Make48

What Make48 does

Make48 is a Kansas City-based LLC that operates a 48-hour invention competition platform founded in 2015 by Tom Gray and three co-creators. Teams of students — primarily from middle school through college, recruited via K-12 schools, FFA chapters, SkillsUSA, and makerspaces — develop ideas, build working prototypes, and pitch to judges in response to real-world challenges issued by corporate sponsors. Skilled "Tool Techs" handle fabrication using professional tools at host venues including UW-Stout's FabLab, Fishers Maker Playground, the Kansas City Art Institute, and SkillsUSA's National Leadership & Skills Conference. Each season's competition is captured in a nationally broadcast TV docuseries that debuted on PBS in 2015, moved to Roku's This Old House Makers Channel (Channel 458) for Season 10, and is also distributed on YouTube and Facebook. Over 40 competitions have been hosted cumulatively since founding.

The core product surface consists of the 48-hour invention tournament, regional qualifying events, the Innovation Experience (a semester-long classroom curriculum launched in 2025 and hosted on Thinkific), the National Championship, and the media/streaming docuseries. The technology stack is partnership-driven rather than proprietary software: UltiMaker, MakerBot, and Dynamism provide 3D printing; ShopBot provides CNC routing; Trimble SketchUp provides CAD; Thunder Laser provides laser cutting; Lincoln Electric provides welding equipment; and Avek IP provides patent attorney support. Curriculum delivery uses Thinkific's LMS and is FERPA and COPPA compliant.

Make48 monetizes through four revenue streams: (1) corporate challenge sponsorships priced at $25,000-$500,000 per package, with sponsors receiving first right of refusal on IP developed during their challenge, (2) competition participation fees, (3) school/district subscriptions and fees for the Innovation Experience curriculum (often supported by Perkins funds, district budgets, or local grants), and (4) $1,500-$10,000 grant-funded opportunities managed by regional ambassadors. Confirmed corporate sponsors include Corteva Agriscience, Fendt, Fastenal, Alliant Energy, Xcel Energy, Westinghouse, RTP Company, Bay Tek Entertainment, Presto, Altec, Garmann Miller, Crime Stoppers of Houston, Conner Prairie, and The DeBruce Foundation. The company is privately held, has no disclosed institutional funding, and operates with a small founder-led team supplemented by an open SVP Strategic Growth & Partnerships hire.

Name

Make48

Legal name

Make48 LLC

Website

https://make48.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Make48 runs nationwide 48-hour student invention competitions, a school-based Innovation Experience curriculum, and a Season 10 TV docuseries on Roku, serving K-12 and college students, schools, and corporate challenge sponsors like Corteva, Fendt, and Fastenal.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Events and Invention Competitions

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Innovation & Design Thinking Programs (EDAMAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH)

Keywords

• Invention competition events
• STEM education programs
• Prototype design challenges
• Maker education curriculum
• Innovation challenge programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Competition Participation Fees: Teams pay to participate in Make48 competitions, with fees varying by event type (regional, national, classroom challenges).
2. Corporate Sponsorship Packages: Companies sponsor challenges and pay for partnership packages ranging from $25,000 to $500,000. Challenge sponsors receive first right of refusal to intellectual property created during competitions.
3. School/Classroom Program Fees: Schools pay for access to the Innovation Experience curriculum and classroom challenge program. Schools are encouraged to continue through district funding, Perkins funds, or local sponsorships after grant periods.
4. Grant Funding: Revenue generated through educational grants at local level ($1,500-$10,000 opportunities) managed by regional ambassadors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Make48 operates 48-hour invention competitions in which teams develop ideas, build working prototypes, and pitch to judges based on real-world challenges issued by sponsoring companies, supported by skilled Tool Techs and professional makerspaces. The company also delivers the Innovation Experience, a semester-long classroom curriculum launched in 2025 that brings the competition format into schools nationwide, and produces a nationally broadcast TV docuseries currently in its 10th season on Roku's This Old House Makers Channel.

