People of Play YIC registration now open 

The 20th annual POP Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) International Championship is open until October 26 

The 20th annual People of Play Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) International Championship is now open for registration until October 26.

The competition is for children ages six to 18 with original toy or game inventions, who can submit for a chance to win prizes and an opportunity to have their creations published.

Bigjigs

Now in its milestone 20th year, the YIC continues to inspire creativity, innovation, and confidence in young minds around the world. Past participants include innovative kids from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Guyana, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and others. More than a dozen winning entries have gone on to be manufactured and sold in local toy stores and major retailers like Target. 

“For 20 years, this programme has unlocked the doors to the toy industry for young creators, and this year promises to be our most inspiring yet”

This year’s event will culminate on 8 November at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), North America’s largest consumer toy and game event, where winners will be announced during a live ceremony.

Returning for a second year as Director of the Young Inventor Challenge, longtime toy industry professional and certified play expert Ahren Hoffman brings passion and purpose to this unique platform that empowers kids to dream, design, and pitch.

“The YIC gives kids the power to bring their wildest ideas to life,” said Ahren. “For 20 years, this programme has unlocked the doors to the toy industry for young creators, and this year promises to be our most inspiring yet.”

To help inventors prepare, regional events hosted by retailers, camps, clubs, libraries, and schools from January through October provide a valuable jumpstart on their ideas. These grassroots events not only spark creativity and build confidence but also help fuel submissions to the YIC International Championship. Organisations can get involved by hosting their own local event using our ready-to-go planning toolkit. Learn more here: chitag.com/yic-regional-events

Each year, one junior and one senior invention will be awarded in the following categories:

  • Best Pitch
  • Most Innovative
  • Most Engaging
  • Most Original
  • Most Marketable
  • Best Potential

“I love being part of the YIC, because it’s an opportunity to help foster creativity, innovation, design, play, and growth in the next generation,” said Tony Serebriany, Vice president of inventor relations at The Op/USAopoly and a YIC judge. “You never know what amazing new ideas you’ll discover when you leave it to the kids. I truly believe YIC participants are the next generation of game changers and game makers.”

Resources, rules, and registration information can be found at chitag.com/yic.

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