EcoInnovate Competition

What is EcoInnovate?

EcoInnovate is an environmental themed competition, inviting US high school and 7th & 8th grade students to tackle any current ecological issue of their choice by using their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to provide a solution for the issue. Participants can choose to compete in one of two categories: invention model, where they develop a prototype or innovative solution, or written essay, where they explore and propose solutions through research and analysis. Through EcoInnovate, each young mind refines their collaboration and creativity skills, influences a more sustainable future, and becomes an advocate for the environmental issue they speak out on.

Invention Model

Participate solo to build a model of your very own invention that provides a solution for any current ecological issue. With a budget of $70, participants have to be resourceful in building their prototype as well as recording a three-minute video showcasing the team’s design, the invention's functionality, and the potential impact.

Written Essay

Write an essay with a max of 600 words, expressing your chosen environmental issue, factors that are contributing to the issue, and a feasible solution. Your essay should exhibit a deep understanding of the environmental issue with research-based evidence to back up your claims. Think outside of the box to propose a solution that can be implemented at various levels from local to global communities.

Prizes

1st Prize

Win a virtual research internship with Headwaters science institute!🔬
As a winner you will earn a unique opportunity to do hands-on research on a topic you are passionate about with top faculty and scientists! The experience prepares you for potential collegiate science opportunities. You'll be provided one-on-one scientist mentorship to produce a research paper that will be submitted for publication.

01

2nd Prize

As a winner, you’ll embark on an exciting virtual internship journey with Seaside Sustainability 🌊. Get ready to dive into hands-on 🌱 environmental projects that promote sustainable mindsets and behaviors, helping reduce harmful human impacts on the planet 🌍. You will gain hands-on experience in Marine conservation, Blue Technologies, Sustainability initiatives, and Educational outreach programs. Seaside Sustainability’s internship offers impactful projects 💡 that inspire communities to connect with their local environments, aligning with our mission to passionately create sustainable oceans and communities by educating through action.

02

3rd Prize

Win a virtual internship with a top ranked educational podcast Lights, Camera, Analysis!🎙️As a winner you will join the ranks of Stanford PhDs, Nonprofit CEOs, and as a guest on the podcast. The internship includes identifying environmental research questions, conducting research, and drafting scripts with support from the Founder Audrey Thorne.

03

*All judging decisions are final and binding

2024 EcoInnovate Competition Winners

🥇 First Place:

Hugo Zorn: Enhancing Honey Bee Resistance to Pesticides through CRISPR Cas9 Mediated Gene Editing

🥈 Second Place:

Daniel Lee: Combating Plastics with Mushrooms

🥉 Third Place:

Clarina Manuel: CloudCall: Combat Desertification

Congratulations to all our winners for their outstanding work!

Competition Resources