Letter from the President
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the National Academy of Inventors’ Board of Directors and staff, I am pleased to present this year’s Activities Report.
As the Academy approaches its 15th year, I am amazed at just how much it’s grown. Today, NAI is the leading authority on invention, and is one of the three honorific organizations recognized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Academy now has grown to over 2,068 Fellows, 715 Senior Members, over 50 Chapters comprising more than 2,000 members. NAI Member Institutions now number over 260 academic universities, and governmental and non-profit research institutions . Together, we are transforming the culture of innovation on local, state, and national levels.
While we’ve come a long way since our inception in 2010, we must always look ahead. After all, is that not what innovation is about?
As we look to the future, we are working to create solutions to the innovation ecosystem’s most pressing challenges.
As part of this, we are continuing to grow our programs to better serve the needs of Member Institutions and the broader innovation community. We are continuously working to identify barriers and create solutions that facilitate the translation of inventions from ideation to marketplace, engage and celebrate inventors of all levels, and increase the visibility and public understanding of research and innovation. With this in mind, we have expanded current programs and resources and created new ones, with even more on the horizon.
Thank you for your continued support of the Academy, and please remember that we exist to honor and support you.
Since the Academy’s inception, NAI and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have worked together to recognize and celebrate inventors from across the national innovation landscape who's research and commercialized technologies are creating beneficial societal and economic impacts. The USPTO has joined the Academy annually to welcome our Fellows and Senior Members since our inaugural Annual Conference in 2012 and has highlighted their contributions to the innovation ecosystem through the NAI exhibit at the USPTO headquarters. In 2022, the Academy and the USPTO deepened that partnership with a Joint-Project Agreement (JPA), which aims to broaden access in invention and innovation globally across a multitude of sectors. With this agreement, both parties are seeking to expand access to NAI and USPTO resources to inventive communities across the nation. The Academy has already undertaken several initiatives as part of this JPA.
In the spring of 2023, the Academy launched its first Language Study to gain deeper insights into the most effective ways to communicate IP programs and services to innovators, educators, and students. With the intent to drive increased involvement within the academic innovation ecosystem, the study explored the communication channels and language that best resonate with target audiences and encourage their engagement with IP resources.
To ensure a well-rounded perspective, the study included input from NAI Member Institutions, non-member academic institutions, and individuals across the innovation ecosystem. This approach provided valuable insights into the needs of communities across the country and highlighted ways to make IP resources more accessible and impactful. The initial findings from the study were shared during the 13th Annual Conference, offering a glimpse into the progress being made.
This year, the Academy partnered with the USPTO to relaunch From Campus to Commerce, a video series originally introduced in 2019. The series spotlights groundbreaking innovations developed within NAI Member Institutions that have successfully transitioned from research labs to the marketplace. It aims to bring attention to transformative research and innovations that often go unnoticed by the general public, despite their significant contributions to everyday life. With input and guidance from the USPTO, the series has been reimagined to provide a broader perspective on the commercialization process. Featuring insights from inventors, institutional leaders, technology transfer offices, and industry professionals, the updated series explores the journey of innovation—from conception to commercialization—and its impact on institutions, industries, and society. The first episode of the relaunched From Campus to Commerce premiered in fall of 2024, showcasing the University of South Florida. Additional episodes are scheduled for release in 2025.
Watch From Campus to Commerce here.
The Academy is expanding Invention Insider to further highlight the incredible contributions of contemporary inventors who often go unrecognized. Invention Insider shares the stories, insights, and inventive journeys of these innovators, bringing to light the faces behind transformative breakthroughs. In 2025, the initiative will grow with the introduction of the Invention Insider Inventors Gallery, a multimedia showcase that celebrates inventors from NAI Member Institutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This gallery will offer audiences a personal look into the unique histories and experiences that shaped each inventor’s work, emphasizing the tangible societal benefits their innovations provide.
In fall 2024, NAI introduced the Invention Ambassadors program, featuring a distinguished group of inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, and commercialization experts who will participate in speaking engagements nationwide. The inaugural cohort represents a diverse cross-section of innovation fields, bringing varied perspectives and expertise to the program.
Aligned with the missions of both the NAI and USPTO to foster impactful innovation, the program seeks to expand resources and opportunities for communities across the nation to participate in the invention ecosystem. Through their engagements, Invention Ambassadors will provide valuable information and resources to current and aspiring inventors, empowering them to navigate and thrive within the innovation landscape. Additionally, the Ambassadors will share personal stories from their own inventive journeys, offering inspiration and actionable insights to guide the next generation of innovators.
Learn more about the NAI Invention Ambassador program.
