State Finals 2023 Awards and Winners

---

Congratulations to Our 2023 State Finals Award Winners!

3M Science Applied to Life Innovation Awards

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)
• Fjola Donofrio, Grade 6, Pooper Pad
• Rachel Smith, Grade 2, The Picklet: Ultra Satisfying Picking Bracelet
• Ryann Montesanto, Grade 5, Hassle Free Helper

Allnex Innovation in Chemicals Award

• Elliott Rahner, Grade 4, Solar Controller

ASML Moving The World Forward Award

• Alisha Panchal, Grade 9,   Smart Shoe Attachment (S.S.A.)    

ASML Small Patterns, Big Impact Award

• Gianna and Noella Damico, Grade 6,3, Feel-ets

Avangrid Sustainability Award

• Ripley Robinson, Grade 8, Cocobag

Barnes Group Innovation in Industrial Award

• Delilah Van Ness, Grade 8, Emergenheat Manual Water Heater

Belcan Passion to Innovate Award

• Avineesh Senthil Kumar, Grade 8, CarCamCleaner

Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Awards

• Aliza Cocchiola, Grade 4, Sensory Seeker App
• Emily Coleman, Grade 6, Hammertoe Helper Shoe
• Erica Chen, Grade 4, Cool Cloth Band Aid
• Paris Bazemore, Grade 12, Genomic Detective
• Ryan King, Grade 5, Pack N Boost
• Varshny Sriganesh, Grade 9, YAAD – Remembering pill box

Carella Family Foundation Award

• Lilyanna Izquierdo, Grade 8, The Lucas System

Cantor Colburn Award

• Anishka Vejendla, Grade 7, RRR (Risk Reducer Readiness) Hydrant

CASE Awards

• Anthony Joszczyk, Grade 7, Pool Saver
• Blake Zevetchin, Grade 7, Plant Clipper Cleaner
• Evin Wilson, Grade 8, Snow Snorkel
• F. Woods Goss, Grade 7, Robot reporter
• Isabella Merlo, Grade 8, Multipurpose Sweeper
• Jade Collins, Grade 8, Double It Up
• Jhose Ashitha, Grade 7, SAFE POOL
• Jonah Filardi, Grade 7, Instru-Clean
• Julianne Twarog, Grade 7, Auto-Easy Door Opener
• Levi Gatti, Grade 7, The Velcro Shelf
• Maxwell Anstett, Grade 7, Fishstalker
• Mohnish Maheshwari, Grade 8, The Hat Visor (HV)
• Nicolo Girasoli, Grade 8, The Garden Bot
• Rhea Doshi, Grade 8, CocoPure Water Filter
• Wyatt Temple, Grade 7, I need more water pet dish

Colebank Family Award

• Edoardo Porzio, Grade 6, Pen-Ninja

Connecticut Environmental Forum Environmental Innovation Awards

• Delilah Van Ness, Grade 8, Emergenheat Manual Water Heater
• Jai Polineni, Grade 2, The Mess Minimizer
• Jonathan Lohr, Grade 5, Litter Picker-Upper 2,000
• Julia Kuczek and Ryan Hughes, Grade 8, M.A.T.E.R. Mat
• Robert Belanger, Grade 4, Shower Time

Connecticut Safety Society Awards

• Ella Mantz, Grade 6, Forget Me Not
• Lilyanna Izquierdo, Grade 8, The Lucas System
• Parker Dawson, Grade 5, Lights-On Ladder
• Sierra Asfar, Grade 5, Disguise Accident Rescue Team (DART)
• Violet Rudolph, Grade 5, Survival O'Clock

