Virginia Tech hosts third annual K-12 Invention Virginia Expo

Innovators from across the greater Washington, D.C. area gathered at Virginia Tech Academic Building One in Alexandria in April for the third annual Invention Virginia Northern Virginia Regional Expo: a showcase designed to celebrate ingenuity among K-12 students.

The event welcomed over 280 attendees – 118 of which were student inventors who ranged in age from eight to 18. Students presented their projects, from early-stage concepts to fully developed prototypes, to industry professionals, families, educators, community members, and patent agents and officers from the Virginia Tech Patent and Trademark Resource Center.

“The expo celebrates students’ creativity, empathy, and resilience,” said Danielle Cimino, Virginia Tech’s associate director for Invention Virginia. “It’s an incredible opportunity for students to foster their identities as inventors and problem-solvers. The adults in the room are lucky to spend time with such inspiring students.”

Unlike a traditional science fair or competition, the expo intended to create an environment where young inventors feel encouraged to refine their ideas and to encourage curiosity.

“The best part about our regional expos is that they are not competitive,” said Dr. Jim Egenrieder, director of the Virginia Tech’s K-20 Technical Education and Workforce Development programs. “We want our students to focus on developing real skills, pursuing their curiosities, and embracing failure as they make discoveries that solve real problems and challenges.”

Students shared the inspiration behind their inventions and connected with likeminded peers. Many participants also entered the running for the state and national conventions by recording short videos about their inventions. Mentors from the community and industry professionals, including Northrop Grumman and RTX, provided constructive feedback, offered suggestions, and introduced students to resources.

Virginia Tech’s participation in this expo and other similar events creates a space for young learners to not only showcase ideas, but build foundational skills, confidence, and future innovation pathways.

The Invention Virginia and Invention D.C. programs are part of Virginia Tech’s role as a regional affiliate of Invention Convention Worldwide, which aims to expand access to invention and entrepreneurial education. By hosting the expo in its new location in Alexandria, the university continues to strengthen its connection to the region’s schools and families while providing a platform for hands-on learning experiences.

“Whatever these bright, creative young people do after high school, we hope their experience leads them to move back to the D.C. area someday for their career and to pursue a graduate degree at Virginia Tech,” said Egenrieder.