Young minds, big ideas: Florida’s first Invention Convention ignites innovation at USF

(Press-News.org) TAMPA, Fla. (April 15, 2025) – The University of South Florida recently hosted the inaugural Invention Convention Florida at the University of South Florida, an event noted for showcasing the creativity and problem-solving of the next generation of changemakers. Moere than 150 K–12 student inventors from across the state visited USF’s Tampa campus on April 12 to present original solutions to real-world challenges ranging environmental issues to everyday inconveniences.

Invention Convention Florida, part of the Henry Ford Museum’s nationally recognized Invention Convention Worldwide, provides participants the opportunity to present their inventions before panels of judges composed of industry professionals, educators and entrepreneurs. The inaugural event at USF represents an important first step in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among Florida’s next generation of problem solvers.

“At the University of South Florida, we believe that the spirit of innovation begins with curiosity and is sustained through opportunity," USF Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Prasant Mohapatra said. "Invention Convention Florida embodies this ideal, offering a powerful platform where imagination meets impact. I am inspired by these young minds who are not only solving today’s problems — they are shaping the world we have yet to imagine.”

Students competed for top honors in various grade-level categories, with more than 80 standout projects earning the opportunity to advance to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals later this year.

The Best in Show award was presented to Hailey Crotteau, a second grade student from Pinewood Elementary School in Lee County, for her inventive project “Pee Brave”—a clever and compassionate solution designed to help kids who are frightened by automatic flushing toilets. By blocking the sensor, Pee Brave prevents unexpected flushes, helping children feel more at ease in public restrooms. It also includes a built-in hand sanitizer feature, promoting hygiene while limiting the spread of germs and reducing water usage. Best Prototype honors were awarded to three standout inventors: Ashley Cameron (4th grade) for “Tidy Squeeze,” Mahi Patel (7th grade) for “AquaSonic: A Sound Solution to a Plastic Problem,” and Dhruva Sharma (12th grade) for “Dextera™: Revolutionizing Assistive Technology.” Best Presentation was awarded to Darren Lau, an 11th-grade student, for his innovative solution “AURING: AR & AI for Brain Shift Correction Using a D2BS2GAN.” Best Display Board was presented to a collaborative 6th-grade team—Sahasra Pokkula, Janhvi Roa, Hemaprabaa Rajakumar, Mahika Shah, and Mia Yin—for their group project “Deep Sea Mining.” The event included more than 300 students, judges, educators and community partners.

“You can feel the spark of transformation in a room full of young inventors. This is more than an event—it’s a glimpse into the future shaped by purpose-driven students who aren’t just dreaming of change, they’re building it,” USF Vice President for Research & Innovation Sylvia Thomas said. “Today’s ideas will evolve into tomorrow’s breakthroughs, and ICF is helping to light that path. To witness it happen on our campus is both humbling and electric.”

Support for the event was provided by Florida High Tech Corridor, USF Research & Innovation and the United Inventors Association.

To read about Invention Convention Florida on the USF News website, click here.

For more information about ICF@USF, visit https://floridainvents.org/ icf-state-information/ or follow @floridainventorshalloffame on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook.

About the University of South Florida

The University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement, generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. Across campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health, USF serves approximately 50,000 students who represent nearly 150 different countries. U.S. News & World Report has ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for six consecutive years and, for the second straight year, as the best value university in Florida. In 2023, USF became the first public university in Florida in nearly 40 years to be invited to join the Association of American Universities, a group of the leading 3% of universities in the United States and Canada. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and a ranking as a top 20 public university for producing new U.S. patents, USF is a leader in solving global problems and improving lives. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame

The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame (FIHF) recognizes and celebrates Florida inventors whose achievements have advanced the quality of life for Floridians, the state, and the nation. Founded in 2013 and housed in the USF Research Park in Tampa, FIHF was formally recognized by Florida Senate Resolution 1756 in 2014. FIHF catalyzes discovery and innovation across the state by honoring pioneering inventors, empowering future problem-solvers and change-makers, and advancing the legacy of American innovation through storytelling and educational outreach. Learn more at www.floridainvents.org.

About The Henry Ford

Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford is a globally recognized cultural destination that inspires people to learn from hands-on encounters with artifacts representing America’s history of innovation and resourcefulness. Its venues include the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center, and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. The institution also reaches national audiences through its television series The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, a growing network that fosters invention education in K–12 students. Learn more at www.thehenryford.org.

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