Business Partners

PARTNER WITH MAKE 48

An easy way to work with
local students with an R&D twist.

WHAT WE DO

Make48 runs competitions where students design, build, and pitch new product ideas to real businesses. Think Shark Tank but focused on industry-driven challenges that solve problems your organization cares about.

HOW BUSINESSES GET INVOLVED

Sponsor a School

Connect with a local classroom participating in the Make48 Innovation Experience. Your company helps fund the guides, training, and support that make the challenge possible.

Support a Regional Pod

Help several schools in your area participate under one shared challenge. This option fits companies with multiple locations or a larger footprint.

Create a Challenge

Work with our team to shape a real-world design challenge connected to your business or industry. Students spend a semester developing prototypes and pitching their best ideas back to you.

Champion a Community Benefactor

Companies can also direct support toward a specific community or benefactor such as a nonprofit or civic organization that aligns with your local impact goals.

WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE

For Students: Curricular materials from industry experts
For Teachers: Make48-led training and support
Engagement: Light engagement that won't overwhelm your staff
Representation: Top teams may compete on the TV series!

WHY COMPANIES PARTICIPATE

Workforce Pipeline: Meet future engineers, makers, and innovators early.
Community Impact: Invest directly in schools and students in your region.
Visibility: Appear in Make48 features, videos, and social media.
Low Time Commitment: We handle logistics; you provide insight and connection.

FOR BUSINESSES IN RURAL KANSAS AND WESTERN MISSOURI

The Patterson Family Foundation funds the first year of Make48 for schools in rural Kansas and western Missouri. Local businesses can build on that opportunity by sponsoring their participation in our “Enhanced Tier” of programming, designing a challenge inspired by your company and community.

Our team can provide a short overview to share with local schools, chambers, or economic development groups.