2026 Nanovation Competition

What is your task?

• Identify a high impact problem
• Solve with a nanotechnology product
• Write a proposal

Who can participate?

• Ten (10) teams of 4-5 middle and high school students
• Teacher leader and UCLA graduate student mentors
• Create cutting-edge design and technology business proposals

Prizes

• First place: $2000 in classroom supplies
• 2nd place: $1000 in classroom supplies
• 3rd place: $500 in classroom supplies
• Learning, Recognition and Fun!

Example of topics

• Virus-inspired nanostructures
• Nano-architectures in energy generation or energy storage
• Superhydrophobic surface coatings
• Silver nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent for various applications

Initial Proposal - Part 1

• 750 words max.
• What is the need that your product is addressing?
• Who might want to buy your product?
• Use this need to motivate why your invention should be funded.
• DUE January 23, 2026

Initial Proposal- Part 2

• 1000 words max.
• What is your nanotechnology-based idea?
• Also describe the basic nanoscience idea(s) that allow it to function.
• DUE: January 23, 2026

Initial Proposal - Part 3

• Who or what else is currently available to fill this need? (750 character maximum)
• DUE: January , 23 2026
• The current alternatives might not be as good as your proposed product, but try to consider as many alternatives as possible.

Initial proposal due by January 23, 2026
Submission form is online

Up to Top 10 proposals selected by January 30 , 2026

Top 3 selected by a jury of:

• UCLA professors
• Los Angeles business professionals

C(N)SI Kick Off!
@ UCLA
March 6, 2026
(miss school)

Final presentation & judging on
May 22, 2026 at C(N)SI
(miss school)

Timeline

• January 23 – Submission deadline
• January 30 – Up to 10 finalists announced
• March 6 – Kick-off meeting at CNSI
• May 22 – Final presentations and judging at CNSI

Start at 1:24:56 for Lincoln

Check out examples of past presentations by searching for "Nanovation Competition"

Questions? Go to Office Hours

• Wed, Jan 14, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM
• Thurs, Jan 15, 3 PM - 4 PM
• Mon, Jan 19,12 PM - 1 PM
• Tues, Jan 20, 3 PM - 4 PM