Know Before You Go
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Location: Texas A&M University
Zachry Engineering Education Complex (ZACH)
125 Spence St, College Station, TX 77843
Remind APP: We will be using the Remind APP to post notifications/reminders during ICTX. This will be for outgoing communication from ICTX Staff only. All other Remind App features have been disabled for the safety of our finalists.
Inventors, parents/guardians, and sponsors are encouraged to download the app to receive notifications/reminders during the event. You can either text @ictx26 to 81010 or visit http://rmd.at/ictx26 on a browser.
Parking: There is no charge for outdoor parking in Lots 47 & 50 (non-reserved & non-numbered spaces only). Paid parking is available in the Polo Garage. Parking validation is not provided. Parking maps will be emailed to all registered participants with further details.
What to Bring to ICTX: All inventors need to bring their logbook, display board, prototype (detailed sketches, blueprints, digital renderings if prototype is not available), and a smile.
Check-in Time: Check-in and invention setup is from 8:30-9:45 a.m. CST.
Check-in Table: All inventors must check in at the registration table located in the ConocoPhillips Atrium (2nd Floor) of ZACH BEFORE setting up your display.
Schedule: ICTX registered attendees will be emailed a schedule before the event day. Please note the scheduled times are subject to change.
ICTX 2026 Competition Schedule
| 8:30–9:45 a.m. |
Check-In (ZACH ConocoPhillips Atrium 2nd Floor) Student Invention Setup (ZACH 1st–4th Floors) Display & Safety (ZACH 1st–4th Floors) Breakfast open (ZACH 2nd Floor) |
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome (Learning Stairs) |
| 10:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Invention Judging (ZACH 1st–4th Floors) |
| 12:35–4:00 p.m. |
Lunch (on your own) Invention Viewing & Pick-Up Texas A&M Campus Tours (self-guided) ZACH Tours (self-guided) |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Doors Open for Award Ceremony *Inventions must be picked up prior to Awards Ceremony* |
| 4:00–5:00 p.m. | Awards Ceremony (ZACH 297, 298, 299) |
What to Wear: Comfortable clothes and shoes. An Invention Convention Texas T-shirt will be provided to you upon check-in. If possible, we ask that you wear it for identification purposes. There are many restrooms throughout the building where one can change. Jackets are allowed. However, we request that your ICTX shirt be visible.
Parents/Teachers/Chaperones: Must remain within eyeshot and/or earshot of the minors they are accompanying. They are allowed to be present during the judging process. However, we ask that they step back and not interfere with any inventor’s pitch or Q&A time with the judges.
Media: There is no unauthorized filming or photographing of any kind during the event for the protection of students and their intellectual property. Photography and filming are allowed during the Awards Ceremony. Our Engineering Marketing team will be on hand to take official photos and videos.
Display and Safety: All projects must be approved by Display and Safety (D&S) to ensure prototypes and display boards comply with ICTX rules and guidelines. Inventors must be present for D&S check.
Display and Safety Requirements: Ensure your display board and prototype comply with ICTX rules and regulations. Be sure to review the Display and Safety Things to Consider document.
Judging: Judging begins at 10:15 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude by 12:30 p.m. Invention displays can be broken down after the judging period has concluded and students are released.
Invention Display Breakdown/Pick-up: Invention displays must be broken down and picked up BEFORE the Awards Ceremony starts. The ICTX staff is not responsible for any invention or display items left unattended.
Between Judging and Awards Ceremony: During this time, students and attendees are welcome to grab lunch (on your own) at one of the many food offerings in the Bryan/College Station area (several within walking distance), complete a self-guided tour of ZACH or the Texas A&M campus, or even explore Downtown Bryan and College Station.
Awards Ceremony: Registered Inventors and teachers/chaperones/parents are invited and encouraged to attend the awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.
FAQ: For additional information, please refer to the FAQ accessible through your registration portal.
Event Conduct Expectations
All attendees of Invention Convention Texas (ICTX) — including students, parents/guardians, teachers, volunteers, judges, and staff — must:
- Follow all ICTX rules and venue policies
- Treat judges, volunteers, staff, and participants with respect
- Demonstrate professionalism and good sportsmanship
- Address concerns through official ICTX channels
Violations may result in immediate removal from the event. Individuals may be escorted out, and student projects connected to misconduct may be disqualified or dismissed at ICTX’s discretion.
State Registration
When does official registration open and close?
Official registration opened March 2, 2026, and closed April 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Who registers for ICTX?
ICTX is an invitation-only event. Student inventors who have qualified through their local program or through the Independent Texas Inventor Pathway (ITIP).
