Collegiate Inventors Competition
Offers national competitions rewarding student inventors with mentorship and practical support.
The Collegiate Inventors Competition (CIC), co-sponsored by USPTO and the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) since 1990, awards over $100,000 in annual prizes to student inventors at U.S. colleges and universities. First, second, and third place prizes are awarded in both undergraduate and graduate categories; finalists present at USPTO HQ before NIHF inductees and USPTO officials. Borderline program: CIC is a prize competition, not a discretionary grant, and is administered by NIHF — USPTO is a sponsor/partner only.
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No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.