This year, the Global Academic Inventors Network (GAIN) program began an expansion to better support NAI Members at all levels and strengthen connections across the innovation ecosystem. Traditionally, GAIN has focused on connecting emerging inventors with mentors who provide guidance on career development, research, and intellectual property protection. With new features and initiatives, GAIN continues to offer mentorship opportunities while also evolving into a premier platform for networking with inventors, technology transfer professionals, and industry leaders worldwide.
In summer 2024, GAIN Communities were revamped to create more intentional spaces for members to connect, exchange ideas, and share opportunities and advice. Current Communities include forums for women in innovation, NAI Chapter Members, and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions. Additional Communities will be introduced in 2025, and members are encouraged to share their suggestions for new Communities by contacting programs@academyofinventors.org.
In 2025, GAIN will roll out new training and recognition programs to further support and celebrate inventors within the network. The GAIN Library will also continue to grow, providing expanded access to resources, including ScholarShare, NAI’s signature webinar series.
Learn more about GAIN.
Building on the success of the Academy’s Intellectual Property Curriculum and Certification, additional courses are in development to further support innovators and their institutions. In 2025, NAI will launch its newest curriculum and certification, focused on commercialization, offering essential insights into navigating the complexities of bringing ideas to market.
This new course will feature contributions from experts across NAI’s Membership, presenting real-world case studies and best practices in areas such as entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, licensing, and more. By equipping participants with actionable knowledge, the curriculum aims to empower innovators to advance their ideas and drive meaningful impact. The new certification will provide participants with proof of skill, bolstering their resumes and qualifications and making them more competitive in today’s innovation landscape.
The National Academy of Inventors is honored to have received the 2024 Science and Society Award from the National Science Board (NSB) in recognition of its “extraordinary efforts to honor and support inventors.”
The Academy was selected for its engaging and inclusive initiatives to strengthen and diversify the innovation economy.
Established in 1996, the Science and Society Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to enhancing public appreciation of science and engineering in the United States.
This year’s award was presented by Dan Reed, Chair of the National Science Board, during the National Science Foundation Awards Gala on May 1, 2024, at the historic Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C.
“I’m so proud of how far we’ve come in just over a decade,” said Paul Sanberg. “We are honored to be recognized with the Science and Society Award from the NSB and look forward to continuing to grow and evolve the Academy to address the needs of the innovation ecosystem.”
Held in June of 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina—home to the largest research park in the U.S.—the Academy’s 13th Annual Conference brought together leaders in innovation from academia, government, nonprofits, and industry.
Hosted by North Carolina State University, the conference centered on the theme Unlocking Innovation: Keys to Societal Solutions and showcased the vibrant innovation ecosystem of the Research Triangle, anchored by Member Institutions NC State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Key topics included emerging technologies in energy, biomedicine, and manufacturing; increasing participation of underrepresented inventors; and best practices for engaging the next generation of innovators. The two-day event also featured the induction of the 2023 class of Fellows and the 2024 class of Senior Members.
The Fellows Induction Ceremony, led by Derrick Brent, Deputy Director of the USPTO, welcomed 162 new Fellows. The Senior Members Induction, led by Vaishali Udupa, U.S. Commissioner for Patents, recognized 124 emerging innovators representing a collective portfolio of over 1,000 patents.
Aligned with the Academy’s mission to engage and support young inventors, nearly 500 K-12 students and their caretakers participated in hands-on activities hosted by the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. The interactive invention challenges were inspired by the Center’s new exhibit Change Your Game/Cambia tu juego, which explores the connection between innovation and play.
We’d like to thank our Program Committee, whose expertise and guidance were instrumental in crafting the panels and discussion topics for our 13th Annual Conference. It is their contributions that helped make this year's event the most successful Annual Conference to date. Learn more about them in the Annual Conference Program.
View the 13th Annual Conference Program
Explore the 13th Annual Conference Gallery
Key Statistics
Cultivating the Next Generation of Innovators
The Student Showcase highlighted exceptional student inventors from across the globe, providing a platform for them to present their innovations and connect with world-class inventors, academic leaders, and industry experts. Participants gained mentorship, networked with attendees, and received invaluable feedback to refine their work.
This year saw incredible growth for the Student Showcase with the addition of a new category for K-12 inventors. Through this expansion, the Academy aims to foster and highlight the value of innovative thinking in young students and encourage and support them as they continue to create impactful societal and economic solutions. This year’s showcase also introduced 2 new awards recognizing excellence in student innovation, both of which include monetary prizes to help fund and grow their innovations. Finalists for the Student Showcase received full accommodations and the opportunity to fully participate in the Annual Conference to learn from and network with top inventors and industry leaders from around the world.