Product overview

Make48 is a nationwide invention-competition docuseries and educational platform. The core offering consists of the televised 48-hour invention competition (the main show now in its 10th season, broadcast on Roku's This Old House Makers Channel and PBS), paired with the Make48 Innovation Experience—a semester-long classroom curriculum delivered via Thinkific that brings invention challenges into schools. The company also organizes regional tournaments, national championships, and special events like SkillsUSA partnerships. Teams compete to solve real-world challenges from sponsoring companies by creating prototypes within 48 hours, with support from Tool Techs, patent attorneys, and marketing experts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Invention Competition (48-Hour Tournament) The flagship 48-hour invention competition in which teams develop ideas, build working prototypes using makerspaces and Tool Techs, create promotional videos, and pitch to judges based on real-world challenges from sponsoring companies. Open to teams of all experience levels.
• Innovation Experience (Classroom Curriculum) A semester-long curriculum that brings the Make48 invention competition format into K-12 and college classrooms, enabling students to solve real-world corporate challenges, develop prototypes, and earn advancement to regional and national tournaments. Delivered via the Thinkific learning platform.
• National Championship Tournament The culminating annual competition where top teams from regional events compete for the national title and grand prizes, with a $10,000 grand prize. Now in Season 10, hosted at locations such as Fishers Maker Playground in Indiana.
• Regional Competitions Regional tournaments held across the country at locations including UW-Stout FabLab, SkillsUSA conferences, Fishers Maker Playground, and Kansas City Art Institute. Top teams advance to the National Championship.
• TV Docuseries A nationally broadcast television docuseries capturing the invention competition journey, now in its 10th season, streaming on Roku's This Old House Makers Channel (Channel 458) and on PBS/CREATE network.

