Develop a new product that you believe will appeal to millions. To get on the show, your invention will definitely need a wow factor. But don't get too wacky. "The Next American Inventor" is looking for a product that will actually sell.
Keep detailed notes as you work on your product. Even if you aren't chosen as a finalist for the show, your product could be the beginning of a new career for you.
Answer a casting call for "The Next American Inventor." The show holds tryouts in several large cities across the United States. Check ABC's website for dates and places.
Stage a two-minute presentation that will impress the judges at the casting call. Practice your audition several times before family and friends who will give your honest feedback on your performance.
Have a sense of humor. Unless you really have come up with an outstanding and incredibly innovative product, there's a good chance the judges at the audition will humiliate you. This is television, after all.
Expect to spend a lot of time on your prototype if you are lucky enough to be selected as a finalist. You will need to get your version of the next American invention ready to market and ready to impress millions of TV viewers nationwide.