Creativity will be put to the test when the Makerspace, a build area in the Â鶹ӳ» Innevation Center, hosts its fourth annual Makerthon – sponsored by Click Bond, Inc., April 12-14, 2024.
This year’s Makerthon competition features five student teams from the University, as well as local high schools and colleges, who will each compete to invent a new product based on an assigned, real-world challenge. Using the Makerspace’s wide array of tools, machinery and software, the teams will have 48 hours to develop, test, produce and then present prototypes of their products to a panel of judges. The winning team will be presented a $2,000 prize.
“Students participating come from a wide range of majors, backgrounds and skill levels,” Daniel Smith, Makerspace manager at the Innevation Center, said. “Each year, we are amazed to see the up-and-coming talents of these students who are developing solutions to challenges faced by the world or a specific industry.”
The competition is hosted by the Innevation Center in collaboration with title sponsor Click Bond, Inc. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Carson City, Â鶹ӳ», Click Bond is a premiere manufacturer of adhesive-bonded fasteners with more than 5,000 products offered worldwide. Its products are in use on aerospace, defense, marine, automotive, unmanned aerial vehicle, space exploration and industrial applications.
“Makerthon is a great opportunity for us to inspire young innovators and provide an inclusive environment for participants to immerse in design thinking and creative problem-solving,” said Grace Chou, the University’s chief innovation and commercialization officer and director of the Innevation Center. “We had a former high school participant who was inspired by their Makerthon experience and decided to study engineering at the University. This is great for Â鶹ӳ» as we prepare our workforce of the future.”
Saturday’s build will take place at The Innevation Center. New this year, Sunday’s final pitches will take place at the Greater Â鶹ӳ» Field 250 Lounge.
