Twenty-Four Winning Teams Recognized for Innovative Solutions to the World’s Challenges

Toshiba and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) announced today the regional winners of the 32nd annual ExploraVision program, the largest K-12 science competition designed to build problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills that are central to the Next Generation Science Standards.

This year’s regional winners’ projects include innovative ideas ranging from technology drones that help reduce the carbon footprint to technologies that ensure safety in emergency situations. The 24 winning teams will advance to the national phase of the competition, where participants will have a chance to win $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bonds (at maturity) and other prizes. The winning teams will also receive Chromebooks to support the creation of virtual posters, team websites, and short videos showcasing the team’s technology for the national phase of the competition.

“ExploraVision embodies the spirit of innovation that drives Toshiba's mission,” said Ken Takagi, Chairman & CEO, Toshiba America, Inc. “For over three decades, we've been the proud sponsor of this program, which encourages students to push the boundaries of science to make the next big breakthrough. At Toshiba, we firmly believe that nurturing STEM talent from an early age is crucial for addressing the challenges of our rapidly changing world. We eagerly anticipate the ingenious concepts and inventions that this year's participants will bring forth, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders through our enduring partnership with NSTA."

ExploraVision participants were challenged to come up with potential solutions to solve problems that may exist in ten years or more. Using real scientific research, students outlined methods to plan and test their ideas. In the next phase of the competition, the winning regional teams will be asked to build webpages and short videos to communicate and exhibit their ideas to the public.

"The ExploraVision competition is an important way for today’s youth to prepare for tomorrow. In this stage of the program, we get a glimpse into ingenious solutions to the potential problems of the future,” said NSTA President Julie A. Luft, Ph.D. “These regional winners demonstrate a grasp of the science, an ability to work collectively, and an enthusiasm for solving important problems. These winners remind us that our future is in good hands, which is a result of the hard work of our STEM teachers and educators and the support of their families.”

Some of the winning solutions included:

• Medical Technology Innovations: Several winning regional projects were focused on innovations to promote advancements in medical technologies, such as medical assistance devices for mobility, technologies used to prevent drowning, allergy detection solutions, and more.
• Environmental Technology Innovations: The “Enhancing Photosynthesis in Trees for Carbon Reduction using Rubisco Activase” middle school team recognized the need to address climate change shifts in efforts to achieve net zero global emissions.
• Energy and Power Technology Innovation: A high school team sought to investigate the use of fungi as a potential energy source, while a middle school team utilized AI as a potential solar powered learning tool.

In the next phase of the competition, the 24 regional winners will advance to the national level. Members of first-place national winning teams each receive a $10,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond (at maturity). Members of second-place national winning teams will each receive a $5,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond (at maturity). All first- and second-place national winners will be formally recognized for their creativity and accomplishments at an ExploraVision awards ceremony in mid-June.

Since its inception in 1992, close to 450,000 students from across the United States and Canada have participated in the ExploraVision program. For 32 consecutive years, the program has helped children expand their imagination and have fun while developing an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education at an early age. To learn more, visit https://www.exploravision.org/.

For more information, visit www.exploravision.org or email exploravision@nsta.org. Follow ExploraVision on Twitter handle at @ToshibaAmerica or join the ExploraVision Facebook Fan Page at www.Facebook.com/ToshibaAmerica.

About Toshiba

Toshiba Corporation leads a global group of companies that combines knowledge and capabilities from almost 150 years of experience in a wide range of businesses—from energy and social infrastructure to electronic devices—with world-class capabilities in information processing, digital and AI technologies. These distinctive strengths support Toshiba in building infrastructure that everyone can enjoy, and a connected data society, and in achieving the Company’s ultimate goal, a future that realizes carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Guided by the Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future,” Toshiba contributes to society’s positive development with services and solutions that lead to a better world. The Group and its 110,000 employees worldwide secured annual sales of 3.4 trillion yen (US$25.1 billion) in fiscal year 2022.

About Toshiba America, Inc.

Founded in 1965, Toshiba America, Inc. (TAI) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Toshiba Corporation and the holding company of three Toshiba operating companies that offer a broad range of products and solutions for the commercial, energy and industrial sectors. The three companies, which along with TAI are known collectively as Toshiba America Group, are Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (Semiconductor & data storage solutions), Toshiba America Energy Systems, Corp. (Power generation solutions), Toshiba International Corporation (Industrial, power electronics & transmission & distribution solutions), and a Toshiba America Company, Toshiba America Business Solutions (Multifunction printers, label and receipt printers, digital signage, managed print services, and cloud solutions).

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 35,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org, or follow NSTA on X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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