Program Overview

Introduction to Invent for the Planet

Invent for the Planet is a 48-hour Intensive Design Experience (IDE) that engages students from different universities around the world to solve high-impact, global problems. This event is held in multiple locations across the globe, simultaneously, and one of the locations is the Aggie Innovation Space (AIS) at New Mexico State University.

Program Details

• The program is a concentrated period of time during which students focus on designing, building, and then selling a solution to a real-world problem provided by an industry or agency partner.
• Student teams will work on provided design challenges in local teams and will be encouraged to connect with teams across the globe as they come online.
• Teams consist of 4-6 students from any department, and both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate.

Program Benefits

• The program is free for students and is a great resume builder.
• It provides an opportunity to make connections with companies and students from all over the world.
• The AIS will provide meals throughout the weekend, and the resources of AIS will be available to the students participating in the event.

Competition and Prizes

• During the program, students design a solution to a real-world need statement and then pitch their new product to a panel of judges.
• First, second, and third place teams will receive scholarship prizes.
• The first-place team from NMSU has the opportunity to be selected to compete at Texas A&M for the final round of presentations.

Aggie Innovation Space

Location and Hours

• The Aggie Innovation Space is located in Engineering Complex I, Rooms 152 (Machine Shop) and 210A and 210B (Makerspace).
• The Machine Shop is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• The Makerspace is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

About and Resources

• The Aggie Innovation Space is part of the College of Engineering Office of Engineering Research.
• Resources available include investigators and campus maps.