Invent for the Planet

Invent for the Planet (IFTP) is an innovation fostering 48-hour global collaborative competition, in which students from 34 universities representing 20 countries simultaneously come together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our planet - ranging from environmental affairs, energy solutions, social issues, improving developing nations, and resource equity. For one weekend, there are no barriers, no borders, no boundaries, only students focusing on developing innovative solutions to problems we all face.

Some winning projects have resulted in startup companies as they continue to work toward commercialization. Students are empowered and inspired by the intensity and collaboration when engaged with other student teams, mentors, and subject matter experts across the globe.

Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to participate. Students from all colleges and majors are welcome.

Any currently enrolled student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) is welcome to apply for IFTP, from freshmen through doctoral students. You do not have to be an engineering student. In fact, we encourage students from all across the university to apply.

At the beginning of the event, students self-organize into teams of 4-6 individuals based on similar interests in a need statement. The teams then research the topic, collaborate to design a potential solution to the selected need, and then make a plan to build a simple prototype or model.

Day 2 has teams working all day to build their prototype, but also begin planning, scripting and developing a 90-second marketing video for their product, as well as 10-minute presentation.

Early on the final day each team films their marketing video and continues to work on their long-form presentation. In the early afternoon of the final day, each team presents its prototype to a panel of judges. Three teams from each local event are selected for first, second and third place prizes.

Each year the IFTP Global planning committee reviews the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The committee then narrows down that extensive list to topics of focus for the competition.

IFTP for TAMU-CC takes place in the Gloria Furgason I-Create Makerspace inside the Mary and Jeff Bell Library. Here teams have access to everything the Gloria Furgason I-Create Makerspace has to offer to make their prototype or build their model.

More details for IFTP 2027 coming soon!

If you have any questions about IFTP, feel free to email us at student.research@tamucc.edu.