Connecticut Science Center Awards

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)
• Aliza Cocchiola, Grade 4, Sensory Seeker App
• Connor Spence, Grade 4, The Marker Saver
• Delilah Van Ness, Grade 8, Emergenheat Manual Water Heater
• Elliott Rahner, Grade 4, Solar Controller
• Elyse Sacco, Grade 4, Eazy Peezy
• Isabelle Fromme, Grade 4, Shower 'N Save
• Liam Jurado, Grade 4, Playdoh Twister
• Maxwell Anstett, Grade 7, Fishstalker
• Parker Dawson, Grade 5, Lights-On Ladder
• Toshan Bhattacharya, Grade 8, DERMA (Dermatological Equipment for Rapid Medical Analysis)
• Gianna and Noella Damico, Grade 6,3, Feel-ets

Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)
• Toshan Bhattacharya, Grade 8, DERMA (Dermatological Equipment for Rapid Medical Analysis)
• Lucy Browne, Grade 5, Art for Arthritis
• Robert Ballough, Grade 4, Snow Density Alert

The Eversource Award

• Delilah Van Ness, Grade 8, Emergenheat Manual Water Heater

Fire Marshal Awards

• Carter Kelleher, Grade 5, Time Out Candle
• Juliet Jones, Grade 6, Candle Guardian
• Lilyanna Izquierdo, Grade 8, The Lucas System
• Noah Boros, Grade 5, Time Out Candle
• Parker Dawson, Grade 5, Lights-On Ladder

Gartner Research Award

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)

Gawlicki Family Foundation "Seeking a Solution" Award

• Josie Steffenson, Grade 4, On The Go Outlet

General Dynamics Electric Boat Underwater Innovation Award

• Maxwell Anstett, Grade 7, Fishstalker

Hologic Innovation in Medical Technology Award

• Emily Pitruzzello, Grade 6, The Cids Calming Cube or The C.C.C.

Hologic Science of Sure Award

• Lauren West, Grade 7, The Epipendant

Hubbell Light Bulb Moment Award

• Ryan King, Grade 5, Pack N Boost

IMS Most Innovative Use of Materials Award

• Rhea Doshi, Grade 8, CocoPure Water Filter

The Jacobs Family Award

• Lily Hirx, Grade 5, Aqua Safe

The Kuselias Family Award

• Suchita Srinivasan, Grade 9, Myla+

The Kutnick Family Award

• Rhea Doshi, Grade 8, CocoPure Water Filter

Lincoln Financial Foundation Presidential Awards

• Aarna Jaggi, Grade 5, Aqua Purificator 300
• Emily Coleman, Grade 6, Hammertoe Helper Shoe
• Lilyanna Izquierdo, Grade 8, The Lucas System
• Muhammad Ali, Grade 7, Powerspot

The Linde/Praxair Award

• Aarna Jaggi, Grade 5, Aqua Purificator 300

Lockheed Martin High School Innovator Award

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)

McCormick, Paulding, and Huber Patent Award

• Sanjay Vinothkumar, Grade 5, Tip-Tac-Toe

NASA Space Grant Rising STAAR Award

• Elyse Sacco, Grade 4, Easy Peezy

NBC “Connecting You” Award

• Toshan Bhattacharya, Grade 8, DERMA (Dermatological Equipment for Rapid Medical Analysis)

Petit Family Foundation Promising Young Women Inventors Awards

• Anishka Vejendla, Grade 7, RRR (Risk Reducer Readiness) Hydrant
• Julia Arron, Grade 5, Safety Sunhat
• Rhea Doshi, Grade 8, CocoPure Water Filter

Pitney Bowes Innovation Award

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)

Pfizer Health and Safety Award

• Aliza Cocchiola, Grade 4, Sensory Seeker App

Pratt & Whitney Dependable Power Awards

• Isaiah Silvestri, Grade 6, Forget Me Not
• Vijeesh Senthil Nathan, Grade 5, The Eco Friendly Charger

Pratt & Whitney Jules Verne Award

• Ana Palacios, Grade 5, Proto Translate 2000
• Ian King, Grade 5, Bounce Back Basketball

