CT State Finals 2025

Inventor check-in will open at 8:45 am and run until 9:45 am. Inventors should be checked in by 9:45 AM. Be sure to leave yourself time to park and make your way through security. The event is expected to conclude at 3:30 pm. 

Each inventor must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone. Other family members are welcome to attend free of charge as well, and do not need to register. Please keep in mind that there is down time during the event while inventors are being judged, and that families are asked to exit the invention floor during judging. 

We ask that parents and chaperones exit the invention floor during judging. Judges will need to be able to move around and speak to their inventors with as limited crowd and noise as possible. Event staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist inventors during judging. Parents are welcome to sit nearby in the stands during judging or explore the nearby campus offerings. We recognize that some inventors may have need for a parent to stay close by, and we can accommodate those instances. 

Inventors will need a project display board (guidelines), their invention prototype (guidelines) and a printed copy of their logbook. Food may be brought to the event, but is not allowed on the Invention floor. We encourage inventors to keep a water bottle with them. 

Yes, Inventors can continue to make improvements to their prototypes, and other project materials prior to the event if they would like. 

A group of 2-3 volunteer judges will visit your judging group to view projects and hear about your inventor's ideas. Inventors should be prepared to share a brief (2-4 minute) overview of their invention and answer questions from their judges. Our judges are excited to hear about your great ideas, so just tell the story of your invention! Here are some guidelines and tips for what you might want to share. 

Inventors should dress in whatever they are comfortable wearing. Many inventors opt for smart casual attire, and choose to wear their invention convention t shirt during the event. Shirts will be handed out in the morning. Inventors should wear comfortable shoes as they will be standing for a good portion of the day. 

Food is not provided. Concessions will be open during the event, and dining options will be available in the nearby Student Union. Families are also welcome to bring their own food/lunch/snacks. 

A wide variety of sponsor awards will be included in the event this year. CIC also awards top projects, as determined by judges, which include the National Finalist awards. Please note that not all finalists will receive an award. All finalists will receive a recognition certificate, shirt and an Invention Convention goodie.