Join the 2026 Young Inventor Challenge® as a Judge

August 31, 2026 | The Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) is looking for toy and game industry professionals to sign up as judges for its 2026 program. With more kids than ever eager to showcase their original ideas, judges are needed to review submissions, provide feedback, and help inspire the next generation of creators. The deadline to register is October 16.

Each year, the YIC, presented by People of Play™, a division of The Toy Association™, offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for kids to share their inventions with the industry. Judges bring diverse expertise - whether in invention, design, marketing, retail, or related fields - and provide constructive feedback that inspires kids to refine their ideas, build confidence, and even take their concepts closer to market.

Here's how you can participate:

1. Virtual Judging (Required):
   October 30 to November 5, 2026
   Review, score, and provide feedback to young inventors using our online platform.
2. • Estimated time commitment: up to four hours
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   • You choose when to log in and complete reviews during the judging window.
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   • The number of projects you review depends on the total submissions and number of judges that participate.
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3. In-Person Judging (Optional):
   Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 9 a.m. to noon | Chicago Toy & Game Fair | Donald E Stephens Convention Center | Rosemont, IL
   Experience the excitement live as kids pitch their ideas in person! Anyone judging in-person is required to participate in the virtual judging portion of the competition and fulfill the requirements above.

Click here to register as a YIC judge. Reach out to Ahren Hoffman, director of the Young Inventor Challenge, with any questions.

The YIC is one of several events that takes place during People of Play's annual POP Week (November 5 to 8 in Rosemont, IL), including the Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference, TAGIE Awards, and Chicago Toy & Game Fair.