Exciting Developments in Des Moines!
This December, the pilot of the Make48 Innovation Experience wrapped up with a flourish at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It was a day filled with innovation, inspiration, and a peek into the future of agriculture. Five Iowa high schools—Pleasant Valley, Valley Southwoods, Lone Tree, Jefferson (Cedar Rapids), and Des Moines Central Campus—rose to the occasion, tackling a horticulture-themed challenge that pushed them to think big and think green.
A Journey of Innovation
Back in September, the challenge kicked off with students from across Iowa diving into the world of real-world problem solving. Tasked with developing solutions that could revolutionize aspects of agriculture, each team went through the complete innovation cycle—from ideation and market research to prototyping and pitching. Teams submitted videos showcasing their product ideas to Corteva Agriscience in November as a first round of judging.
The Final Showdown
The culmination of their hard work was showcased at the final pitch event at Corteva’s headquarters, featuring presentations and demonstrations from the top team at each school. Not only did the students get a chance to present their innovations, but they also participated in a career panel and toured Corteva’s facilities, gaining insights into potential career paths in this vital industry.
Standout Innovations
The winning team from Pleasant Valley High School impressed everyone with their creation, "Nature’s Helping Hand," a product designed to address significant challenges in large-scale farming. Their innovative solution not only won them the top prize of $2,000 but also praise for its market viability and potential impact.
Empowering the Next Generation
Tom Gray, CEO of Make48, reflected on the day: "This competition is what the Make48 Innovation Experience is all about. Working alongside companies like Corteva, we're not just challenging students; we're preparing them for real success in STEM fields by helping them develop critical thinking and collaboration skills."
Looking Ahead
This event marks a significant milestone as Make48 continues to expand its reach, providing more students across the country with the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality. We’re excited about the future and the endless possibilities these bright young minds bring to the table.
Get Involved
Interested in being part of this innovative journey? Whether you’re a school eager to challenge your students or a business looking to inspire and uncover new ideas, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Tom Gray at tom@make48.com or Brett Kisker at brett@make48.com for more information on how to get involved.
About Make48
Make48 isn't just a competition; it's a launching pad for the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Through our 48-hour invent-a-thons and extended educational challenges, we provide teams with the guidance, tools, and materials needed to bring their visions to life.
About Corteva
As a global leader in agriculture, Corteva is dedicated to enhancing farmer productivity and enriching consumer lives. Our commitment to innovation drives us to deliver top-tier agricultural products and solutions that address the world's most pressing challenges in the field. Learn more about our mission at www.corteva.com.