Push For Entrepreneurship Sports and Fitness Award

• Luke Varughese, Grade 5, Slide-on-Shield

Red Hat Innovator Award

• Toshan Bhattacharya, Grade 8, DERMA (Dermatological Equipment for Rapid Medical Analysis)

Society of Women Engineers

• Finley Champagne, Grade 5, The Breeze Band Super Strap
• Fjola Donofrio, Grade 6, Pooper Pad
• Madeline Fisher, Grade 1, The Page Turner
• Diyashri Ravi, Grade 5, The Twister
• Tali Cerrone, Grade 4, The Cone Throne

Stanley Black & Decker Grow the Trades Award

• Mihin Witharana, Grade 2, SaltBot

Stanley Black & Decker Sustainability Award

• Julia Kuczek and Ryan Hughes, Grade 8, M.A.T.E.R. Mat

Stanley Black & Decker Most Innovative Award

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)

Travelers Safe Home Award

• Lilyanna Izquierdo, Grade 8, The Lucas System

Travelers Safe Auto Award

• Ella Mantz, Grade 6, Forget Me Not

TRUMPF Award

• Julianne Twarog, Grade 7, Auto-Easy Door Opener

Telaid Innovation in Integration Award

• Aliza Cocchiola, Grade 4, Sensory Seeker App

Uconn School of Business Entrepreneurship Award

• Nicolo Girasoli, Grade 8, Garden Bot

UConn School of Engineering Innovation in Engineering Award

• Emma Soucy, Grade 6, The Cable Saver

UConn School of Fine Arts Creativity Award

• "Diyashri Ravi, Grade 5, The Twister

UConn School of Nursing Frontline Worker Award

• Lucy Browne, Grade 5, Art for Arthritis

Yale Club David Bushnell Award

• Maxwell Anstett, Grade 7, Fishstalker

Yale Club Eli Whitney Award

• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)

Yale Club Samuel Morse Award

• Samantha Heffern, Grade 4, Never Lets Go Bookmark

US Innovator Challenge Invitations

• Addison Marino, Grade 4, All In One Hairbrush
• Aditi Bhattamishra, Grade 11, Transtibial Prosthetic Using a SFSA (Smart Fluidic Servo Actuator)
• Aiden Bergman, Grade 5, Sensory Monster Tablet Holder
• Anusha Mundra & Marley Bramble, Grade 5, My Calm Vibes
• Bo Rebbechi & Steven Kerr, Grade 3, Need a Hand?
• Brooklyn Bouteiller, Grade 5, Auto Freshener
• Carwyn Pullen, Grade 5, The Write Way
• David Thrasher, Grade 5, The Thrasher Trasher
• Ella Mantz, Grade 6, Forget Me Not
• Elliott Rahner, Grade 4, Solar Controller
• Fjola Donofrio, Grade 6, Pooper Pad
• Francesca Catalano, Grade 5, Frantastic Bottle Balance
• Gianna and Noella Damico, Grade 3, Feel-ets
• Gwen Hlavoc, Grade 5, The Camera Protector
• Hannah Pendarvis, Grade 4, Visivein
• Isaac Lavoie, Grade 4, Handy Grogo
• John Ryan, Grade 6, adapTable
• Keira McManus, Grade 4, BackSpot
• Keegan Cunningham, Grade 4, Toy Picker Upper
• Leela Chadha, Grade 3, Partner Paw Pad
• Leo Contreras, Grade 5, The Drying Tornado
• Lily Hirx, Grade 5, Aqua Safe
• Lilyanna Izquierdo, Grade 8, The Lucas System
• Maya Munster, Grade 5, Helper Apron
• Mila Rotondi, Grade 5, DiscoDog
• Owen Bernier, Grade 2, The Super Snowy Buddy
• Suchita Srinivasan, Grade 9, Myla+
• Wyatt Temple, Grade 7, I need more water pet dish
• Anthony Joszczyk, Grade 7, Pool Saver

