Kansas City Invention Convention Returns April 16 at Swinney Recreation Center
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Ellen McDonald
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Kansas City Invention Convention Returns April 16 at Swinney Recreation Center
Program of Linda Hall Library brings region’s youngest innovators together for expanded 2026 competition
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One of the region’s most anticipated STEMIE (STEM + Invention + Entrepreneurship) competitions returns this spring as the 2026 Kansas City Invention Convention (KCIC) convenes on April 16 at the Swinney Recreation Center in Kansas City, Missouri. A program of the Linda Hall Library, KCIC continues to grow in scale and impact, bringing together hundreds of student inventors from across the region to showcase original ideas designed to solve real-world problems.
Now in its sixth year, KCIC has expanded both in reach and accessibility. Building on recent growth, the 2026 program includes students in grades 3 through 12 and introduces a tiered competition model that allows schools and communities to host local “mini conventions” before advancing top projects to the regional event. Over 1,500 KC Metro area students participated in the curriculum this year and over 300 invitations to compete at our regional competition were issued.
“KCIC is about more than invention — it’s about cultivating a mindset,” said Jessica Berlinsky, Education Manager at the Linda Hall Library. “Students identify challenges in their everyday lives and develop thoughtful, creative solutions. The result is not just a prototype, but a new way of thinking about the world around them.”
Through the program, educators gain access to a free, interdisciplinary curriculum aligned with national standards. Students follow a structured, seven-step invention process; from identifying a problem to developing a prototype and presenting their idea; supported by mentorship, workshops, and classroom resources.
The competition reflects KCIC’s continued regional expansion. In recent years, participation has extended beyond the Kansas City metro area to include students from communities as far north as St. Joseph, east to Columbia, and west to Topeka, drawing hundreds of participants annually.
At the April 16 event, students will present their inventions to judges across multiple categories, competing for awards, recognition, and the opportunity to advance to national-level competitions. Past participants have gone on to earn accolades at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, underscoring the program’s role as a launchpad for emerging innovators.
“KCIC exemplifies how we bring our mission to life,” said Eric Ward, Vice President of Programs and Education at the Linda Hall Library. “By connecting young people to the processes of discovery, experimentation, and invention, we are fostering the next generation of problem solvers who will shape the future of science and technology.”
About the Kansas City Invention Convention
KCIC is an interactive competition for Kansas City area students in grades 3 to 12 to come together to invent the future. The program provides access to resources, workshops, and mentors who will help students develop their ideas from concept to prototype. By participating in KCIC, students compete for cash prizes and a chance to compete at national and global invention convention competitions! Learn more at kcinvent.org.
About the Linda Hall Library
Founded in 1946, Linda Hall Library is an independent research library known for the breadth and depth of its collections and its mission to inspire curiosity, innovation and cultural engagement with science. Through its collections, partnerships, public events and education initiatives, the Linda Hall Library aims to deepen humanity’s understanding and appreciation of science and its integral role in shaping our world. Learn more at lindahall.org.
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