AgOvation is a research-based competition that challenges youth to explore and develop innovative science-based solutions to agricultural problems that they identify in their own communities. Youth in grades 7 through 12 work in teams of two to five members to develop a project and create a presentation to share their results, findings, and/or created solution/product. Youth work with a team coach and mentor from the agriculture-related field that most closely relates to their project. Youth are also encouraged to connect with representatives from Iowa State University and the agribusiness community, who are eager to meet and work with the next generation of leaders in agriculture and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).