The showcase underscores the importance of cultivating young inventors, who represent the future of innovation and may one day join the ranks of Academy Fellows and Senior Members. This year’s applicant pool consisted of almost 30 next generation inventors representing over 25 innovative institutions and organizations. Their inventions covered fields such as biotechnologies, civil engineering, medicine, electrical engineering, and computer sciences.
The event, made possible through the support of partners like the Genspiration Foundation, who are dedicated to advancing student innovations that create societal and economic impact, culminated in the inaugural Genspiration Prize, awarded to student teams whose inventions demonstrated significant societal impact.
The Showcase also featured the Dr. Barry B. Bercu Biomedical University Inventors Prize, recognizing groundbreaking biomedical innovations that address critical healthcare challenges and hold the potential to transform patient care.
Both the Genspiration Prize and Dr. Barry Bercu Biomedical University Inventors Prize were created by NAI Fellows and their families as a way to “pay it forward” and through their contributions they have cemented an impactful legacy of supporting and encouraging the next generation of inventors around the nation.
Interested in creating a lasting impact? Learn more about our Legacy Giving program.
Awards Celebrate Excellence in Innovation
This year’s NAI Sentinel Award, acknowledging individuals whose actions and support help fulfill the NAI’s mission to continually recognize inventors and enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, was awarded to Yogi Goswami. Goswami is a Charter Fellow and was recognized for his consistent and ongoing support of the Academy and his generosity in supporting fellow innovators.
The NAI Founder’s Award, which honors incredible individuals and institutions who have dedicated their time and expertise since the inception of the Academy and have been fundamental in shaping its vision and impact, was awarded to Jackson State University. JSU was recognized for playing an instrumental part in the Academy for over a decade.
Stony Brook University received the NAI Chapter of Excellence Award, honoring NAI Chapters for their dedication to the Academy’s mission and achievements in key areas such as celebrating local inventors, supporting the next generation of inventors, and fostering a culture of inclusive innovation through programs and events. The Stony Brook Chapter was awarded for the phenomenal work they do on campus and beyond to encourage and facilitate impactful innovation.
This year, the Academy also introduced four prestigious new awards, each created by Academy Members to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements in innovation. These awards underscore the Academy’s commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, mentorship, and impactful contributions across diverse fields.
The Genspiration Prize, co-created by Judy Genshaft, FNAI, honors student inventors in the K-12 and university age groups who demonstrate exceptional promise in translating their ideas into innovations with significant societal and economic impact. The prize reflects the Genspiration Foundation’s dedication to supporting young innovators and their transformative potential. The inaugural Gensipration Young Inventors Prize was awarded to Sonia Patel, representing the Community School of Naples for her Corneal Applanation and Scleral Buckling model; and the inaugural Genspiration University Inventors Prize was presented to University of Houston team Jian Chen and Thomas Hannan for their Revolutionary Sensing Technology.
The Yogi and Lovely Goswami Achievement Award in Energy and Sustainability, co-created by Yogi Goswami, FNAI, highlights groundbreaking contributions to sustainable energy solutions. This award celebrates innovators who address global environmental challenges with creative, practical approaches to energy and sustainability. This year’s inaugural awardee was Aldo Steinfeld, Chair of Renewable Energy Carriers at ETH Zürich. Steinfeld was awarded for his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, including the work on his Solar Refinery.
The Dr. Barry B. Bercu Biomedical University Inventor Prize recognizes outstanding innovation in the biomedical field. Established by the Bercu family to honor the legacy of Dr. Barry Bercu, FNAI, a visionary pediatric endocrinologist and innovator, the prize aims to advance solutions that improve patient care and enhance quality of life through biomedical ingenuity. This year’s awardees were students from Pennsylvania State University, Purva Gupta, Ketan Dighe, and Nivetha Gunaseelan for their invention “EndoMark”, an improved recognition and prioritization of endometriosis diagnostics.
The US Department of Energy OTT / NAI Innovator of the Year Award, was developed in partnership with NAI Member Institution the US DOE Office of Technology Transitions. This award recognizes DOE innovators with an aim to highlight the invaluable contributions of their lab researchers in advancing technology transfer and commercialization missions across the DOE National Laboratories, plants, and sites. Vanessa Peña, Director of Technology Transfer Policy in the Office of Technology Transitions, presented the award to this year’s recipient Jiguang Zhang from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory for his work in the development of energy storage devices.
Thank you to our Annual Conference Sponsors
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Global Academic Information Network (GAIN)
Looking to connect with the world's leading inventors? GAIN (Global Academic Inventors Network) is an exclusive networking and mentorship platform for NAI Member Institutions, connecting innovators across academia, industry, and government. At the Academy, we recognize connection, mentorship, and collaboration is key to advancing research, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, and ensuring the future of invention. GAIN facilitates these ideas and more, offering members and students invaluable access to a global network of top inventors, exclusive resources, and opportunities to exchange advice—all within an intuitive, easy-to-use platform.
