University of Minnesota
https://twin-cities.umn.edu/
612-625-5000

Build a Better Mousetrap Competition

Bobcat driver using skid loader attachment to spread asphalt

The City of New Brighton's skid loader attachment won first prize
in Minnesota's 2021 competition.

Have you or one of your co-workers recently built an innovative gadget or developed an improved way to do a job? Now is the time to show off your creativity and help other agencies solve problems by submitting an entry to the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition!

Your entry can be anything from the development of tools or gadgets to equipment modifications to processes that increase safety, improve efficiency, reduce costs, or improve the quality of transportation. The purpose of this competition is to collect and disseminate real-world examples of best practices, tips from the field, and assist in the transfer of technology.

The Minnesota competition is open to all local transportation agencies—county, city, township, and tribal—in the state. It is sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and administered by Minnesota LTAP.

Submit an Entry

To participate in the contest, please submit your entry by:

You are encouraged (but not required) to submit photos and a video clip that showcase your project along with your entry form. Videos do not need to be professionally produced; clips shot with a smartphone or tablet are welcome!

Submissions are due May 15, 2023.

Submission Guidelines

Consider submitting a project in any of these categories:

  • Maintenance: tools, equipment fabrication, and methods (e.g., lifters, reachers, modifications, assembly)
  • Transportation facilities improvements (e.g., storage, access, operations, services)
  • Inspection and data collection (e.g., automated/remote means, testing, time)
  • Asset management techniques (e.g., GIS, mapping, decision-support systems)

Entries will be judged using the criteria of cost savings, benefits to the community and/or agency, ingenuity, transferability to others, and effectiveness. We'll pick a state winner, who will be recognized in the Minnesota LTAP Technology Exchange newsletter and receive a prize.

All entries will be automatically submitted to the national recognition program, where you'll compete for more fantastic prizes—and bragging rights! Winners will be announced at the annual LTAP/TTAP National Conference.

More Information

With questions about the competition or for more information, please contact Katherine Stanley at sell0146@umn.edu or 612-626-1023.

Previous Winners

See information about previous winners of the Minnesota mousetrap competition.

National Recognition Program

Build a Better Mousetrap National Recognition Program for Transportation Innovation

The Build a Better Mousetrap National Recognition Program highlights innovative solutions to everyday problems and issues that local and tribal transportation workers encounter. They can range from the development of tools or equipment modifications to processes that increase safety, reduce cost, and improve efficiency and the overall quality of transportation.

For more information: