Collegiate Inventors Competition

Instructions and required content for the advisor or professional reference letter for the Collegiate Inventors Competition.

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DeadlineNot listed

Award amountPatent acceleration; Cash prizes (amount unspecified); Unrestricted cash prizes for winners; $2,000 or more (triggers 1099-MISC issuance)

Last checkedJun 24, 2026

PDF guide

Collegiate Inventors Competition: Patentability and Literature Search Guide

A guide outlining the requirements for conducting and summarizing a patentability or literature search for the Collegiate Inventors Competition application.

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Requirements

Conduct a patentability or literature search to determine the originality of the invention.; Provide a summary and analysis of the search findings.; Identify similar existing inventions, methods, discoveries, or processes.; Explain how the applicant's invention differs from or advances upon existing prior art.

Application materials

Summary and analysis of patentability or literature search

How to apply

Visit uspto.gov for patent search information.; Consult school technology transfer office.; View sample searches at invent.org/collegiate-inventors/apply.

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