This year, GAIN expanded its offerings by launching GAIN Communities, specialized forums for focused discussions. Current forums include communities for women in innovation, NAI Chapter Members, and leadership from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Technology Transitions. Future enhancements will introduce training programs and recognition initiatives to celebrate inventors as they grow their networks.
Join the ever-growing GAIN community today and see what you can GAIN!
Intellectual Property Curriculum
Intellectual property education is crucial when moving an innovation to market. However, navigating the complexities of IP on one’s own can be overwhelming and confusing. NAI’s Intellectual Property (IP) course, done in partnership with the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property, equips innovators with essential knowledge about the U.S. intellectual property system, laying the foundation for a successful career in innovation. This curriculum provides a clear explanation of IP fundamentals and is free of charge to ensure all innovators have access to this critical knowledge. Currently, the program is utilized by universities across the nation to educate students and faculty about the importance of IP in advancing their research and inventions. Over 800 institutions and organizations have benefited from this program in the past year alone.
NAI is dedicated to increasing IP education and ensuring our Members have the tools they need to sharpen their skills and gain new ones. With that in mind, the Academy is developing expanded curriculum and certification courses. Like the current IP Curriculum, their thoughtful design will allow Members to take the courses for their own individual purposes or leverage them as a tool in their labs and classrooms. The first of these new curricula and certifications will launch in 2025, focusing on navigating entrepreneurship and the commercialization process. Stay tuned for updates through NAI channels.
Take the IP course today!
Have a suggestion for future curriculum? Contact info@academyofinventors.org.
From Campus to Commerce
NAI Member Institutions are home to innovations that are changing the world and improving our lives. However, the origins of these innovations and the inventive institutions behind them are largely unknown and unrecognized by the general public. In the From Campus to Commerce video series, we are showcasing the phenomenal work being done at our Member Institutions by highlighting inventions created on campus and the commercialization process that has brought them to market. Focusing on the collaboration between inventors, technology transfer offices, institutional administration, and even private sector leaders, this series explores the unique journeys of innovations as they move from the bench into the marketplace and how they impact the lives of consumers.
Watch the series now!
Interested in showcasing your institution in From Campus to Commerce? Contact info@academyofinventors.org to schedule a meeting.
ScholarShare Webinar Series
Looking to share your insights and discoveries with the broader innovation community? NAI’s ScholarShare webinar series connects innovators with the broader innovation community through discussions on cutting-edge research, intellectual property protection, securing funding, and more. Hosted by world-class thought leaders, these webinars provide invaluable insights into the latest advancements across disciplines.
Interested in hosting a ScholarShare webinar? Contact programs@academyofinventors to schedule yours today.
Invention Insider
Invention is the backbone of progress, yet many contemporary inventors go unrecognized despite their transformative contributions to society. Invention Insider aims to change that by showcasing the faces behind the breakthroughs and sharing their insights and inventive journeys.
In 2025, the Academy will launch the Invention Insider Inventors Gallery — a new multimedia series produced by the NAI — which spotlights a diverse group of innovators shaping our world today. The series takes a look at their unique journeys and how they led to the incredible innovations that are making tangible societal impact.
As part of our mission to spotlight and celebrate excellence across innovation, Invention Insider also celebrates phenomenal innovators from NAI Member Institutions and beyond year round.
Know a phenomenal inventor that you’d like to see featured? Nominate them today!
Invention Ambassadors
The new NAI Invention Ambassador program showcases accomplished inventors across diverse fields, addressing the pivotal role of innovation in driving social, economic, and environmental progress. Through this program, we aim to recognize and encourage current and future inventors, celebrate and showcase the importance of academic invention, share best practices for the innovation ecosystem, and inspire the creation of a culture of innovation, ensuring shared impact for all.
NAI Invention Ambassadors are from a cross-sector of innovation fields and a range of perspectives and expertise and will be deployed to speak to varied audiences across the country, including students, education leaders, STEM professionals, and other stakeholders within the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. NAI Invention Ambassadors are now available for in-person and virtual speaking engagements.
Learn more about the NAI Invention Ambassadors
Request an NAI Invention Ambassador for an event
Technology and Innovation
Technology & Innovation (T&I), the official journal of the NAI, is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to invention and innovation, tackling topics unique and important to innovators in every part of the innovation ecosystem. T&I covers a diverse range of topics and perspectives, from the latest research in emerging technologies to best practices for translating research for real-world impact.
