Improving the World Through Invention

The $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize recognizes individuals who translate their ideas into inventions and innovations that improve the world in which we live.

Dubbed the "Oscar for Inventors," the Lemelson-MIT Prize is awarded to outstanding mid-career inventors, who have developed a patented product or process of significant value to society, which has been adopted for practical use, or has a high probability of being adopted. By recognizing and funding younger, mid-career inventors, the prize is designed to spur inventive careers and provide role models for future generations of inventors.

Lemelson-MIT Prize Objectives

The Lemelson-MIT Prize seeks to highlight the pivotal role inventive activity plays in the achievement of positive social, cultural and economic goals. The objectives of the Lemelson-MIT Prize are to:

• recognize and reward America’s outstanding mid-career inventors
• encourage broad dissemination of invention(s) to achieve maximum impact
• celebrate individuals who enhance economic opportunity and community well-being through their inventive work
• foster continued inventive work that creates opportunities and overcomes challenges
• increase awareness of the work of inventors and the potential for commercialization and wider adoption of their inventions
• promote role models who can inspire young people to pursue creative lives and careers

Definition of Technological Invention | Eligibility Requirements | Nomination Instructions | Mailing Nominations