Creativity will be put to the test when the Makerspace, a build area in the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno Innevation Center, hosts its fourth annual Makerthon – sponsored by Click Bond, Inc., April 12-14, 2024.
This year’s Makerthon competition features five student teams from the University, as well as local high schools and colleges, who will each compete to invent a new product based on an assigned, real-world challenge. Using the Makerspace’s wide array of tools, machinery and software, the teams will have 48 hours to develop, test, produce and then present prototypes of their products to a panel of judges. The winning team will be presented a $2,000 prize.
“Students participating come from a wide range of majors, backgrounds and skill levels,” Daniel Smith, Makerspace manager at the Innevation Center, said. “Each year, we are amazed to see the up-and-coming talents of these students who are developing solutions to challenges faced by the world or a specific industry.”
The competition is hosted by the Innevation Center in collaboration with title sponsor Click Bond, Inc. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Carson City, ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Click Bond is a premiere manufacturer of adhesive-bonded fasteners with more than 5,000 products offered worldwide. Its products are in use on aerospace, defense, marine, automotive, unmanned aerial vehicle, space exploration and industrial applications.
“Makerthon is a great opportunity for us to inspire young innovators and provide an inclusive environment for participants to immerse in design thinking and creative problem-solving,” said Grace Chou, the University’s chief innovation and commercialization officer and director of the Innevation Center. “We had a former high school participant who was inspired by their Makerthon experience and decided to study engineering at the University. This is great for ÁùºÏ±¦µä as we prepare our workforce of the future.”
Saturday’s build will take place at The Innevation Center. New this year, Sunday’s final pitches will take place at the Greater ÁùºÏ±¦µä Field 250 Lounge.