US Nationals Invitation

• Abigayle Luzietti, Grade 6, Change Aid
• Beckett Goss, Grade 5, JoeOS
• Cameron Higgins, Grade 4, The Defender - Hockey Neck Guard
• Cameron McIntosh, Grade 4, The Cool Comb
• Ella Davis, Grade 5, The Clicker Slipper
• Evelyn Klimowicz, Grade 5, Hound Hoodwinker
• Gavin Rolfe, Grade 4, Simple Circle
• Ishnoor Kaur, Grade 5, Baby Safety Monitor/Baby Fall Shield
• Josie Steffenson, Grade 4, On The Go Outlet
• Kaylee Vengruskas, Grade 6, The Bucket UnStucker
• Liam Jurado, Grade 4, Playdoh Twister
• Michela Messina, Grade 5, Pitching Pro
• Mihin Witharana, Grade 2, SaltBot
• Noah Hoffmann, Grade 5, The Connect O' Ramp
• Olivia Guilbeault, Grade 4, THE MAGIMIZER
• Olivia Masse, Grade 3, The Dukie Dumper
• Olivia Soto, Grade 4, The Remarkerble 4.0
• Olivia Torres, Grade 5, Watch Window
• Diyashri Ravi, Grade 5, The Twister
• Rhea Doshi, Grade 8, CocoPure Water Filter
• Ryan King, Grade 5, Pack N Boost
• Robert Belanger, Grade 4, Shower Time
• Rowan Cantner, Grade 5, EZ Talk Helmet
• Tali Cerrone, Grade 4, The Cone Throne
• Zoe D'Souza, Grade 1, Super Seed Scooper

3M Science Applied to Life Innovation Awards

These awards are presented by CIC sponsor 3M to students and their inventions that honor 3M’s commitment to apply science to everyday tasks. Winning inventions provide an innovation that improves everyday life tasks.

Allnex Innovation in Chemicals Award

This award is presented by CIC sponsor Allnex USA to a inventor who has excelled in the creation of an innovative and sustainable solution to advance ecological stewardship.

Barnes Group Innovation in Industrial Award

This award is presented by CIC sponsor Barnes Group to a student who has been particularly successful in inventing a creation that has promising potential applications in the field of industrial manufacturing. 

Belcan Passion to Innovate Award

The Belcan Passion to Innovate Award is an award presented in recognition of a student whose attitude and passion -- including qualities like enthusiasm, open-mindedness, compassion, perserverence, and creativity -- best reflect the qualities of a true innovator.  

*Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Awards

These Best of Show awards are presented by CIC sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation to students and inventions that show particular promise in their incorporation of medical technology and IT/CAD.

Carella Family Foundation Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the Carella Family Foundation to an exceptional student whose invention has a meaningful application in home and family life, including the themes of household goods, education, animal care, and sports, toys, and games.

CASE Awards

These awards are graciously awarded to students and their inventions by CIC partner the Connecticut Academy of Science & Engineering and include a special invitation to CASE’s annual meeting.

Colebank Family Award

This award is presented to a student whose invention advances accessible education, and is presented by The Colebank Family Foundation.

Connecticut Environmental Forum Environmental Innovation Awards

These awards are presented by CIC partner the Connecticut Environmental Forum to students and their inventions who demonstrate particular success in environmental sustainability.

Connecticut Safety Society Awards

These awards are presented by CIC partner the Connecticut Safety Society to a student whose invention demonstrates a marked step forward in improving safety for students, families, and communities. 

Connecticut Science Center Awards

These awards are presented by CIC sponsor Connecticut Science Center to a student whose invention represents a particularly creative and innovative solution in the field of science broadly, and energy and sustainability specifically. Winning students will have their invention display boards presented at the Connecticut Science Center for a full month. 

*The Eversource Award

This Best of Show award is presented by CIC partner Eversource to a student whose invention is particularly innovative in the field of energy and energy sustainability. 

