Judges

Do I need to be an inventor or engineer to be a judge?

No - We welcome and encourage judges from many backgrounds and professions. Having a diverse range of judges ensures that projects are viewed from different perspectives and gives a better overall picture of a project's success. All judges must be 18 years of age or older and no longer in high school.

What if I know someone who is competing?

You may still register to judge. We do require that you not judge projects from anyone that you know or are associated with, and to disclose any conflicts of interest.

What materials will I be judging and how does it work?

You will be given access to a judging rubric to help evaluate projects.  For online judging, you will have access to student videos and invention logs. For in-person (finals) judges, you will be able to speak with inventors, view display boards and prototypes.

My time with Connecticut Invention Convention was truly life-changing for me. Six years later, I have not forgotten the judges who made young inventors’ dreams a reality and a program that created something wildly successful and empowering for young minds. Invention Convention leaders have taught me effective communication and listening skills, problem solving, and collaboration that will continue beyond CIC and into my own dreams. Please consider judging for CIC and helping other young inventors, like me, feel empowered!

- Erin Russell

Erin is a high school student who participated in Invention Convention in grades 7 and 8. She is currently using the skills she learned at CIC to help her pursue a degree in Communications and Journalism!