Quantifiable outcome

• Teams build working prototypes in just 48 hours
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Corteva AgriscienceflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 August 2025Challenge sponsor for Season 9 Nationals with 'Food Forward' challenge; provides real-world agricultural problems for student teams to solve; receives first right of refusal on IP developed.
• UltiMakercoreTechnology or Integration · 20 February 2025UltiMaker provides decade-long partnership since Make48's PBS debut in 2015, offering seamless, high-quality 3D printing ecosystem including materials, software, and hardware for teams to create prototypes during competitions.
• MakerBotcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 February 2025MakerBot, the only 3D printing brand dedicated solely to education, provides equipment and representatives (Luis Rodriguez and Christina Santa Lucia) for on-site 3D printing assistance at Make48 events.
• DynamismcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 February 2025Dynamism, a leading provider of professional and industrial 3D printers since 1997, supplies next-generation Metal, SLS, and ultrafast Industrial printers for Make48 competitions.
• FendtflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAgricultural equipment company that issues challenges at SkillsUSA-Make48 events; partners with Make48 to engage student innovators in farming solutions.
• FastenalflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustrial supply company providing cutting-edge machinery, materials, and support for competitions; serves as challenge sponsor and judge.
• Fishers Maker PlaygroundflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Season 9 Nationals; provides community workshop, metal shop, 3D printing space, welding stations, and CNC routers for competition.
• SkillsUSAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development organization representing nearly half a million CTE students; hosts Make48 competitions at National Leadership & Skills Conference.
• Destination ImaginationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal educational non-profit dedicated to student creativity; Make48 participated in DI Global Finals in Kansas City; both organizations foster innovation and teamwork skills.
• University of Wisconsin-StoutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWisconsin's only designated Polytechnic University; hosts Make48 regional competitions at FabLab with state-of-the-art digital fabrication machinery.
• This Old House Makers Channel (Roku)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTV distribution partner streaming Make48 docuseries nationally on Channel 458; now in Season 10 of the invention competition series.
• ShopBot ToolscoreTechnology or IntegrationCNC routing equipment provider; representatives assist teams with precision cutting during competitions.
• Avek IPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPatent attorney firm providing intellectual property guidance and legal support to competition teams during invention process.
• Trimble SketchUpcoreTechnology or Integration3D modeling and CAD software provider; representatives assist teams with design work during competitions.
• Thunder LasercoreTechnology or IntegrationLaser cutting technology provider supporting prototype fabrication during Make48 events.
• Kickr DesigncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering and prototyping experts who assist teams with technical challenges during competitions.
• The DeBruce FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEducational foundation sponsor supporting Make48 programs and student innovation initiatives.
• CarharttminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkwear brand sponsoring Make48 competitions and providing merchandise for participants.
• Quantum Coffee RoastersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee sponsor providing refreshments for competition participants and volunteers.
• ThinkificcoreTechnology or IntegrationCurriculum platform hosting the Innovation Experience for students and teachers; provides secure login system for classroom-based program delivery.
• Kansas City Art InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for regional Make48 competitions; provides creative environment and facilities for student inventors.
• Alliant EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for 'Clear the Path' challenge; supports students in developing energy-related innovations.
• Xcel EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for 'Making Energy Work Better' challenge in Region 3 competitions.
• WestinghousecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for FFA competitions; teams design products for Westinghouse power equipment.
• RTP CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for Winona Region competition with 'Hard to Handle' design challenge.
• Bay Tek EntertainmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for Green Bay region with 'Just Press Start' innovation challenge.
• PrestocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for Beloit Memorial competition with 'Ready, Set, Cook!' food-related challenge.
• AlteccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for St. Joseph region with 'On The Line' design challenge.
• Garmann MillercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for Indiana Region 8 with '(Un)Seen' design challenge.
• Crime Stoppers of HoustoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for 'Safe By Design' safety innovation challenge.
• Conner PrairiecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChallenge sponsor for FFA competitions with 'Hidden in Plain Sight' design challenge.
• SMU Lyle School of EngineeringminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAcademic partner providing support and expertise for National Championship competitions.
• Hub & SpokecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-faceted destination where Fishers Maker Playground is housed; provides platform for community creativity, technology, and innovation events.
• VandermontcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Dallas regional competitions where teams compete for spots at Nationals.
• Minnesota State College SoutheastcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Winona regional competitions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology): Runs FIRST Robotics, FIRST LEGO League, and other team-based STEM competitions for K-12; directly competes with Make48 for school STEM budgets, makerspace access, and the attention of student inventors/educators.
• Maker Ed: Nonprofit supporting maker-centered learning in K-12 schools and makerspaces; shares Make48's educational mission, makerspace ecosystem, and target audience of district STEM curriculum buyers.
• Science Olympiad: National STEM tournament organization running invitational and state tournaments for K-12 teams; overlaps with Make48's team-based competition model and school-district sponsorship channels.
• Destination Imagination: Global educational nonprofit running team-based creative problem-solving and STEM challenges for K-12 students; Make48 already collaborates with them at DI Global Finals and the two serve overlapping student/educator audiences with similar challenge-based formats.
• VEX Robotics / VEX IQ: Robotics competition platform with school-based teams; competes for makerspace/fabrication budgets, technology sponsors (including 3D printing partners), and K-12 STEM competition mindshare alongside Make48.
• SkillsUSA: National CTE student organization hosting SkillsUSA Championships and NLSC events; Make48 runs competitions within SkillsUSA's framework, making it both a partner and a competing CTE-format provider for the same CTE student and instructor audience.

Others

• Thinkific: LMS platform that hosts Make48's Innovation Experience curriculum; an enabling/technology partner rather than direct competitor, but adjacent to the curriculum-distribution layer Make48 depends on for its 2025 school expansion.

Broad incumbents

• Battelle Education: Large STEM-education provider and operator of national STEM programs; competes for district-level STEM curriculum contracts and teacher PD budgets adjacent to Make48's Innovation Experience offering.
• Project Lead the Way (PLTW): Established K-12 STEM curriculum provider with deep district penetration; directly competes with Make48's Innovation Experience for the same CTE/STEM budget pool and teacher adoption funnel.
• Maker Faire / Make: Community: Long-running maker movement media brand and event organizer (Make: Magazine, Maker Faire); overlaps with Make48 on DIY/maker culture, 3D printing ecosystem partners, and STEM education audiences.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/gomake48
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/Make48
• Facebookfacebook.com/gomake48
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/make48-llc
• Instagraminstagram.com/gomake48

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Make48