(2020-2021) What a mess
Messes can be small like sticky fingers or huge such as plastic pollution in the ocean. Invent something to handle the problem.

(2019) Plastic pollution
One of our greatest inventions is now a global threat. What will you create to address this problem?  

(2018) Endangered species

European lions and Javan tigers and giant short-faced bears, oh my! These are just a few examples of species which have become extinct. Invent something to preserve Earth's life forms

(2017) Travel

Where do you want to go and how will you get there? Get moving and invent or improve the way we travel.

(2016) School improvements

We love learning! Invent new or improved school buildings, furnishings, learning tools, technology, playing fields, or anything else that impacts your education.

(2015) Natural disasters

What is your invention that would help us prevent, survive, mitigate, or even harness a natural disaster’s power?

(2014) Food security

From farm to table, devise a new way to grow, produce, or deliver food to the world.

(2013) I can do better

Re-imagine or redesign a system, process, or gadget to work better than it does now

(2012) Inspired by nature

Using the characteristics of an organism as inspiration, design an invention that solves a problem

(2011) Fears

Invent a new and original product or process that will protect you or others from something scary.

(2010) To be human

Invent something that improves human capabilities or one of our senses. Alternatively, invent or improve upon a device for people who have a physical or medical condition that restricts their abilities.

(2009) Desert survival

How will you help people better live in or near deserts?

(2008) Rivers

Share your invention that helps us be better stewards of the world’s rivers

(2007) Bugs and insects

Many people consider them to be pests, but they are highly specialized and often helpful. Create an invention inspired by a bug’s feature, property, or anatomical structure that may help solve some of Earth’s problems.

(2006) Toys and games

Design a toy, game, or sport that will still be popular in 50 years.

(2005) Resource reduction

Redesign an existing product so that it produces less waste or uses less energy, invent a gadget using materials that are usually thrown away, or design a multifunctional device that will save space and/or resources.

(2004) Soil

Most people take soil for granted, but not you. Devise innovative ways to use Earth’s soil.

(2003) Altruistic Science

You have just been awarded the Nobel Prizes for both Peace and Science! Show us what you did to earn this honor.

(2002) Population

Develop ways for coping with the humanity's ever-increasing presence on Earth.

(2001) Puzzle pieces

Invent something unique from a list of 25 spare parts.

(2000) The future

Predict what Central Oregon will be like in the year 2100.

(1999) Groundbreaking!

Describe your invention that people will still be celebrating 100 years from now.

(1998) Oceans

Invent ways to better utilize the world’s oceans.

(1997) Aliens

Describe the contents of a capsule sent to Earth as greetings from an alien civilization.

(1996) Fossil Fuels

How will we live when the planet runs out of petroleum?

(1995) Mars

Invent something that allows us to colonize and live on Mars.

(1994) Adaptation

Earth has been struck by a 6-mile wide asteroid, but somehow life survives. How did we do it?

(1993) The future

Predict what Central Oregon will be like in 100 years.

(1992) Space travel

Design equipment for a 2-year journey to Mars.