Clearing the Path to Innovation: Announcing the Winners of the Alliant Energy Challenge | Make48 Classroom Experience

The dust has settled, the prototypes have been judged, and the results are finally in! We are thrilled to wrap up another incredible Make48 Classroom Experience, made possible by our partners at Alliant Energy.

Students were tasked with the “Clear the Path” challenge, a problem that demanded innovative solutions and the ability to think outside the box. As always, the students exceeded our expectations, proving that the future of innovation is in good hands.

Meet the Winning Teams

The competition was fierce, but three teams stood out for their ingenuity and technical execution.

A huge congratulations to the team from Fall River High School! Their "Tractcam" concept secured the top spot. We can’t wait to see the creativity and drive this team will bring as they advance to the regional competition.

Taking home the runner-up spot is the team from Western Dubuque FFA with their "Electrical Sound Detector." Their unique approach to the challenge impressed the judges and showcased great technical application. Rounding out the podium is Ames High School with "Super Sensors." Their project demonstrated excellent design thinking and a keen understanding of the problem statement.

A challenge like this doesn't happen in a vacuum. We want to extend a massive thank you to Alliant Energy for sponsoring this challenge and providing students with a platform to test their skills. 

We also want to recognize the incredible teachers and mentors who guided these teams. Their dedication to fostering a love for STEM and hands-on learning is what makes the Make48 Classroom Experience a success. 

Do you want your students to be the next champions of innovation? We are already seeing schools sign up for a chance to participate in the 2026–27 Make48 National Tournament. This is more than just a contest; it is a chance for students to innovate, collaborate, and learn real-world skills that go far beyond the classroom walls.

If you are ready to give your students the ultimate design-thinking experience, let’s make it happen. Click here to learn more and sign up for the Classroom Experience