T&I's latest issue, Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Rehabilitation was releasd in March 2025. From improving prosthetic fit and comfort and impactful new technologies to optimizing rehabilitation techniques, this issue highlights the transformative impact of innovation on mobility and quality of life.
The Academy is excited to announce that the journal has entered a new chapter through its partnership with Taylor & Francis, a leading publisher with a legacy of supporting researchers spanning over two centuries. Their vision to support and connect researchers aligns with the Academy’s core mission, making them a perfect partner for the journal's future. T&I will continue to support our Member network by highlighting the important innovations and research being done within the innovation arena, as well as subjects that impact the innovation ecosystem at large.
Learn more about T&I
Top 100
Across the globe, academic and research institutions are developing technologies that are creating, or have the potential to create, incredible societal and economic impact. Protecting this intellectual property through U.S. patents is a vital step in moving these technologies to the marketplace. The NAI rankings, released annually using data obtained from the USPTO, aims to highlight the critical role patenting plays in translating research and innovation at both a national and global level. These rankings provide a valuable resource to the institutions as well, helping them track their issued patents and showcasing the impact of their technology transfer offices and commercialization endeavors.
The rankings have been published by the Academy for over a decade and have expanded to create comprehensive and focused views of the innovation landscape. The rankings now include the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents and Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents, showcasing both global and national institutions dedication to IP protection through U.S. patents. In 2024, NAI introduced their newest ranking, Top 60 Non-profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies Granted U.S. Utility Patents, created to highlight the role non-profit research institutions and government agencies play in advancing innovation around the world and driving the global economy.
View the Top 100 Worldwide Universities List
View the Top 100 U.S. Universities List
View the Top 60 Non-Profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies list
Member Institutions
The Academy is proud to have more than 260 universities and non-profit and governmental research institutes in our global network, representing 48 American states and 17 countries. By becoming an NAI Member Institution, universities and research institutes signal their commitment to creating a culture of innovation on their campus and in their broader community. They also showcase their appreciation of their inventive faculty and students by routinely recognizing and celebrating them and the high value they place on facilitating the commercialization of impactful innovations. Through their membership, these world-class learning and research institutes are committed to facilitating discovery for societal and economic progress.
Key Statistics
This past year, the Academy has welcomed 19 new Member Institutions: VentureWell, University of Wyoming, University of Vermont, University of Chicago, U.S. DOE Office of Technology Transitions and the National Labs, University of North Carolina Charlotte, The University of Hong Kong, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Texas State University, Southern University Law Center, New York Institute of Technology, MTF Biologics, Lawrence Technological University, Tulane University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Fayetteville State University, Augusta University, San Diego State University, and the Univeristy of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Member Institution.
Want to celebrate your Member Institution?
Submit your news to info@academyofinventors.org to be featured on NAI social media and in our newsletter.
Sustaining Member Institutions
NAI Sustaining Members demonstrate the highest commitment to facilitating innovation, not just at their own institution, but in the broader innovation ecosystem as well. These institutions are dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the inventors of today and tomorrow, supporting next generation inventors, and honoring their inventive faculty through expanded NAI Chapter opportunities. With their support, the Academy is able to develop programs and resources that serve the needs of both experienced and rising innovators — enabling innovators to be supported at every stage of their innovation journey.
This past year, two Sustaining Member Institutions collaborated with the Academy to establish awards celebrating inventors and their pursuit of IP protection and commercialization.
The Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (PMU) - NAI International Patent Award was established to recognize and honor distinguished scientists, research institutions, research centers, and universities across the globe for their outstanding patents and inventions that create positive societal impact. The Award was presented during a special ceremony at PMU’s campus in December and recognized the patents of New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Tara Alverez, University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Shane Farritor, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Susan Trammell.
Learn more about the award and the 2024 recipients.
“As the role of Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University extends beyond the campus, focusing on fostering innovation and sharing knowledge on a broader scale. We are happy to be an NAI Sustaining Member Institution, committed to recognizing and celebrating inventors not only for their impactful contributions but also for their dedication to translating and scaling up their innovations into transformative technologies that make a meaningful difference.”
Dr. Faisal Yousif, Vice President for Academic Affairs at PMU.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) worked with the Academy to establish the US Department of Energy OTT/NAI Innovator Award to recognize and celebrate DOE innovators and highlight their incredible contributions in advancing technology transfer and commercialization missions in DOE labs, plants, and sites. This year’s inaugural award winner was Jiguang Zhang from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who was recognized for his work in the development of energy storage devices.
Learn more about the exclusive opportunities afforded to Sustaining Member Institutions.
