Orkin is celebrating its 125th anniversary by looking 125 years into the future. The pest control brand has launched Orkin Insect 2151, a social-first science fair contest created in collaboration with TBWA\Chiat\Day Chicago. The campaign invites high school students to explore how insects could help shape the next century of innovation, while competing for $180,000 in scholarship prizes.
The grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 scholarship toward entomology studies and an invitation to join Orkin in Washington, D.C., during the opening of a new visitor experience at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which Orkin is supporting.
The campaign is rooted in a clear issue. Orkin identified a global shortage of entomologists at a time when insects may play an increasingly important role in solving major challenges connected to climate change, health care, design, technology, and the environment.
The brand also saw an opportunity to reach young people before curiosity turns into fear or indifference. According to YouGov research cited by the campaign, 50 percent of kids’ interest in insects changes between ages 6 and 12. The insight behind the work is that kids are often curious about insects, but that curiosity is not always nurtured. Watch below:
Orkin Insect 2151 is designed to change that.
Through the contest, students ages 14 to 18 are asked to choose an area of interest, select an insect that inspires them, and develop a scientific question around it. From there, they gather evidence through research, observation, experimentation, or design, then create an original insect-inspired concept, design, or prototype.
Students submit their projects through a video presentation of three minutes or less, explaining the idea and its potential impact.
The contest awards a $100,000 scholarship for first place, $40,000 for second place, $20,000 for third place, and four $5,000 honorable mention scholarships.
For Orkin, the campaign reinforces its “Best in Pests” positioning by shifting the category conversation beyond elimination and into expertise, education, and scientific curiosity. Rather than simply talk about getting rid of insects, the brand is using its anniversary to highlight what insects can teach us.
The campaign will run across TikTok and YouTube from June 16 through September 16, supported by social videos, key visuals, and a dedicated contest landing page.
Parents or guardians must submit entries on behalf of minors. Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements, and submission details are available at orkininsect2151.com.
For TBWA\Chiat\Day Chicago, the idea gives Orkin a way to turn a milestone anniversary into a purpose-driven platform. By connecting pest control expertise to student creativity, Orkin Insect 2151 reframes bugs as a source of possibility and invites young people to imagine what the next 125 years of science could look like through the insect world.
CONTEST DETAILS
To enter, students ages 14-18 must:
Choose an area of interest such as technology, sports and health, arts and design, entertainment or environmental sciences.
- Select an insect that inspires them.
- Develop a scientific question about that insect.
- Gather evidence through research, observation, experimentation or design.
- Create an original insect-inspired concept, design or prototype.
- Record and submit a video presentation of three minutes or less explaining their idea and its potential impact.
A total of $180,000 in scholarship prizes will be awarded to the top presentations submitted.
- First Place: $100,000 scholarship
- Second Place: $40,000 scholarship
- Third Place: $20,000 scholarship
- Four Honourable Mentions: $5,000 scholarships each
The first-place winner will also receive an invitation to join Orkin in Washington, D.C. during the opening of a new visitor experience at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which Orkin is generously supporting.
Parents or guardians must submit entries on behalf of minors. Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements and submission details are available at orkininsect2151.com
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