Innovation Exchange Application

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Showcase Your Invention. Compete for National Recognition. Connect with the World's Leading Inventors.

The NAI Innovation Showcase brings together emerging inventors from schools, K-12 inventor competitions, NAI member universities, U.S. military service academies, and collegiate ROTC programs to present their innovations, compete for prestigious awards and national recognition, and connect with distinguished inventors, industry leaders, and the broader innovation community at the 2027 NAI Annual Conference in Arlington, Texas.

Qualified applicants will be considered for the following awards: 
  • Genspiration Prize
  • Bercu BioMedical Prize 
  • Joint Service Innovation Award 
  • Future awards as they develop 

More than a competition, the Innovation Showcase is an opportunity to gain national visibility, receive valuable feedback, build meaningful connections, and take the next step in advancing an invention from idea to impact. All university, Graduate or Doctoral students, have an opportunity to be selected for the Innovation Showcase even if you are not a prize finalist. 

Note:
Military service academy cadets and midshipmen should select "Undergraduate Student."

Individual or Team Lead Information

If applying as a team, select one member to serve as the Team Lead and complete this application.

One additional team member may join the Team Lead to represent the invention at the showcase if chosen as a finalist.

The parent/guardian of the Team Lead will be contacted to collect parent/guardian information for all team members if selected.
If applying as a team, select one member to serve as the Team Lead and complete this application. At least one team member, preferably the team lead, must attend the conference. One additional team member may also attend. Attendance by additional team members will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Individual or Team Lead



Demographic Information Optional





Contact Information


Parent or Guardian




Additional Team Member


If you are part of a team, the team lead (you) and one teammate may join to represent the invention in the showcase if selected as a finalist. Please list the name of the teammate you would like to invite if selected. 
If selected, the parent or guardian of the team lead will be contacted to collect final additional parent emails.
Teammate



Academic Information


Affiliate Statement of Support



Please upload a statement of support from the local affiliate. The statement should describe:

  • The student/team members
  • The potential and significance of the invention
  • Mission of the organization and its impact on young inventors
  • How your organization would benefit from receiving the Genspiration Affiliate Prize

Previous Recognitions

Academic Information




Advisor Information






Intellectual Property

Applicants should not submit classified, export-controlled, confidential, or otherwise restricted information. Approval should be verified before any public presentation.

A patent is not required to apply.




Innovation Components 1/6


Innovation Components 2/6


General overview of how your invention can be utilized. Include its features, benefits, purpose and objectives.

Provide a high-level "Bottom Line Up Front" (BLUF). In 200–300 words, summarize the technology, its primary purpose, and its potential impact on the mission. A judge should be able to read only this section and understand exactly what you are proposing and why it matters.

Innovation Components 3/6


How does this invention provide a solution or improvement to the problem you are addressing? Think “Shark Tank” – tell us why we should invest in your invention.

Clearly define the specific problem, capability gap, or technical bottleneck your project addresses. Describe the "Status Quo" and explain why current methods or technologies are failing to meet requirements. Ensure the scope of the problem is framed within the context of the Service Academy Challenge.

Innovation Components 4/6


Where does your innovation fit into society’s future? In what ways do you see your invention shaping or benefiting the future of society?

Explain the "how." Describe your innovation’s architecture, scientific foundation, or engineering design. Use this section to highlight the technical "meat" of your project. If applicable, include a high-value diagram or photo of a prototype to save on word count while increasing clarity.

Innovation Components 5/6


How does your innovation create long-lasting benefits for society and the economy? Discuss potential impact, market opportunities, and how your invention addresses a gap in the marketplace. Please compare your invention to the most similar product in the commercial market and explain how yours would be different. 

Identify the current TRL (1–9) of the project. Provide a 1-2 sentence justification for this rating (e.g., "Validated in a laboratory environment via breadboard testing").Milestones: Briefly list the critical technical hurdles overcome to reach this level and what is required to move to the next stage of development.

Innovation Components 6/6


Describe the materials, equipment, methods and/or programming environment used to develop your product or prototype. Highlight any renewable or sustainable materials and practices used in manufacturing.

Explain why this solution is superior to existing or alternative technologies. Focus on "The Three Pillars":1. Innovation: How is this a novel approach? 2. Feasibility: Why is this more practical or cost-effective than current solutions? 3. Operational Impact: How does this specifically benefit the end-user (e.g., weight reduction, increased range, power efficiency, or faster decision-making)?

Supporting Visual Materials

Video Requirement

A 1–3 minute YouTube video is required as part of your application. Review the YouTube Guide, and Genspiration Explainer Video before filming.


Your video should: 

  • Begin this statement:
    • “My name is/We are (say your first and last name or team name), and are invention is (say the title of your invention).”
  • Be filmed in a well-lit, quiet setting.
  • Show you wearing neat, comfortable clothing.
  • Clearly describe your primary invention:
    • What problem(s) does it solve, and how?
    • What inspired you? What motivated you to develop this solution?
  • Present the business case for your invention:
    • What is the market size?
    • How many people could benefit?
    • Could new jobs be created?
    • Is something similar already on the market? If so, how does your invention stand out?
  • Demonstrate and explain how your invention works.

Tip: Watch the Inventor Example Video for best practices. Practice in front of a mirror before recording!
Video Requirement
Bring your innovation to life!

As part of your application to the 2027 NAI Innovation Showcase, please submit a 1–3-minute video introducing yourself or your team and presenting your innovation.

Your video is an opportunity to help the selection committee understand your invention, the problem it addresses, and the difference it could make.

Your video should address five questions:
  1. Who are you? Introduce yourself or your team, including your institution and military affiliation.
  2. What problem are you solving? Describe the challenge or unmet need that inspired your innovation and why it matters.
  3. What is your innovation? Explain how your invention or proposed solution works. Demonstrate a prototype, model, or visual representation if available and appropriate.
  4. What makes it different? Describe how your approach improves upon existing solutions or addresses a problem that has not yet been adequately solved.
  5. What impact could it have? Explain who would benefit and how your innovation could improve military operations, readiness, safety, efficiency, or other meaningful outcomes.
Video Guidelines
  • Length: 1–3 minutes.
  • Speak clearly and use a quiet, well-lit setting.
  • You may include demonstrations, prototypes, diagrams, or other visuals.
  • Professional video production is not expected or required.
  • Focus on communicating your innovation clearly and authentically.
Important: Do not include classified, controlled, confidential, proprietary, or otherwise restricted information. Ensure that your video and any demonstrations are authorized for public disclosure.


Supporting Visual Materials Optional
Help us see your innovation!

Applicants are encouraged to submit drawings, sketches, diagrams, digital renderings, photographs, or other visual materials that help illustrate their invention.

Supporting materials may include:
  • Concept drawings or hand-drawn sketches
  • Engineering drawings or technical diagrams
  • CAD models or digital renderings
  • Photographs of prototypes or working models
  • Flowcharts or system diagrams illustrating how the innovation works
You do not need a completed prototype to apply. We welcome innovations at different stages of development, from promising concepts to tested solutions.

Please include a brief description of each submission explaining what it illustrates and how it relates to your innovation.

Important: Submit only materials authorized for public disclosure. Do not upload classified, controlled, confidential, proprietary, or otherwise restricted information.

Upload up to three files in PDF, JPG, or PNG format.

Releases and Headshots


You may submit this form without media releases and headshots; however, they will be required before moving forward.

For each team member, please attach: 

For each team member, please attach: 

Team Lead
Additional Team Member 

Terms and Conditions

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