Fire Marshal Awards

These awards are presented by the Connecticut Fire Marshal Association, and are issued to students whose inventions represent particularly innovative solutions in the field of fire and home safety. Winning students will be invited to attend and present the association’s annual gala breakfast.

Gartner Research Award

This award is awarded to a student whose invention process demonstrates a particularly remarkable and thorough research process. The award is presented by CIC partner Gartner.

Gawlicki Family Foundation “Seeking A Solution” Award

This award is presented to an outstanding young inventor from the Greater Hartford areaby the The Gawlicki Family Foundation. In their own words, “we support the Connecticut Invention Convention because of the creativity and critical thinking that it requires of its student participants. As inventors, these students investigate issues or problems that they feel they can improve or solve. They think through a solution and create an invention intended to solve the problem. This active process of investigating an issue and seeking a solution is a great learning tool that will benefit the student throughout their academic and work life.”

General Dynamics Electric Boat Underwater Innovation Award

The General Dynamic Electric Boat Under The Sea Award is presented to a young inventor whose invention involves an application of technology within sub-marine environments, especially those which represent novel means to protecting aquatic ecosystems.  

*Hologic Innovation in Medical Technology Award

This Best of Show award is presented to a student whose invention represents a creative step forward in the field of medical technology and is presented by CIC partner Hologic. 

*Hologic Science of Sure Award

This Best of Show award is presented to a student whose invention represents CIC partner Hologic’s commitment to precision, innovation, and the Science of Sure. 

Hubbell Light Bulb Moment Award

This award is presented by CIC Hubbell Incorporated to an inventor whose invention represents a uniquely creative solution combining electronic devices and energy systems.

IMS Most Innovative Use of Materials Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the Institute of Materials Science, located at the University of Connecticut. It is awarded to a student whose invention represents a particularly innovative example of Materials Science applied to real life. 

The Jacobs Family Award

This award is presented by The Jacobs Family to a top-scoring inventor in the fields of animal science and pet care.

The Kutnick Family Award

This award is presented by The Kutnick Family Foundation to a student with a particularly innovative approach to keeping water safe, clean, and sustainable.

Lincoln Financial Foundation Presidential Awards

These awards are presented to students and their inventions by CIC partner Lincoln Financial Foundation, designed to recognize outstanding inventors in the fields of Energy, Medical Accessibility, Home Organization, and Safety.

The Linde/Praxair Award

This award is presented by CIC partner Linde/Praxair to a student inventor whose invention demonstrates innovation in the field of environmental sustainability.

Lockheed Martin High School Innovator Award

This award is presented by CIC partner Lockheed Martin to an outstanding high school inventor with a strong demonstration of skills in STEM and innovation. 

McCormick, Paulding, and Huber Patent Award

This Best of Show award is awarded to a student and their invention by the intellectual property law firm, McCormick, Paulding, and Huber PLLC. The winning inventor will receive pro-bono patent application services for MP&H. 

NASA Space Grant Rising STAAR Award

The NASA Space Grant Consortium Rising STAAR Award recognizes a top-performing young inventor in the themes of Space, Technology, Aerospace, Aeronautics, and Robotics. 

NBC “Connecting You” Award

The NBC Connecting You award is presented by CIC partner NBC and designed to recognize a CIC State Finalist who goes above in reflecting the values and mission of NBC and its affiliates. In particular, it recognizes a student within Comcast’s service area who has does an exceptional job of connecting their community. The winning inventor will have an opportunity to share their story through a to-be-determined NBC medium. 

Petit Family Foundation Promising Young Women Inventors Awards

To honor the lives of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Petit, and Michaela Petit, CIC partner the Petit Family Foundation presents these awards to three high scoring, creative, and intrepid young female inventors. 

Pitney Bowes Innovation Award

This award is presented to a high-scoring, creative, and innovative student by CIC partner Pitney Bowes Inc.

Pfizer Health and Safety Award

This award is presented by CIC partner Pfizer to an exceptional medical technology inventor.

