Michigan Students Win $53K for World-Saving Inventions

Three teams of Michigan high school students walked away with $53,000 in scholarships and education grants after presenting inventions that could change the world.

The 13th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition brought together 20 teams from five schools at Saginaw Valley State University on April 25. Students competed to solve real-world problems in alternative energy, healthcare, science, technology, and life sciences.

First place went to the Amped Innovators from Herbert Henry Dow High School in Midland. Team leader Sean Park and teammate Matthew Lee created SCOUT, a remotely operated transport platform designed to carry equipment through hazardous environments like chemical spills or disaster zones. The innovation earned them $5,000 scholarships each and a $20,000 STEM grant for their school.

"Existing S-MET systems are expensive and complex," the team explained. "SCOUT addresses this gap by providing a low-cost, scalable, adaptable system."

Second place also stayed at Dow High School with The Algineers. Team leader Emma Huang and teammate Louis Huang developed AlgiFilm, a biodegradable alternative to the petroleum-based pads used in meat packaging. The innovation earned them $2,500 scholarships each and a $10,000 school grant.

Third-place team MicroGuard from Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy tackled ocean pollution head-on. Team leader Akshara Kanmanthreddy and teammates Matlyn Miller and Diya Ramakrishnan created a reusable washing machine filter that captures microplastics before they reach waterways. Their work earned them $1,000 scholarships each and a $5,000 school grant.

The competition, open to students ages 13 to 18 in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, and Tuscola counties, has been nurturing young innovators since 2013. Over 13 years, the program has awarded $816,500 total, including $396,500 in student scholarships and $420,000 in STEM education grants to schools.

The Ripple Effect

More than 625 students have presented nearly 200 team projects since the competition began. These young inventors aren't just winning scholarships; they're developing practical solutions that could be implemented in industries tomorrow.

Each winning team also received custom-engraved plaques to commemorate their achievement. Schools participating this year included Freeland High School, John Glenn High School in Bay City, and Midland High School alongside the winning schools.

The 14th annual competition opens for registration on August 17 at ahninnovationaward.com, giving next year's problem-solvers time to dream up their world-changing ideas.