What if I can’t finish my registration in one sitting or need to make changes?
All registrations, including payment, must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CST on April 7, 2026. Once you begin the registration process, you may return at any time to complete or update your registration until the deadline. The registration platform allows changes such as uploading a new video or adding an additional attendee.
What if I forget my password?
Go to texas.inventionconvention.org, click the login button, and click the “Forgot password/username” button. Enter the name and email address you registered with, and you’ll receive an email with instructions on resetting your password.
How do I know when my registration is complete?
You will receive an email from zFairs upon completion of your registration.
What is included in my student registration?
All finalists will receive:
- Invention Convention Texas 2026 T-shirt
- Certificate of Participation
- Swag bag with goodies
- Breakfast (for participating inventors)
What sizes do the T-shirts come in?
Inventor T-shirts are available in youth and select adult sizes. The full list is available through your online registration form.
Team Registration
Can we participate as a team?
Yes, a team of up to three (3) students can participate in the competition. Teams are judged against other teams and individual inventors, using the grade of the oldest team member. Inventions are categorized according to grade tiers (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12). A student may compete individually or as part of a team, but not as both.
How does a team register?
All team members will register independently and be linked to other team members and the invention with a code. The first team member will indicate ‘team’ during registration and receive a team/project code. Share this code so teammates can link to the same project.
Team members will all have access to modify the information about their project.
What if an entire team cannot attend the in-person ICTX competition at Texas A&M?
A team can compete even if not all its members are present.
Uploading Required Materials to the ICTX Registration System
No, but you will need to bring a physical display board to ICTX. See display size specifications.
Do I have to submit my logbook/journal to compete at ICTX?
Yes. Logbooks should be uploaded with your registration. Logbooks must also be brought to Texas A&M to be judged. Please reference the Rubric and Supporting Materials for logbook upload instructions on the ICTX website.
Do I have to submit a video pitch to compete at ICTX?
No. However, awards may be given to inventions based on the video pitch that is loaded during registration. Video pitches are required for the ICW U.S. Nationals Competition.
If I wish to submit a video pitch, what is required?
Videos should be unedited and no longer than 6 minutes in length. The file type needs to be MP4 or MOV, and the size should be less than 1 GB. If submitting a video pitch for ICTX, only provide your first name and name of your invention. Do not provide any additional personally identifying information, such as last name, school, or age.
*IC U.S. Nationals will require all of this information in video pitches submitted for the National competition.*
What should I wear for the video pitch?
Inventors may wear what they would like for their video pitch. Remember, you are representing your invention and all of your hard work, and you will want to be taken seriously. Think about what that means to you, and do your best to look nice.
What if our team can’t all be together to film our video pitch?
While it is best to have all team members in the video pitch, one team member may film the video pitch on behalf of the entire team. This team member should mention each team member's first name (only) at the start of the video. During registration, the first team member to upload the team’s video will also upload it for everyone on the team. Team members do not need to upload the video individually.
Payment During Registration
$35 per inventor attending the in-person event held at Texas A&M in College Station.
Does each team member need to pay the inventor registration fee if I am part of a team?
Yes, each team member attending the in-person competition will need to pay the registration fee. If you are a part of a team but not able to attend the in-person event, you will not need to pay the registration fee.
How do I pay for registration?
At the end of the registration form, payment may be made via credit or debit card. Note: All payments were due by 11:59 p.m. CST on April 7, 2026.
What if a third party (school or sponsor) is paying for my student to attend?
We will offer coupon codes during registration, and there will be a place where you can specify that a third party will pay for the participant. Please email ICTX at ICTexas@tamu.edu for specific instructions on invoicing your school.
Travel and Lodging
No. All student inventors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult chaperone during the entire ICTX event. A 1:6 ratio (minimum) of adults* to students is required by Texas A&M for PK-12th grade groups.
*Adults can be educators, counselors, paraprofessionals, administrative staff, parents, or guardians over the age of 18.
Is there a cost for parking at Texas A&M?
There is no charge for certain outdoor parking lots at Texas A&M. Paid parking garages are available. Parking validation will not be provided. A parking map will be provided to all registered participants with further details.
How do I reserve a hotel room?
There are many hotel options around Bryan College Station for you to choose from, should you need one, some within walking distance of Zachry Engineering Education Complex.
The Invention Convention Texas Event: What to Expect
How can one compete at the event?
Students in grades K-12 who have qualified through a local program or the Independent Texas Inventor program are invited to compete at the state-level ICTX event. Registration closed 11:59 p.m. on April 7, 2026.
