๐Ÿš€ Inaugural Year 2026

Future Innovators of
Northwest Connecticut

Providing equitable access to high-quality STEM competition and mentorship for every student in our region.

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Students Served
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Eligible Schools
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Towns
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High-Need Schools

Our Core Purpose

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Our Mission

"To inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators by providing equitable access to high-quality STEM competition and mentorship, particularly for students in underserved rural and urban communities across Northwest Connecticut."

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Our Vision

"A future where every student in Northwest Connecticutโ€”regardless of geography, socioeconomic status, or school typeโ€”has the opportunity, resources, and support to engage in transformative scientific research."

The Opportunity Gap

Why NWCTSEF Matters

We are filling a critical void in Connecticut's STEM ecosystem. Our region has talent, but lacked the direct pathway to showcase it.

1

Geographic Equity

Students in the Northwest Corner face travel times of 60-90 minutes to existing hubs. We bring the competition to them.

2

Economic Access

We provide Automatic Fee Waivers and Mini-Grants ($75-$150) to students in 24 high-need schools for materials.

3

Direct Pathway*

Winners advance directly to the CT State Fair (CSEF) with a dedicated pathway to the International Fair (ISEF).

*Pathway details subject to final approval.

Get Involved

Choose your path to innovation.

Student Roadmap

  • 1
    Pick a Topic & Find a Mentor
  • 2
    Register on Portal
  • !
    Pre-Approval (Jan 8)*: Required for humans/animals/bio.
  • 3
    Conduct Research & Experiment
  • 4
    Fair Day (March 21)*

*Dates are subject to change.

Key Deadlines*

January 8*

SRC/IRB Pre-Approval

Deadline for Research Plans involving restricted items.

February 20*

Registration Closes

Final paperwork and abstracts due.

March 21 (TBD)*

Fair Day

Setup, Judging, and Awards.

*Dates are subject to change.

Our Partners

Investing in the future workforce of Connecticut.

Premier

Title Sponsor

$25k - $50k

  • โœ“ Naming Rights
  • โœ“ Premier Logo Placement
  • โœ“ Speaking Opportunity
Major

Gold Sponsor

$5k - $10k

  • โœ“ Award Category Naming
  • โœ“ Logo on Materials
  • โœ“ Photo Opportunity
  • โœ“ Access to Judging

Potential Partners & Community Supporters

Boehringer
Ingelheim
Eversource
Stanley
Black & Decker
UConn
Hartford
HealthCare

Get in Touch

Questions? Ideas? We'd love to hear from you.

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Email

[email protected]
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Location

Farmington, CT

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Director

Coming Soon