Team Genius Squad makes its debut at the 2026 Astra Marketplace & Academy next week at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, where founders Ava N. Simmons and Tia Simmons will showcase the company’s line of screen-free STEAM products at Booth No. 1839.
Founded by 13-year-old entrepreneur Ava Simmons and her mother, Tia Simmons, Team Genius Squad develops hands-on learning products intended to build confidence and curiosity through its “E3 Method Engage, Encourage, Empower.” The brand positions its offerings as accessible learning experiences for kids, including those without an existing interest in science or math.
Among the products featured at Astra is Ava’s Electricity Lab Experience Bundle, a patent-pending kit that lets kids conduct science experiments powered by salt water or fruit juice, using included lab tools and guided activities. The company will also showcase its Genius STEAM Buddies plush line, featuring characters outfitted to represent different science, math, and engineering disciplines through imaginative play.
Team Genius Squad says its products have reached more than 800,000 families through partnerships with organizations including PBS Kids and Scholastic. The company also supports underserved communities through its Fuel the Future Annual STEAM Drive, which donates educational products with each purchase.
“Our mission is to make sure every child has the opportunity to see themselves as intelligent, creative, and capable of changing the world. I know firsthand how powerful hands-on learning can be for children who think differently,” says Ava, who herself lives with dyslexia. “We want kids everywhere to feel inspired, included, and excited about learning.”
Outside of product development, Ava Simmons hosts Mini Fab Science Lab, a program airing on Rootle, a PBS Kids North Carolina channel. The show received three 2026 Telly Awards for children’s, educational, and science programming.
At Astra, the founders plan to meet with retailers and media to expand awareness of the brand’s approach to accessible, confidence-building STEAM play.
Learn more at teamgeniussquad.com and visit Team Genius Squad at Booth No. 1839 June 5-8.
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