What should I bring to the event to make it successful?
All inventors need to have (for their judging circle):
- Logbook
- Display board
- Prototype (detailed sketches or blueprints if prototype is not available)
- And a smile!
What time do I need to arrive on Saturday?
Check-in and invention setup is from 8:30-9:45 a.m. CST on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
*Please remember that all attendees must register in zFairs before the day of the event.*
Where can I find a schedule of events?
ICTX registered attendees will be emailed a schedule before the event day.
What should I wear for the event?
Comfortable clothes and shoes. An Invention Convention Texas T-shirt will be provided to you once you have checked in. If possible, we ask that you wear it for identification purposes. There are many restrooms throughout the building where one can change. Jackets are allowed. However, your ICTX shirt needs to be visible.
Judging and In-Person Pitch Components
Will I be judged online and in person?
Inventions will be judged in person by a group of judges at ICTX, through what is called Judging Circles. If certain special awards are provided, they can be selected through online judging of video pitches before the in-person event.
When will each inventor be judged?
During the allotted judging time period at ICTX. Please refer to the ICTX schedule.
Are parents/teachers/chaperones allowed to be present for judging?
Parents/teachers/chaperones are allowed to be present; however, we ask that they do not interfere with any inventor’s pitch or Q&A time with the judges.
I participated in Invention Texas Convention last year; can I improve my invention and resubmit it?
Yes, we encourage students to learn from the experience and judges’ feedback and improve their invention. If you show significant improvement and your invention is deemed worthy by a local competition, the invention will be welcomed again at ICTX.
I do not have a prototype. Can I still compete?
Yes, if you are unable to create a prototype, you can still compete. However, you will need to have pictures, detailed drawings, or some type of blueprint to show and share during your pitch that describes your invention in detail. It also does not have to be fully functioning, but only needs to demonstrate the concept.
How much space do we have to display our inventions?
All materials must fit within the designated invention display space - no larger than 36" wide, 75" tall (30" below table and 45" above table), and 42" deep (30" on table, 12" in front of table). Display Board: Display board MUST sit on top of the table and fit within the 45” tall x 36” wide x 30” deep table top presentation space provided.
Will I have access to power/electricity at my display?
ICTX cannot offer power for any invention displays during the event. There is plenty of access to power throughout the building for charging. However, cords cannot be run to display tables for safety purposes.
Can I use water in my display?
No water may be used in your prototype or display. If water is used in your prototype, explain to the judges where it would go and how it would be used.
Will I have access to refrigeration if needed?
No. Access to refrigeration will not be provided.
When can I set up and break down my invention display?
Inventions must be set up on Saturday, from 8:30-9:45 a.m. All invention displays can be broken down after the judging period has concluded, and inventors are released until the evening awards ceremony.
Can I use a laptop or tablet to demonstrate my prototype?
Inventors may use a laptop or tablet to demonstrate a prototype. Note: Power will not be provided for these devices, and cords cannot be run to display tables, nor is it the responsibility of Texas A&M to ensure functioning WiFi.
Can I use video as part of my in-person pitch with Q&A?
Use of video during the in-person pitch with Q&A is only allowed to briefly demonstrate prototype if physical one is not available. It should not be used in place of or as a suppliment to the in-person pitch.
Can I use the front and back of the display board?
Inventors are welcome to decorate both sides of their display board, but must present from only one side. Moving or turning the display board qualifies as a safety hazard: there is a danger of knocking over other display boards, prototypes, and people.
The Awards Ceremony
The Invention Convention Texas Awards Ceremony will be held Saturday in the Zachry Engineering Education Complex at Texas A&M University.
Who can attend the Awards Ceremony?
Only registered attendees are invited to this private event.
Do we need to stay for the Awards Ceremony?
The Awards Ceremony is the culmination of everything inventors have gone through to get to Invention Convention Texas, and it is a great way to celebrate their accomplishments at the end of the experience. However, inventors do not have to be present to accept an award.
Chaperones and Additional Attendees
All chaperones and attendees must register in advance to be allowed in the event. There is no charge to register additional attendees.
A 1:6 ratio (minimum) of adults* to students is required by Texas A&M for PK-12th-grade groups.
*Adults can be educators, counselors, paraprofessionals, administrative staff, parents, or guardians over the age of 18.
What is the role of chaperones and additional attendees at ICTX?
Chaperones must supervise their student inventor(s) for the duration of the event. Texas A&M staff will not assume any supervisory responsibility. Chaperones and accompanying attendees may listen to pitches but may not film pitches, participate in, or interfere with judging in any way.