EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University's EMUiNVENT has been selected as one of eight high school teams to be awarded the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam® Grant. This recognition highlights EMUiNVENT's dedication to innovation and its commitment to addressing pressing real-world challenges.

“EMUiNVENT isn't just about cool ideas, it's about empowering young minds to change the world,” said Shiri Vivek, co-director of EMUiNVENT at Eastern. “We're all about building well-rounded students who can solve problems and make a real difference.”

Mid-Grant Technical Reviews Unveil Ingenious Solutions

Throughout February and March 2024, EMUiNVENT, along with the other seven InvenTeams, will host their Mid-Grant Technical Reviews, providing a glimpse into their projects. During these reviews, the teams will present their technical solutions to the pressing problems they've identified within their communities and beyond. These presentations are pivotal as they allow students to receive valuable feedback, refine their inventions, and prepare for the grand showcase at EurekaFest in June. Hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this event empowers student inventors, honors role models, and encourages creativity and problem-solving.

This year's projects cover a wide spectrum of issues, demonstrating the versatility and creativity of the young inventors. From devising innovative ways to reduce indoor air pollution caused by gas cooking stoves to creating assistive devices for individuals with limited mobility, EMUiNVENT, and their fellow InvenTeams are tackling real-world challenges with ingenuity and passion.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Inventors

As Eastern Michigan University partners with the Lemelson-MIT Program, this is the 20th year of the InvenTeam initiative, which has continuously inspired young minds to embrace technology as a tool for positive change. The 2023-2024 InvenTeams are composed of students, dedicated teachers, and community mentors, all committed to year-long invention projects. The program also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, which is at the heart of this program. There are just over 53% of the current InvenTeams are female, a significant step toward closing the gender gap in innovation. 

"I am impressed by this year’s InvenTeams and their commitment to solving important problems in society and also the diversity we’ve achieved throughout the years,” said Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program. “By drawing on many different disciplines, the InvenTeam initiative helps shape well-rounded students who are better equipped to tackle the technological problems they will face in the modern workplace.”

For more information about the EMUiNVENT program, visit the webpage. To learn more about the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam® Grant, visit their website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.