New Jersey’s Build a Better Mousetrap Competition provides a great opportunity to share new ideas with others in the State and across the country. We are looking for submissions from employees of local or state public agencies (municipalities, counties, parks commissions, NJ Department of Transportation, NJ Transit) that have developed new solutions to problems or found better ways of doing things. We will gather the best ideas from around the state and judge them using a 5-point rating system. The highest scoring entries will be entered into a Build a Better Mousetrap National competition.
For more information and the entry form, click the Build a Better Mousetrap Competition. Share your innovation and get in the game!
2025 NJ BABM Award Winner
The New Jersey 2025 Build a Better Mousetrap Award was given to Jack Longworth, Cheryl Goldman, Vandana Mathur, Michael Juliano, Shawn Mount, and Chrystal Section, from the NJDOT Division of Mobility and Operations, for their Safety Service Patrol—Picture Language Flashcards project.
The team was recognized for developing picture-based language flashcards that enable Safety Service Patrol (SSP) staff to communicate with people with limited English proficiency in emergency situations. The flashcards include descriptive images and translations into 12 languages. As New Jersey prepares for an anticipated influx of visitors to the state for the 2026 World Cup, these cards will help efficiently expand the Safety Service Patrol’s reach to help all road users.
Want to know more about PAST WINNERS of the NEW JERSEY COMPETITION?
Check out these VIDEOS!
2024 Winner: Replacing Inlet Curb Pieces in Existing Concrete Barrier Curb, Bishoy Abdallah, NJDOT
2023 Winner: Route 71 over Shark River Road Diet, Geraldo Oliveto, NJDOT
2022 Winner: Sawcut Vertical Curb, Gary Liedtka-Bizuga and Henry Jablonski, NJDOT
2021 State Winner: Tire Centerline Bracket, Marc Franco, Technical Specialist, NJ TRANSIT, Bus Material & Technical Support
2020 Winner: Anti-Jackknife Device, Scott Ainsley & Mark Crago, NJDOT
2019 Winner: Bridge Fender Navigation Lighting Reflective Backup System, Gerald Oliveto, NJDOT Operations Support and Engineering
2018 Winner: Roncovitz Post Pusher and Post Puller, NJDOT Crew 333
Keep the ball rolling on innovation and join the BABM competition!
Check out our latest social media ready video celebrating the past winners and their ingenious and implemented solutions!
2024 National Winners
Click here to learn more about the WINNERS of the NATIONAL COMPETITION!
Updated: October 2025