Kansas City, MO (February 13, 2024) – Make48 is proud to announce its "Women in STEM" competition, taking place July 11-13, 2025, at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). This 48-hour invent-a-thon will bring together 6-8 all-female teams from across the country to tackle a real-world challenge, design, and build a working prototype.
This unique event offers a platform for young women to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, inspiring the next generation of female innovators and addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. KCAI, a returning host from Make48's Seasons 1 and 2, will provide the venue at the David T. Beals III Studio.
“We are excited to welcome these talented young innovators to the KCAI campus for the Make48-Women in STEM competition. In KCAI’s Product Design program, we are committed to nurturing creativity, collaboration, and diversity in design. This event is an inspiring opportunity to support these brilliant women as they apply their problem-solving and design skills to real-world challenges, and we are proud to be part of shaping the future of innovation,” said Chris Chapin, Chair of Product Design at KCAI.
The competition aims to:
Build Confidence: Empowering competitors to overcome self-doubt and embrace their STEM abilities through a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
Foster Collaboration and Creativity: Developing essential teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills through collaborative problem-solving.
Bridge the STEM Gap: Addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, particularly in high-paying sectors, by showcasing female role models and fostering an inclusive environment.
Increase Representation: Promoting diversity in STEM to create a workforce that reflects the world we live in, leading to more innovative solutions.
Impact the World: Challenging teams to tackle real-world problems and empowering them to use their STEM skills for positive change.
"Young inventors have been a driving force at Make48 since our first season," says Tom Gray, Make48 co-founder. "We've seen firsthand the incredible achievements of all-female teams, like the Stellar Tech Girls who won Season 6. This Women in STEM event is a crucial step in empowering young women to recognize their potential and pursue their passions."
The winning team will receive $2,000 and advance to the National Finale. The competition will also be filmed for two episodes of Season 9, airing on Roku’s This Old House Makers Channel and YouTube, further amplifying the message of female empowerment in STEM.
“At Make48, we believe in a future where opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender or background,” adds Tom Gray. “This Women in STEM competition is a testament to that belief, and we are excited to witness the incredible innovations these young women will bring to the table.”
To learn more or to get involved, visit https://www.make48.com/2025-kcai-women-in-stem
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About Kansas City Art Institute:
The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) is a leading college of art and design, dedicated to preparing gifted students to transform the world creatively. KCAI's mission is to be an innovative leader in art and design education, providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving creative landscape. Recognizing the importance of both traditional and digital skills, KCAI offers exceptional resources for handcrafting and digital production. Students learn time-honored techniques alongside cutting-edge technologies, gaining proficiency in everything from woodworking and ceramics (utilizing well-equipped shops and kilns) to digital fabrication and design (using state-of-the-art facilities including 3D printers, a digital loom, and CNC routers). Individual studio spaces further support the creative process. The college empowers students to hone their skills, explore their creative potential, and emerge as influential artists and designers.
About Make48
Make48 is a nationwide invention-competition docuseries that challenges teams to turn their ideas into reality in just 48 hours. During the three-day event, participants must design a prototype, create a promotional video, and prepare a sales sheet to present their concept to a panel of judges. Teams have access to a state-of-the-art makerspace, skilled Tool Techs who can bring almost any vision to life, as well as patent attorneys, marketing experts, and other invaluable resources. This unique format ensures a level playing field, where creativity and teamwork shine, making it accessible to everyone—no prior technical expertise is required.
Make48 Media Contact:
Cassandra Muñoz
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