Today, there are 17 Sustaining Member Institutions, three of which were welcomed into the Academy this fiscal year: U.S. DOE Office of Technology Transitions and the National Labs, University of Wyoming, and The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
Current Sustaining Members
Arizona State University
Portable, Low-Cost Sensing Technologies for Better Health
ASU professor Erica Forzani and her team developed Breezing, the first portable, wearable metabolic rate analyzer. This handheld device uses breath analysis to provide accurate metabolic measurements, offering personalized health insights through a connected app. Breezing has been patented and commercialized through TF Health Co., with clinical studies demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting weight loss and improving key health metrics.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Inventors at CUHK filed more than 530 patents in the past year, with 44 U.S. utility patents and 349 global patents granted during the period. This achievement placed CUHK 79th worldwide and 2nd in Hong Kong in the National Academy of Inventors’ Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents 2023 rankings.
CUHK is home to innovators including professor Raymond Yeung Wai-ho, NAI Fellow since 2022. His BATched Sparse (BATS) code technology — supported by a new funding initiative recently launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Government — improves data transmission for smart cities and data centers.
US Department of Energy Office of Technology Transitions (DOE OTT)
The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) joined the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) in June 2024. OTT established DOE-wide membership with NAI to include researchers across DOE headquarter and DOE’s Labs, including 17 National Laboratories and the plants and sites under the National Nuclear Security Administration. DOE was ranked #1 on NAI’s Top 60 Non-profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies list in 2023. This membership provides resources and recognition to support innovation culture at DOE and the DOE Lab enterprise.
The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
Feinstein Institutes researchers first to use double neural bypass to restore feeling, movement in man living with quadriplegia
Researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the first successful use of double neural bypass technology to restore both movement and sensation in a man living with quadriplegia. This innovative technique — recognized as a TIME Best Invention of 2024 — combines brain implants, artificial intelligence, and advanced stimulation technologies to reconnect the brain, body, and spinal cord.
The approach has shown remarkable results, with the participant regaining arm strength, natural sensation, and the ability to perform actions such as grasping and lifting a cup using only his thoughts. By fostering new neural pathways and promoting recovery, this technology offers hope for millions living with paralysis, advancing the Feinstein Institutes’ mission to develop transformative bioelectronic medicine therapies.
Miami University (Ohio)
Miami University professor of Physics, Samir Bali, leads groundbreaking research in experimental quantum optics and metrology. Bali’s work includes trapping and freezing atoms in a laser-formed "optical lattice," creating conditions a million times colder than outer space. This phenomenon, described as the “coldest spot in Ohio,” enables applications ranging from quantum computing to efficient nanomachines.
Bali and his colleague Imran Mirza recently received an $800,000 National Science Foundation grant to advance Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) research and education at Miami. Their work on squeezed light beams has the potential to detect extremely weak magnetic fields, with applications in fields such as neuroscience and resource exploration.
New York University
New York University Startup MICSI is Transforming MRI with Higher-Resolution, More Efficient Imaging
MICSI (Microstructure Imaging, INC), a spin-off from NYU, is setting new standards in medical imaging with its FDA-cleared software suite. Founded in 2018 by NYU graduates Dr. Gregory Lemberskiy and Dr. Benjamin Ades-Aron, the company’s innovation enhances MRI image quality, shortens scan times, and enables new diagnostic capabilities, particularly for low-field MRI systems. The technology reduces costs by improving the resolution of 1.5 T MRI scans to match the quality of 3 T scanners.
North Carolina State University
NC State University continues to drive innovation as a research powerhouse and key economic engine for North Carolina. With over 26 NAI Fellows, numerous Senior Members, and seven innovators inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the university is a leader in research commercialization and intellectual property development.
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
PMU Patent Center is showcasing their dedication to their mission of facilitating, promoting, and collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to nurture an environment that drives innovation and invention through their partnership with the Academy. In 2024, PMU partnered with the Academy to establish the PMU-NAI International Patent Award, strengthening their position as a hub for pioneering research and cutting-edge technological advancements.
Texas Tech University
TTU is driving research and commercialization efforts through the One Health initiative, a collaborative approach that addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health to develop innovative solutions for complex health challenges.
NAI Senior Members Annelise Nguyen and Siva Vanapalli exemplify the University’s commitment to innovating to improve quality of life locally and globally. Dr. Nguyen’s work at the School of Veterinary Medicine enhances One Health research and training with advanced technologies for precision medicine and rural diagnostics. Dr. Vanapalli, co-founder of NemaLife and Professor of Engineering, develops sustainable microfluidic solutions to accelerate discoveries in biotechnology.
United Arab Emirates University
UAEU is setting a benchmark for sustainability with innovative research, educational programs, and community engagement. UAEU researchers have been granted several U.S. patents for advancements in desalination systems, including low-cost, solar-powered, and low-energy technologies, as well as a pioneering carbon absorption model to support net-zero emissions goals.
