How do I get involved?
Students — Aggies Invent is held multiple times throughout each semester. Applications are accepted approximately one week prior to each event and registration links can be found via various College of Engineering and Meloy Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program communications and by subscribing to our mailing list. 48 students are selected to participate in each Aggies Invent. You can also email aggiesinvent@tamu.edu for more information.
Others — If you are interested in participating, sponsoring or providing us with a need statement (an identified problem in industry), please email us at aggiesinvent@tamu.edu. We would love to get you involved.
How are students chosen?
Students are chosen to participate based on the answers provided through their registration. We are looking for motivated students at multiple levels (freshmen through doctoral candidates) who are good at solving problems and want to take those solutions to market. Students will get a confirmation from the event organizer once their application is received. You will be notified one week before the event of your application status.
Is Aggies Invent open to graduate students?
Yes. We encourage both undergraduate and graduate students to apply.
Do I have to be an engineering student?
No! We want students from multiple colleges to apply because great solutions require different perspectives and skills.
Sounds interesting, but kind of sounds intimidating. Is it?
No. We want to challenge all levels of students to explore innovation, creativity and teamwork. This is a very supportive and safe environment to challenge yourself to push boundaries. We encourage risk, expect failures and motivate you throughout the entire process. You will be surrounded by mentors and event staff that are there to embolden you to stretch your perceived limitations, all the while cheering you on as you pass through each phase.
Can I participate in several Aggies Invent weekends?
No.
What is a need statement?
A need statement is a problem that has been identified by an industry or agency partner that they want solved. These are open-ended, real-world problems that you will be challenged to fix. Need statements come to us without industry intellectual property restrictions — so the solution is the students.
How are teams formed?
On Friday afternoon, the first day of the event, everyone (students and mentors) will gather, have an introduction and then form teams around the need statement. You will select your own team with a small bit of guidance. For instance, no teams larger than six are allowed, and we want a mix of disciplines and levels. We call this The Dance.
Will there be food?
Yes, you will be well fed throughout the weekend.
Do I have to stay the whole weekend?
Yes, you are required to stay and assist your team the entirety of the 48 hour event. A lack of participation will result in not receiving any prize compensation that may be awarded to your team.
What does it cost?
There is no charge. Just bring your ideas, time, skills and enthusiasm.
Do teams compete for awards?
Yes. During the final presentation, Aggies Invent teams will be judged by a panel of expert judges based on the solution, presentation and market appeal. The first-place team will be awarded $5,000, second place will be awarded $2,500, and third place will be awarded $1,500.
What about sleep?
Participants break for the evening on Friday night at 10:30 p.m. so everyone can get some rest. Teams can work out when they want to take breaks or get a few hours of sleep. No sleeping facilities are available in Zachry, and the Chevron Rooms will close by 11 p.m. We resume team collaboration at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and teams will continue working until they are finished, usually 10:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
How do I receive updates?
Please use the sign-up form to get on our mailing list to be notified of upcoming registrations, events and information about Aggies Invent.
Can Academy students attend?
Yes, Engineering Academy students can attend. The university will provide lodging, but students will be responsible for transportation. (This only applies to Engineering Academy students, not anyone from out of town).