THOMASVILLE- The spirit of innovation took center stage at Bishop Hall Gymnasium as Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) hosted Innovation Day 2025, a dynamic event aimed at fostering creativity, STEM education, and problem-solving skills in young minds.

The event featured participants from the InVenture Prize and FIRST LEGO League Explore, bringing together K-12 students who showcased their innovative solutions to real-world problems.

The event, supported by the Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (AIM) Project, allowed students to demonstrate their ingenuity while competing for top honors. The day celebrated ideas, collaboration, and the potential of the next generation of inventors and entrepreneurs.

Throughout the day, students presented their unique ideas, many of which stemmed from personal experiences or challenges they encountered in their daily lives. Among the standout inventions was a chicken coop cleaning device, an innovation from students’ experiences maintaining a henhouse at their school.

Another notable invention, a “Genius Cane,” incorporated wheels, sensors, and Braille to assist individuals with mobility and vision impairments. These projects exemplified how young innovators identify community needs and design practical solutions.

In addition to the student presentations, attendees had the opportunity to interact with cutting-edge technology through hands-on exhibits that demonstrated how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) shape the future.

The Georgia AIM Project, funded by a $65 million federal Economic Development Administration grant, is a statewide initiative focused on developing a workforce skilled in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Through partnerships with institutions like Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), University of Georgia College of Engineering, Technologists of Color, and Kitt Labs, Georgia AIM ensures that rural communities, women, people of color, and veterans have access to the tools and resources necessary to excel in STEM fields.

“Innovation is not just happening in big cities—it’s happening right here in Thomasville,” said Quia Cunningham, Georgia AIM Project 3 Project Director. “The GA AIM Mobile Studio is bringing AI and advanced manufacturing directly to our communities, making sure everyone has access to the tools and technology shaping the future.”

For Willie Allen, Director of Innovation and Institutional Advancement at SRTC, Innovation Day’s mission extends beyond the event.

“Our goal is to assist our community in producing students who are ready for the workforce, who have an entrepreneurial mindset, or who have the skills to function on any job,” he stated.

With the event already seeing significant growth, organizers aim to continue expanding its reach. Currently involving schools from Thomas, Colquitt, Seminole, and Grady Counties, there are discussions to include additional regions in future events.

The elementary school winners included Portawneel by Piper Tillman, Skylar Pinkins, and Ava Mills in third place, The Everything Dog Collar by Alanah White, Gracie Rowland, and Paris Bryant in second place, and CPR (Chicken Poop Remover) by Fynlee McKinney and Joshua Brown taking first place.

In the middle school category, Janiya Ivey’s The Love Stick placed third, Jaxon Godwin and Tripp Carson’s M.D.S. (Missile Detection System) came in second, and Emma Brannen’s Mic & Costume App earned first place.

Better Backpack by Amaya Zambrano and Kimber Lane secured first place for high school participants.

Violet Sowards, Lily-Ann Bramblett, and Willow Lane created The Genius Cane, which received the People’s Choice Award.

With seven teams advancing to the state level, the students’ journey does not end at Innovation Day. The winners will go on to compete at a statewide competition at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where first-place winners will be awarded patents for their inventions.

With unwavering support from Southern Regional Technical College, Georgia AIM, and the broader community, the event continues to equip students with the skills to become the innovators of tomorrow.