Aligned with the UAE’s preparations for COP28, UAEU has launched a comprehensive roadmap focusing on research, youth empowerment, and partnerships. This includes a Sustainable Development Goals Research Program and a postdoctoral fellowship on climate action.
University of California, Riverside
UCR advanced its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic impact through targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships. The university supported 144 inventors across its community, including faculty, students, and postdocs, resulting in 76 new invention disclosures and 13 intellectual property agreements. Key areas of innovation included human therapeutics, environmental biotechnology, robotics, and data science.
UCR also achieved milestones in commercialization, including a record-breaking license agreement with Enza Zaden B.V. for its green asparagus breeding program and the public launch of hockey sticks featuring UCR’s blade technology through Helicoid Industries and CCM Hockey.
University of Central Florida
UCF Fuels America’s Space Program with Innovative Education, Medicine and Tech
UCF continues its legacy as a leader in space innovation and education, advancing technologies in space medicine, propulsion, and engineering. With more than 40 active NASA projects totaling $67 million in funding, UCF researchers are developing cutting-edge solutions like 3D-printed lunar bricks for off-world habitats and CubeSat technologies for affordable exploration.
UCF’s space commercialization program, led by Greg Autry, prepares students for the expanding commercial space sector through partnerships with industry leaders like NASA, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic. Patented technologies developed at UCF, including lunar ice extraction and magnetic sintering of moon soil, enable sustainable operations in space while reducing Earth’s environmental impact.
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Ciobanu’s research advances swine genetics, revolutionizing the industry
Dr. Daniel Ciobanu, NAI Fellow and professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has developed genetic tests to address major challenges in swine health, including susceptibility to porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2). These innovations, part of the collaborative SowPro90 DNA genotyping array project, improve disease resistance and productivity in swine, benefiting producers globally.
Ciobanu’s research has significantly impacted the livestock industry, with his discoveries widely adopted by swine genetics companies.
University of South Florida
Veterans’ Champion and Pioneer in Regenerative Medicine, NAI Fellow Niketa Patel is Transforming Treatments for Devastating Disease and Injury
A professor at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine, Dr. Patel is driving advancements in regenerative medicine and improving treatments for diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain injuries. Her major work on RNA-targeting compounds and alternative splicing pathways has redefined understandings of disease mechanisms, offering new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Patel holds 13 U.S. patents, including pioneering innovations in wound-healing and brain repair using exosomes from human adipose-derived stem cells.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming has a dynamic, robust and growing research engine that serves to drive economic growth for the State of Wyoming and its citizens. In 2024, UW joined the Academy as a Sustaining Member Institution and is committed to driving increases in research, innovation, and new business development.
UW researchers are developing impactful solutions in fields such as medical imaging and diagnostics, agriculture, and geological studies. In 2024, UW was awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation as part of the Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program. This grant is being used to promote translational research, reengineer the UW technology transfer office, and foster a culture of innovation and commercialization.
NAI Chapters play an instrumental role in strengthening the innovation ecosystem. In addition to serving their respective institutional communities, Chapters are an incredibly powerful tool that NAI Member Institutions can utilize to bring about their vision for impactful innovation and research within their institutions and communities. With access to the wealth of NAI’s program and resources and its customizable nature, Chapters can be tailored to meet your institution’s interests, from arming staff and students with critical educational resources to celebrating faculty inventors through special events and recognitions.
The Academy’s Chapter network is currently comprised of 51 official chapters. These Chapters serve as hubs for connection, facilitating collaboration and encouraging and engaging students, inventors, and leaders within NAI Member Institutions and in their local communities. They also celebrate and highlight the achievements of NAI Members, honor innovation champions, and promote innovation through events, ceremonial inductions, activities, and more. In all, NAI Chapters foster a dynamic innovation culture, creating a shared network in which inventors and advocates for innovation across the institution are recognized, supported, and celebrated.
We are pleased to recognize the seven new chapters that were established this fiscal year: Tufts University, University of Hong Kong, University of Iowa, the University of Utah, University of Arkansas, Lawrence Technological University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Interested in starting a Chapter?
Chapter Highlights
This event aimed to enhance the research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem at NJIT and provided attendees with the opportunity to engage with experts in intellectual property, tech transfer, licensing, and funding strategies.
Learn more about the event
Learn more about why LTU established an NAI Chapter.
Their latest meeting in the fall of 2024 brought together industry experts, academic leaders, and aspiring inventors, and provided a platform for discussions on intellectual property, green technology, and sustainable development.
Learn more about Northeastern’s robust chapter and how they’re engaging their inventive faculty and students.
