Judges

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

No! We welcome and encourage judges from all 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.

What is the time commitment for judging?

Registration (5 minutes)

Please register with the link below. You can register on most devices, smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. The system does not support Internet Explorer - please use another browser when registering and judging.

Judge training webinar (60 minutes)

A judge training webinar will be offered. Dates, times, and more information to follow. A recording will be available for those unable to attend live.

Online judging (2-3 hours over a period of two and a half weeks)

The judging period will occur March 25 - April 12th. During this time, judges will review inventor videos, logbooks, and display slides, and score them based on a rubric. Each submission should take about 10 minutes to judge, and we hope you will consider judging at least 10 inventors. You may choose to judge more than 10 inventions if you have more time available.

You may judge any time during the open judging dates, however for the largest selection of projects and to pick your favorite grade level(s), we recommend you start judging early. Projects close out after a certain number of judges scores have been submitted for a particular project.

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

You will be given access to a judging rubric to help evaluate projects. You can find a copy of the rubric here. Once you've evaluated a project, you will submit your scores and comments into our online system.

Do I have to judge all at once?

No, you can judge one or more projects, save your work, and come back later to continue judging.

What if I know someone who is inventing?

You may still judge. We do ask that you not judge projects from anyone that you know and to disclose any conflicts of interest.

 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 the Virtual State Finals 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!