Sponsor Spotlight: Honda

To carry out our mission to recognize inventors, promote creativity, and advance the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® relies on the support of dedicated partners like Honda.

For more than 20 years, Honda has provided generous support, making a lasting difference for young innovators in National Inventors Hall of Fame education programs across the country, where students build the mindset, skills and experience they need to solve problems, develop new ideas and shape the future.

Sparking Curiosity at Camp Invention

“At Honda, we are committed to helping all people fulfill their life’s potential,” said Bobbie Trittschuh, manager of Charitable Giving at Honda. “By collaborating with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Honda aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and STEM leaders.”

Honda’s partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame mission began with the company’s support of Camp Invention^®, the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s nationwide summer invention education program that guides K-6 students through real-world problem-solving challenges. As they are introduced to the stories and lessons of a wide array of innovative role models including National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees, children explore STEAM concepts, build confidence and persistence, and develop the I Can Invent^® Mindset, which equips them to navigate life’s challenges and unlock their full potential.

Honda is committed to ensuring all children have access to STEM learning experiences, including those who need more encouragement to get involved in STEM fields. Discussing Honda’s support for empowering and engaging learning opportunities, Trittschuh explained, “We focus on five strategic pillars to drive change in our communities, including education. The National Inventors Hall of Fame’s mission to promote creativity and advance the spirit of innovation aligns with our education pillar priorities including our strong belief in creating opportunities for young people and powering their dreams.”

Through its 35-year history, a key aspect of Camp Invention has been its hands-on approach to learning. At camp, children use everyday materials to build their own invention prototypes, collaborating and applying creative and critical thinking skills to test and improve upon their ideas. “Experiential learning provides children with real-life opportunities to challenge the idea of what’s possible,” Trittschuh said. “Creative exploration helps them realize their full life’s potential and provides a pathway to build a challenging spirit and growth mindset toward the great things they can accomplish in the future.”

Viewing support for Camp Invention as an investment in the future, Honda understands that children need to build skills that will set them up to become divergent thinkers, innovators and STEAM leaders as they grow. “Honda recognizes that STEM education is crucial for inspiring creativity and igniting the innovation needed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges,” Trittschuh explained. “By partnering with organizations like the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Honda is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders and fostering a resilient workforce that will drive economic prosperity in our communities.”

Fueling Ingenuity at the Collegiate Inventors Competition

Beginning in 2023, Honda expanded on its continued partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame by extending its generous support and sponsoring the Collegiate Inventors Competition^® (CIC) as well.

Since 1990, CIC has recognized and rewarded the nation’s most innovative college students. Each year, finalists gather in Washington, D.C., where they present their inventions to a panel of judges, including United States Patent and Trademark Office officials and National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. In addition to networking and gaining valuable feedback and mentorship from leading experts in invention and intellectual property, CIC Finalists have the chance to win cash prizes and patent acceleration.

Explaining Honda’s decision to begin sponsoring CIC in addition to Camp Invention, Trittschuh said, “Recognizing student inventors fosters innovation, encourages young minds to pursue their dreams, and builds a culture of curiosity and problem solving. By celebrating these achievements, we can encourage and support the next generation of innovators and leaders who will drive future advancements and ensure a sustainable future.”

The young inventors who enter CIC have developed promising inventions across a range of fields. Honda appreciates how CIC provides unique opportunities for these students, encouraging them to apply entrepreneurial thinking, bring their ideas to market and make a positive impact on the world.

“Honda was founded on a strong respect for people,” Trittschuh said. “By bringing together different ideas and perspectives, we can fuel the creativity and innovation that will help drive success in our local communities.”

Thank You, Honda

The entire National Inventors Hall of Fame team is grateful for Honda’s partnership and support. Honda’s commitment to innovation and contributions are making a real impact for aspiring and emerging world-changers in communities across the country.

“Dreams have always been the driving force of Honda,” Trittschuh said. “Innovation is human-centered, and people who challenge what’s possible provide tangible examples of the Power of Dreams, sparking curiosity and inspiring young people to dream big and pursue their passions.”

Visit Honda’s website to learn more about the many ways in which this global company invests in a brighter future.