Chapter of Excellence Award
In 2023, the Academy introduced the Chapter of Excellence Award to recognize the efforts and dedication of exceptional NAI Chapters. This recognition is awarded based on member participation and collaboration with its host Member Institution and others in the innovation ecosystem. Promotion and marketing of the Chapter and its activities, and the overall support the Chapter provides to its members and host Member Institution are also criteria for the award. Stony Brook University was the recipient of this year’s Chapter of Excellence Award and was recognized during the 13th Annual Conference.
Stony Brook University
Established 2015, 100 Members
Since its inception in 2015, Stony Brook University’s NAI Chapter has successfully created a thriving community of inventors on its campus. The chapter organizes informational and networking events, provides activities aimed at strengthening the innovation community on campus, and honors early-career innovators with its annual Young Academic Inventors Award and a Young Inventors Symposium.
Fellows Program
Established in 2012, the NAI Fellows Program recognizes individuals whose patented innovations have made an enduring and profound economic and societal impact. Becoming an NAI Fellow is the highest professional distinction awarded to inventors. So, it is no surprise that these individuals are often celebrated as pioneers in their field.
Fellows are experienced innovators, typically holding a median of 20 patents, and have often been honored by some of the most prestigious organizations and accolades within the innovation ecosystem, including but not limited to, the Nobel Prize, the US National Medal of Technology and Innovation and US National Medal of Science, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
“NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, generating crucial advancements across scientific disciplines and creating tangible impacts as they move their technologies from lab to marketplace.”
- Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, President of the National Academy of Inventors
The Fellows Program currently comprises 2,068 Fellows, representing over 300 universities and non-profit and governmental research institutes worldwide.
The 2023 Class of Fellows consists of 162 individuals, hailing from 118 research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutions worldwide. It includes 89 individuals from the Association of American Universities (AAU) institutions and 128 individuals from R1 universities. Collectively, the 2023 Fellows hold over 4,600 issued U.S. patents. They were honored in the Fellows Induction Ceremony held during the Academy’s 13th Annual Meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina in June of 2024. View pictures from the Fellows Induction Ceremony.
The 2024 Class of Fellows is the largest to date, with 170 individuals representing 135 research universities, governmental and non-profit research institutions across the globe. Collectively, they hold over 5,600 U.S. patents. This class includes researchers holding prestigious honors and distinctions such as the Nobel Prize, U.S. National Medal of Technology and Innovation and National Medal of Science, and membership to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The 2024 Class will be honored during the 14th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 26th, 2025.
See the full 2023 class list of Fellows
Learn more about the Fellows Program
Search our Fellows Directory
Senior Member Program
Introduced in 2018, the Senior Members program recognizes individuals affiliated with NAI Member Institutions whose success in patented innovations have created or have the potential to create tangible societal impact. Senior Members are typically active scientists, faculty, or administrators who are considered early-stage innovators and are recognized as rising leaders in their field. Today, NAI Senior Members include 715 emerging innovators holding almost 7,000 patents.
Learn more about the Senior Member Program
Search the Senior Member Directory
The 2024 class of Senior Members, composed of 124 individuals, was elected in February 2024 and honored during the Senior Member Induction Ceremony at the Academy’s 13th Annual Meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina in June.
Hailing from 60 NAI Member institutions across the nation, the 2024 class are, collectively, named inventors on over 1,000 U.S. patents — with 344 of those being licensed technologies and commercialized products.
View pictures from the Senior Member Induction Ceremony
See the 2024 class of Senior Members
The 2025 class of Senior Members, elected in February 2025, is the largest class to date with 162 individuals hailing from 64 NAI Member Institutions. Collectively, they are named inventors on over 1,200 U.S. patents. The 2025 class will be honored during the 14th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 25th, 2025.
See the 2025 class of Senior Members
Honorary Members
The Honorary Member program recognizes and celebrates the dedication and service of individuals who are making significant contributions to the innovation ecosystem. Their work helps facilitate, nurture, or promote economic development through research and innovation at their institutions, in their local communities, and beyond. These individuals include technology transfer officers, institutional administration, industry leaders, and government officials who are championing innovation at their respective institutions and beyond.
The 2024 class was recognized at the 13th Annual Conference and included 28 individuals from across sectors of industry, government, and academia.
Learn more about Honorary Members
View the Honorary Member Directory
At the Academy, we celebrate all of our Members as they continue on their inventive journey. If you are a Fellow, Senior Member, or Honorary Member, we encourage you to share your news with us so that we can recognize you and share your work through our media channels.
Have news you'd like to share? Send it to info@academyofinventors.org.
Thank You
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National Academy Of Inventors
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