July 18, 2025 - YIC Spotlight #3 YIC in our 20 Week Countdown to POP Week and the YIC!

Name: Maria Schwartze

Location: St. Louis, MO

YIC: 2024 Junior Most Engaging Winner

Invention(s): Calming Cuddlees 

Where is your invention now?

I presented Calming Cuddlees as one of four finalists in the National Academy of Inventors K-8 Genspiration Foundation award competition through the National Academy of Inventors. I hope this competition will help get Calming Cuddlees on store shelves to help more kids like me give big hugs to their big feelings! 

Have you invented any other toys/games since the YIC?

I’m working on a few other ideas now.

Are you planning to work or study in a related field (STEM, design, entrepreneurship, toy/game industry, etc.)?

My dream is to be an entrepreneur and inventor when I grow up.