America's next great invention could be in the works right here in the city.
That's what students at the Cooper Union Invention Factory are hoping.
Teams in the summer program are given a $2,000 budget and six weeks to come up with a brand new product idea.
In the past, they've come up with ideas like a spill resistant cup, a device to prevent ankle sprains, and even watch that helps alleviate allergies.
"Each week they present it to outside guest evaluators, to patent lawyers to venture capitalists, to retired engineers, who give them constant feedback on refining their invention," said Cooper Union Physics Chair Alan Wolf.
"It's everything engineering is about. You have to prototype, you have to research, you have to make sure this product works. You have to communicate your product," said Mizanur Rahman, a Cooper Union student.
To learn more about the program, check out inventionfactory.org.