2023 Bentonville

Bentonville

Hosted At:

Challenge Theme

The Great Outdoors

See what happened at the NorthWest Arkansas event this year!

tool tech group photo with the tool techs standing around a sawstop saw

team member using the wagner heat gun to try her prototype

two team members standing at their team table in yellow team shirts

three vip guests standing next to each other smiling in front of the bentonville step and repeat banner

three t-mobile employees being interviewed by the film crew holding cameras

t-mobile tool tech sitting and working at his laptop

team golden eagles talking to two t-mobile tool techs

tool tech adam gluring together a wooden box

judge being interviewed by the film crew outside

tom and amy gray standing next to two vip guests

tool techs talking to the teams about the makerspace setup

three judges standing next to each other smiling in front of the t-mobile step and repeat banner

tool tech measuring a piece of wood with two team members in purple team shirt

two vip guests standing next to each other in front of the bentonville step and repeat banner

tom and amy gray standing together in front of the bentonville step and repeat banner

tom and joel hugging each other in front of the t-mobile step and repeat banner

nwacc tool tech and amy standing together behind a sewing machine

a team working at their team table on their prototype

Make48 is a 48-hour competition where teams are presented with a challenge and tasked to build a physical prototype, create a sales sheet, produce a 1-minute marketing video and pitch their big idea to a panel of judges.

This September, Make48 will host the competition at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, AR. With access to expert tool technicians and high-tech equipment, competing teams will have the power to build almost anything.

For this challenge, collaboration is the key to success. Many people have big ideas but few possess the resources to develop a prototype that turns them into reality. To build anything, different skills, materials and equipment must work together to create a final product. Make48 allows this process to be achieved with a fun, fast-paced, and educational event. First place team wins $2000 and advances to the nationals in November 2023.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized by two-year colleges as a leader in education. With the building of their Integrated Design Lab on campus and an additional facility in Washington County, NWACC continues to excel in providing the Northwest Arkansas community with high-ranking degree and certification programs in science, technology, culinary and more.

The college’s Integrated Design Lab offers a physical makerspace that puts design into practice. Throughout the lab, you’ll find student and community programming that encourages innovation, collaboration and the testing of creative entrepreneurial ideas by utilizing the skills learned in areas of fine arts, design, construction and business. Which is why Make48 chose NWACC to host one of their collaborative innovation competitions!

Event Date: September 8-10, 2023

Team Application

We’re seeking diverse teams to compete at Make48 NWACC. Team members must be 18+. The spirit of innovation is within us all - let’s see what you’re capable of creating!

First place team wins $2000 and advances to the nationals in November 2023.

Applications are closed!

Apply

Sponsor The Event

Make48 is made possible with generous support from our sponsors. Celebrate the maker-mindset and engage with your community in an impactful way by sponsoring this event. A variety of investment levels are available.

Support

Tool-Tech Application

Tool-Techs are essential for competing teams to achieve success. Offer your expertise and professional skill by volunteering your time as a Tool-Tech.

Apply

Volunteer Application

The energy of these dynamic events is contagious and to execute them flawlessly we need your help! Volunteer to support the event in a number of ways from helping with setup to registering teams as they arrive.

Volunteer

Our Proud Sponsors

Team Bios

MAKINEERS

The Makineers used to work in the same department of a local monopoly, and found that they enjoy solving problems to the best of their ability. Welcome Derek, Jason & Aldrin!

NWACC JACKS

Stephanie, Emily, Joe & Daisy are students & alumni of NWACC, who have a passion for creating. Read more about them here

RAT SCALLIONS

With a penchant to collaborate and come up with solutions and problem solving, this quartet have always been creative. Meet Collin, Hayden, Nick & Kurt!

THE GOLDEN EAGLES

Allyson, James, Colby & Shanteé all have a love for exploring new opportunities, looking for solutions, and solving any puzzle that comes our way. Read more about there team here

CTRL ALT DEFEAT

This team tries to push themselves toward their goals. Welcome, Daniel, Paige, Preston and Kaleb!

NWACC MAKER CLUB

Welcome Caleb, River, Hiba and Caden! This team of Makers will collaborate together, like they do at the NWACC Maker Club. Read more about their team here