by The Bloom Report | 23 Nov 2021
Press Release
CHICAGO, IL (November 22, 2021) - People of Play (POP) are honored to announce the winners of the 2021 Young Inventor Challenge. POP received hundreds of entries from kids around the country. The level of talent and ingenuity exceeded expectations by far. Winners were officially announced on November 20th during the virtual Awards Ceremony.
Every year the YIC invites kids ages six to eighteen years old from around the world, to dig into their entrepreneurial spirit to develop a unique toy or game. Honing creativity, critical thinking, and STEAM skills throughout the invention and innovation process. The YIC provides an outlet and mentors for these young inventors to create, present and connect with toy industry professionals to receive professional critiques and guidance.
“It’s an honor to be part of these kids' journeys. They are all bubbling with creativity, excitement, and raw talent. The opportunity to help guide and mentor them is extremely rewarding.” said Jazmine Darden, Co-Director of the Young Inventor Challenge.
“These kids are the future of the toy and game industry,” said Karen Luciana, Co-Director of the Young Inventor Challenge. “Everyone has to start somewhere - why not start young!”
The 2021 Winners (by category) are:
Most Marketable Sponsored by Goliath
Best Game by Mattel
Most Innovative Pet Toy Sponsored by New Key Pet LLC
Most Creative Sponsored by Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld
Most Innovative Toy or Game by Spin Master
Most Sustainable Toy or Game sponsored by HABA
Each winner also received a $250 prize package of toys and games.
The Young Inventor Challenge was part of People of Play Week (November 15-20) which included the Toy & Game International Innovation Summit, POP Duo Keynotes Legends & Leaders, Networking in the POP Pub Rooms, TAGIE Awards, and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
Experience the thrill of 2021’s winning inventions here. For more information, and Young Inventor Challenge resources, please visit https://www.chitag.com/yic.
About People of Play
People of Play (POP) celebrates and empowers toy and game innovation worldwide by providing educational opportunities, recognition and community for industry professionals, amateur inventors and people of all ages who love to play. People of Play oversees a number of events including the Chicago Toy & Game (CHITAG) Fair, the Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards, the Young Inventor Challenge, the New Inventor Conference, the Professional Inventors Conference, Play in Education Conference, the Bloom Report and the People of Play Foundation.
Press Contact: Chitag@BrilliantPRM.com.
McHALE DESIGN CASE STUDY: MONSTERVERSE- THE LEGEND CONTINUES…
Build-A-Bear Celebrates National Teddy Bear Day with Donation to The Toy Foundation™
Toy Foundation Auction is Now Open for Your Bids
Bracelets, Stickers, and Viral Fame: The Story Behind Sky Castle Toys’ Sticki Rolls
Chrissy Fagerholt: Luck is when Preparation Meets Opportunity!
Book Review: Storm: Dawn of a Goddess by Tiffany D. Jackson
Book Review: Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
Game Review: Trip Chaser
Learning Express Toys Hosts 25th Annual Convention & Toy Expo at JW Marriott Tucson
Submit Your LA Showroom Details for 2025 Toy Previews
Randy Klimpert Shares his Ukulele Collection
Steve Casino Peanut Art
Everyone's Talking about POP!
Princess Etch - a Multi-Talented Etch A Sketch Artist
Joseph Herscher of Joseph' s Machines.
Connie Vogelmann designed Apiary & Wyrmspan!
Bob Fuhrer... Is THE Crocodile Dentist!
Tom Dusenberry... Bought Atari, Wizards of the Coast, and Avalon Hill!
Matt Leacock created Pandemic... the game!
Scott Brown and Tim Swindle... are Launching a New Sport!
POPDuo: Richard Dickson, Mattel’s President & COO, and Kedar Narayan, Young Inventor Challenge AMB
POPDuo: Will Shortz and Josh Wardle
POP Duo: Elan Lee, Co-Founder, Exploding Kittens.and Jeff Probst, Host and Exec Producer, Survivor
POP Duo: David Fuhrer, MNG Director, Blue Sq Innovations & Shawn Green, past Dodgers & Mets MLB Star
POP Duo: Bob Fuhrer, Founder, Nextoy and Tom Fazio, Golf Course Designer