Inventathon: Innovation meets invention at HCC

Jan 11, 2018

When young minds get together and apply their enthusiasm, knowledge and desire to do good, there is no telling how far they can go. Hundreds of Houston area high and middle school students participated in the recent Inventathon, an event held at the Houston Community College Advanced Manufacturing Center. For 20 continuous hours, student teams collaborated, designed and constructed health-related inventions. 

Ravi Brahmbhatt, director of student innovation and entrepreneurship at HCC, gave high praise to the students. “It elevates my spirits when I see all these young minds compete in this technological marathon,” Brahmbhatt said, “I am so impressed with how punctual, respectful and tech savvy the students can be.”

The event was initiated by InventorspaceXYZ, an educational nonprofit organization that strives to revolutionize student learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), while developing their entrepreneurial skills.

This is the second year HCC supported the event by providing the participants with high-tech equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, modeling equipment and software.

This year, first place and $500 went to Elkins High School students Jefferson Yu, Sannidhya Desai and Quail Valley Middle School students Amogha Pokkulandra, Arjun Bhatia, and Keshav Shah.

The students developed a system called AquaWheel. The device was designed and 3D printed using a revolutionary system that utilizes the rolling motion of a wheel to power an internal UV light to purify water. They hope this invention can improve the lives of people in developing countries who now walk many miles to get water for drinking and bathing. 

There were also several mentors from local companies who volunteered their time to guide and pass on valuable experience to students as they worked on their projects.

In 2018, inventorspaceXYZ plans to expand the event to 450 students from school districts around Greater Houston.