IEEE Milestones

IEEE Milestones are recognition of achievements that cover over two centuries of innovation.

Each year, the Young Inventors’ Program at the University of New Hampshire brings together students from across Northern New England to present inventions that address real-world challenges in safety, accessibility, sustainability, and everyday life.

At the 40th Northern New England Invention Convention on March 21, 2026, 162 students from 20 schools and program sites in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts showcased original ideas and competed for recognition at the regional finals. IEEE New Hampshire continued its long-standing support of the program by presenting special awards that reflect IEEE’s commitment to advancing technology for humanity.

Young inventor with award-winning project at the Northern New England Invention Convention — Scott M. with his award-winning invention, March 2026. The Sidequest.

IEEE New Hampshire presented two special honors at this year’s event: the IEEE Electric Award and the IEEE Technology for Humanity Award. These recognitions celebrated student projects that combined technical creativity with practical benefits for users and families.

The IEEE Electric Award was presented to Scott M., Grade 8, of Auburn, New Hampshire, for The Sidequest, an adaptive controller designed for someone with limited hand mobility who cannot easily grasp a standard controller while using Meta Quest virtual reality gaming.

The IEEE Technology for Humanity Award was presented to Emma K., Grade 3, of Bedford, New Hampshire, for The Tunebuckler, a car seatbelt attachment that plays music when buckled to encourage children to use their seatbelts.

Several top student inventors from the event advanced to the 2026 RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, to be held on June 5–7 at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan. Hosted by the Young Inventors’ Program, the regional convention continues to promote creativity, invention education, and future STEM leadership.

IEEE New Hampshire is proud to support programs that encourage the next generation of engineers, inventors, and problem-solvers. More information about IEEE educational initiatives is available through TryEngineering.org.