*Pratt & Whitney Dependable Power Awards

These two Best of Show awards are presented by long-time CIC partner Pratt & Whitney. This award is designed to recognize students with creative uses of power. Pratt & Whitney is one of the largest and oldest innovators in aircraft engines and propulsion engineering in the world. As an earnest advocate of STEM and education, it is proud to be longtime supporters of the Connecticut Invention Convention.

*Pratt & Whitney Jules Verne Awards

These two Best of Show awards are awarded to students and their inventions by longtime partner Pratt & Whitney. The Jules Verne Award recognizes an invention that took a chance: an out of the box or speculative idea with no guarantee of success, but that demonstrates the innovative nature of young minds. Pratt & Whitney celebrates its researchers and scientists that develop breakthrough technologies to further its endeavors in the sky. 

Push For Entrepreneurship Sports and Fitness Award

Push For Entrepreneurship is the largest annual fundraiser of the Connecticut Invention Convention, bringing together hundreds of supporters of fitness and youth innovation. This award is presented on behalf of these supporters and to a young inventor advancing health and fitness-oriented living for all. 

Red Hat Innovation in Open Source Award

This award is presented by CIC partner Red Hat to a young inventor who has demonstrated particular skill and creativity in leveraging open source and app-building technologies.

Science Fair Awards

These awards are awarded to science and engineering-minded students by CIC partner the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair.

*Stanley Black & Decker Most Innovative Award

This Best of Show award is the highest honor of the Connecticut Invention Convention State Finals and is presented by Stanley Black & Decker to a young inventor who demonstrates outstanding overall innovation and creative problem-solving. 

*Stanley Black & Decker Sustainability Award

This Best of Show award is presented by Stanley Black & Decker to a young inventor who demonstrates an exceptional talent and enthusiasm in improving environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

*Stanley Black & Decker Grow The Trades Award

This Best of Show award is presented by Stanley Black & Decker to a young inventor who shows particular capacity in advancing the capacity of tradesmen and tradeswoman through innovative new products and ideas. 

SWE Innovation Awards

These awards are awarded to outstanding young female inventors who extraordinary talent in engineering. They are presented by CIC partner the Society of Women Engineers.

Travelers Safe Home Award

This award is presented by CIC partner Travelers to a student whose invention represents a creative means of making the home a safer and happier place.

TRUMPF Award

This award is presented by CIC sponsor TRUMPF to a student whose invention represents the kind of innovation and creative problem-solving that sets TRUMPF apart.

Telaid Innovation in Integration Award

This award is presented by CIC partner Telaid to a young inventor who has shown particular skill and creativity in combining and integrating existing technologies to make something better.

UConn School of Business Entrepreneurship Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the University of Connecticut to a student who shows particularly strong entrepreneurial skills and whose invention represents a uniquely commercializable product. 

UConn School of Engineering Innovation in Engineering Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the University of Connecticut to a student who shows a robust understanding of engineering design and prototyping. 

UConn School of Fine Arts Creativity Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the University of Connecticut to a student who shows exceptionally unique creativity and design skill. 

UConn School of Nursing Frontline Worker Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the University of Connecticut to a student who whose innovation represents a uniquely useful innovation in the field of medical technology and – in particular – the work and life of frontline workers. 

US Nationals Invitations

Select students will be chosen to advance to the 9th Annual Raytheon Technologies Invention Convention U.S. Nationals at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan in 2024. 

Yale Club of Hartford’s Samuel Morse Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the Yale Club of Hartford to a young student inventor whose innovation is emblematic of the genius of Yale graduate Samuel Morse.

Yale Club of Hartford’s David Bushnell Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the Yale Club of Hartford to a young student inventor whose innovation is emblematic of the genius of Yale graduate David Bushnell.

Yale Club of Hartford’s Eli Whitney Award

This award is presented by CIC partner the Yale Club of Hartford to a young student inventor whose innovation is emblematic of the genius of Yale graduate Eli Whitney.