chosen to receive the $1,000 MIC Jump$tart Competition first place award, sponsored by the Malco Design and Deliver Group, was the Action Trackchair, an offroad wheelchair, invented by Tim Swenson, Marshall MN. The unique aspect of our show is that inventions were exhibited in many industries – from sports and recreation, tools, consumer goods, and energy to transportation and medical and educational categories. Inventors shared stories with me about the feedback they received regarding their invention and how they met people who can help them get their products into the marketplace and make those reliable connections needed to advance their ideas.”
Experts from across the country were on hand to educate inventors about the process of developing marketable products during the 20 different Inventing Success Workshops. A representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Mindy Fleisher, presented a workshop for the Minnesota Student Inventors Congress exhibitors and the Invention Creation Station was open for children to explore their creative side. Wrapping up the event, the final award presented is the Maynard Speece People’s Choice award. The recipient of that award was the Action Trackchair, by Tim Swenson.
Plans are underway for the 54th event, scheduled for June 10 & 11, 2011.
Click here to view the Ourstory.com video about the 2010 Invention & Idea Show
2010 Minnesota Inventors Congress Awards List
Vote for your favorite invention (Maynard Speece Award) and see if you and the judges agree!!!
Exhibitors compete for the following recognition:
F. Robert Starr Award (Grand Prize) $1,000.00
Maynard Speece Memorial Award (People’s Choice) $500.00
Prof. Otto Schmitt Memorial Innovative Award Plaque
Friend of the Environment. Plaque
Medallions (to recognize merit): Gold, Silver, Bronze
All gold medallion winners are eligible for the grand prize.
Carl Oja Memorial Award (Best Display) Plaque
Gordon Volkenant Memorial Award (Best Working Model) Plaque
Oldest Exhibitor Plaque
Youngest Exhibitor Plaque
Exhibitor Traveling the Longest Distance Plaque
Idea/Concept Invention Recognition Certificate
Other Awards presented by organizations and businesses who support the innovative spirit inspired by the Minnesota Inventors Congress’ annual invention expo: MIC note: Each invention is judged on its own merit.
By subjective process, panels of independent judges select the exhibits that receive these awards.
