Inventive genius challenge: an opportunity for high school students
In the greater metropolitan area, more than 150 high school students participate in the Inventive Engineering Challenge each year. It's a great opportunity for young people to explore the world of engineering, to demonstrate creativity and innovation while putting their skills to the test. Find out about the challenge and how to register.
What is it about?
The Défi génie inventif has existed for 33 years. The first edition took place in Quebec in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean in 1991.
This challenge is an initiative of the Scientific Leisure Council of this region.
Young people, alone or in teams, must design a prototype that is capable of achieving a challenge.
The latter changes every year according to a 5-year cycle.
This learning and evaluation situation is adapted to the school program as part of the Quebec school training program.
It develops students' critical thinking, values their know-how and encourages collaboration.
You will be able to integrate the completion of the Inventive Genius Challenge directly into your science lessons.
For more information
Marion Vanharen
Operations Department
438 942-8486
mvanharen@technoscience-rm.ca
Partners of Réseau Technoscience
Regional Partners
Additional Resources
If you would like to learn more about this technological challenge, visit the website Réseau Technoscience. You will find the following information there:
Inventive Genius Challenge Participant's Guide
Participant Guide
Find the full schedule of key event moments in our attendee guide.
More information soon available
Introductory Guide to the Inventive Genius Challenge
Introduction to the Inventive Genius Challenge
This document is intended for education personnel who wish to have their students participate in the Inventive Genius Challenge.
You will find all the essential information to start this project.
FAQ
Do you want to participate in the Inventive Genius Challenge and have questions about the rules?
No worries! The team of Réseau Technoscience will be able to help you.
Do not hesitate to contact them to get answers to your questions.
Rules
Discover the complete rules for the “Pull the Chain” challenge of the year
Educational tools
Here you will find all the tools you need to make your participation in the Inventive Genius Challenge an enriching and accessible experience!
2025-2026 Challenge: Pull the Chain
This year, to take on the Inventive Genius Challenge, you must design a prototype capable of moving the greatest possible distance by pulling a chain along the ground.
Play area
This is the playing area used during the regional and provincial finals. Its use is not obligatory during your local finals. Its dimensions are: 2,05 m x 5,2 m or 6 ft 9 in x 17 ft 1 in
It is available to order from Réseau Technoscience for the sum of $300 (excluding handling fees, delivery and taxes). To purchase it, we invite you to fill out the purchase order and send it by email to jverville@technoscience.ca
Costs and dates
More information to come
Montreal Laval
April 11, 2026-
$45 for the 3rd and 4th members
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Villa Maria College
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Registration deadline: March 12, 2026
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Deadline for submission of documents: March 19, 2026
Montérégie
April 25, 2026-
$45 for 3rd and 4th members
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Builders' Space, Varennes
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Registration deadline: March 26, 2026
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Deadline for submission of documents: April 12, 2026
Registration details
Please note that it is possible to register a maximum of 8 prototypes per school for each regional final. All documents (written report and parental approval) must be uploaded to the registration site before the registration deadline (see table above).