User:Wkaardal/Minnesota Inventors Congress

The Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote economic development by supporting innovation and inventors. The MIC offers two programs, an Inventors Resource Center and an annual Invention and Idea Show, formerly Inventors Expo, where inventors can showcase their inventions to the public. In 1985, the MIC started the Minnesota Student Inventors Congress aimed at encouraging young inventors to invent and take part in the annual Invention Expo.

The Minnesota Inventors Congress was founded in 1958 by Bob Starr. The MIC is headquartered in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The current Executive Director of the MIC is Deb Hess.

History
Bob Starr, along with Redwood Falls Area farmers and businesspeople, created the Minnesota Inventors Congress in 1958 as a way to connect local inventors and manufacturers. The MIC's Inventor Expo has brought to market such inventions as the pop-up camper, four-pronged cane and others. It is the oldest invention convention in the country.

Invention and Idea Show
The Invention and Idea Show, formerly Invention Expo is held every year over the second weekend in June in Redwood Falls, MN. Inventors from around the country bring their inventions to be judged and displayed. The expo is accompanied by a parade through the streets of Redwood Falls. Since 1985 the students with the best inventions from Student Inventors Expos held throughout Minnesota display their inventions at the Inventors Expo.

Awards are presented to expo participants whose inventions or ideas are particularly innovative. The Robert F. Starr Award is awarded to the best invention at the expo, along with $1000, as determined by a panel of judges. The Maynard Speece Memorial Award is a $500 prize awarded based upon the votes of attending guests and other inventors. Gold, Silver, and bronze medallions are presented to inventors based upon their invention's merit. All gold medallion recipients are eligible to receive the Robert F. Starr grand prize. The AgrAbility Award are cash prizes given to the best three inventions which help those with disabilities who are employed in the agriculture business. An Idea/Concept Invention Recognition award is also give to the best idea or concept. Various awards are given based upon other parts of the expo including Best Display, Best Model, Youngest/Oldest Inventor, and Inventor who traveled the furthest.

Several awards are sponsored by businesses and investors. Three awards are sponsored by the Redwood Falls Walmart, the Prof. Otto Schmitt Memorial Innovative Award, Friend of the Environment award, and the Best Health Care or Medical Invention award. Malco Design & Deliver Group of Rodgers, MN sponsored the MIC Jump$tart award providing seed money to the top two inventions as chosen by a separate panel of judges from the main show.