JPL Annual Invention Challenge - 2023

On Friday, December 8th, the 2023 JPL Invention Challenge Final contest was held.  Under bright sunshine and a calm wind, we had one of the most entertaining contests in years.  The variety of inventions was remarkable and the JPL volunteers were outstanding.  The contest went very smoothly and I, for one, had a great time.

I first want to thank the JPL volunteers that helped to make the contest run so smoothly.  Their names and position that they held are listed below.  Again, thank you. 

A special thanks goes out to Kim Lievense and her Public Services team, headed by Kim Johansen, for collecting the entry forms and video release forms and processing more than 300 student badges for all of the student teams. I also wish to acknowledge the talented work performed by Kyle Zada for being the master of ceremonies for his second time.

This year’s contest was very challenging.  Many teams that participated did not complete the challenge.  Those school teams invited to the finals did well.  The overall winner for this year’s contest was the Oakwood School – Team Pink with a remarkable time of 1.25 seconds.