Built To Win. Make48 Custom Trophies

Make48 isn't just about intense 48-hour invention competitions; it's also a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the unique spirit of each host city. 

A huge part of this celebration comes to life through the custom-made trophies, painstakingly crafted by the talented Tool Techs at each local competition. These aren't your run-of-the-mill awards; they are miniature works of art, reflecting the local culture, industry, and the extraordinariness that Make48 champions.

What Makes a Make48 Trophy Special?

At every Make48 regional competition, three custom trophies are awarded. The first-place trophy goes to the team demonstrating the best innovation, a true symbol of their groundbreaking ideas. The runner-up team also gets a trophy to celebrate their hard work. And finally, a third trophy is given for Best Agilities, a special recognition from the DeBruce Foundation that celebrates a team's resilience, adaptability, and readiness to pivot, essential skills for any successful entrepreneur. These trophies aren't just prizes; they're works of art, built with the very tools and materials used in the competition.

There's a special kind of magic in winning a competition, and at Make48, that magic is captured in a tangible, one-of-a-kind trophy. Unlike generic, mass-produced awards, Make48 trophies embody the maker spirit, crafted with love and skill by a team of talented builders. 

This year, the trophies have been nothing short of spectacular! Let's take a look at some of the standout creations from the 2025 season:

Dallas, TX

The Tool Techs in Vandermont created a stunning trophy that captured the essence of Vandermont’s school pride. The first-place and Best Agilities created onsite by the Tool Techs from Make48, Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Bestagon Hub. A special second-place trophy was created by maker Lucas D'Angelo with help from Lincoln Electric welding tools.

Winona, MN 

In Winona, the trophies paid homage to the city's rich history and its connection to the sponsor challenge, Fastenal. The Tool Techs incorporated elements and charming details that spoke to the region's industry and natural landscape, creating memorable awards for the champions. This set of trophies was built entirely onsite by the maker team and included charming details like tiny hazard cones. This clever nod to the challenge is a perfect example of how small details can make a big impact.

Kansas City, MO

The Kansas City competition featured trophies that were a true reflection of the "Women in STEM" theme. These were a real team effort, showcasing the power of collaboration, led by Christina Santa Lucia and Brandy Aubé. From Brandy's welding expertise and Clint Hanson’s woodworking skills to Mara Hugg’s masterful painting, every element was brought to life by a different maker. Charlie Cox and Christina worked together to bring all the pieces together into a cohesive, stunning set of trophies. These trophies are a perfect reflection of the collaborative and inventive spirit that defines the Make48 competition.

Now, with the Nationals on the horizon, the anticipation is building! What will the incredibly skilled Tool Techs at the national competition come up with to honor the ultimate Make48 champions? Considering the stakes are even higher, we can expect something truly extraordinary – a trophy that encapsulates the spirit of our national innovation competition and the pinnacle of creative problem-solving.

While we can only speculate, it's bound to be a fusion of cutting-edge design and masterful craftsmanship, a fitting tribute to the teams who push the boundaries of what's possible in just 48 hours. We can't wait to see what they unveil!