With the help of Koch Industries, Make48 is bringing its 48-hour collaborative inventor and maker challenge to Wichita. Wichita State University’s GoCreate, A Koch Collaborative will host the event scheduled for June 24-26.
Using the same blueprint of the PBS Make48 TV documentary, local Wichita teams will be able to participate in the unique fastest-invention competition, which helps attendees discover what is possible in 48 hours.
Make48 is a nationwide, invention-competition docuseries that gives teams a challenge at the start of a two-day event. With just 48 hours, teams must create a prototype, promotional video and a sales sheet and present their idea to a panel of judges. The teams have access to a makerspace and numerous Tool Techs that can make almost anything, thus allowing everyone to have a level playing field and the chance to win.
Eight teams from the greater Wichita area will be chosen to compete at the first annual Kansas event. The winning team from the Wichita event will advance to compete at the national competition, slated for March 2022, where one team could win $10,000.
“Wichita has a rich history in innovation, and Make48 is a perfect opportunity to
celebrate and engage our diverse, creative, maker community,” said Kim McCollum, assistant
director of GoCreate. “We are excited to provide resources and the collaborative space
where creators of all ages and backgrounds can come together to make ideas become
a reality.”
Koch Industries will serve as the competition’s Challenge Sponsor, helping craft the
teams’ objective. As one of the largest private companies in America, Koch spans diverse
industries, from manufacturing to consumer products to electronics to software. Koch
strives to continually build networks to share knowledge among employees and across
its capabilities. Such work is essential to innovation and progress, both at Koch
and in society. That’s why Koch actively supports mentoring and community programs
that provide individuals the opportunity to discover, develop, and apply their talents
in ways that transform lives and help others do the same.
“We are delighted Make48 is supporting Wichita entrepreneurs who are creating innovative solutions to the most pressing problems in our city," said Meredith Olson, vice president of community affairs for Koch Industries. “GoCreate provides the perfect environment for community members of all backgrounds to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.”
Teams can apply on the competition webpage at https://make48.com/wichita. Applications are open now and will close Friday, April 16. A casting call to choose competing teams will be announced soon.
GoCreate is an 18,000-square-foot creative community makerspace open to all ages and experiences – artists and engineers alike. GoCreate features textiles, woodworking and metals studios with sophisticated, expert training and a supportive community to help make prototypes, projects and dreams come true.
Wichita State University serves as the Kansas urban-based research university, enrolling more than 15,000 students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
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