Applications are open until February 13, 2026, for the National Academy of Inventors’ Student Showcase—an opportunity for selected students to present their work in person at the NAI Annual Conference to the nation’s most accomplished inventors, including NAI Fellows, university leaders, industry partners, and innovation champions.
Held each year as part of the NAI Annual Conference, the Student Showcase is a prestigious arena for recognizing and celebrating exceptional University and K–12 student inventors from across the country.
For student innovators, being selected means engaging directly with leaders in invention and innovation, receiving meaningful feedback on their work, and representing their institution on a national stage.
Students gain:
- Direct feedback and insight from leading inventors, including NAI Fellows
- Opportunities to connect with experts who care about their work
- The experience of representing their institution at a prominent national conference
All eligible applicants are automatically considered for two prestigious awards:
The Genspiration Prize
Recognizing excellence in student innovation at the University and K-12 levels, the Genspiration Prize honors individuals or teams whose inventions show significant potential for positive societal impact. Awardees receive $5,000 in support for the development of their innovation. This prize is supported by the Genspiration Foundation in partnership with NAI.
The Bercu Biomedical University Inventor Prize
Established by the Bercu family in memory of Barry B. Bercu, FNAI, this prize recognizes outstanding biomedical innovations by university students.
Participation in the Student Showcase is a defining experience for many young innovators and a meaningful opportunity for NAI Member Institutions to highlight the strength of their innovation ecosystem.