Changing the World Through Invention

Each day scientists, engineers and inventors are motivated by ideas. The prestigious $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize recognizes individuals who turn their ideas into inventions and innovations that change the world we live in and improve life for all of us.

Dubbed the "Oscar for Inventors," the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize is bestowed upon outstanding mid-career inventors, who have developed a patented product or process of significant value to society, which could be or has been adopted for practical use. 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.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible candidates of the $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize are the following:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Inventors who are mid-career and rising in their respective fields; For those who are college graduates, mid-career means having received their bachelor's degrees no earlier than 25 years prior to July 1 of the year that the prize is awarded
• Owners of two U.S. patents, one of which is a product or process that provides a significant benefit (potential or realized) to society
• Inventors in one (or more) of the following categories: medicine and healthcare, computers and telecommunications, consumer products, energy and environment, or industrial products
• Individuals who are an inspiration to young people, through their creativity, outreach or mentoring activities

Candidates may be individuals or two collaborating inventors, and they must be nominated by one of their peers. Winners will be invited and encouraged to participate in Lemelson-MIT Program activities, including youth outreach opportunities to inspire young people to pursue creative lives and careers.

Nomination Guidelines
First, complete the online nomination cover sheet. Second, after the nomination cover letter has been completed and submitted online, please prepare the following materials for the candidate's nomination packet:

• Inventor Profile Summary
  Why should the candidate be recognized and rewarded? Summarize the candidate's major inventive accomplishments and why he/she is being nominated for the prize. Limit the summary to 75 words.
• Description of Inventiveness
  How could the prize potentially enhance the candidate's inventive work? Describe how the candidate's accomplishments in invention and the impact and benefit to society. Limit the description to 750 words.
• Biography
  What distinguishes the candidate? Highlight experience, education, awards, recognitions, publications, copyrights, trademarks, and invited lectures and conferences in a one-page summary (8.5" x 11").
• Youth Outreach Experience and Interest
  Has the candidate participated in youth outreach or shown an interest in youth outreach? Explain why the candidate might be an exemplary role model for young people. Limit the description to 250 words.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  Limit to five single-sided pages (8.5" x 11"); summarize where necessary.
• Patent Documentation
  Include a minimum of two or a maximum of five patent abstracts. A list of patent numbers and titles only may be submitted for additional patents.
• Recommendations
  Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommenders should describe their affiliation with the candidate and include their name, title, employer, department, address, email address, telephone and fax number. Limit each to two single-sided pages (8.5" x 11").
• Optional Materials
  Other pertinent materials to support the candidate's achievements may be provided, such as professional articles and press clippings. Limit to 10 single-sided pages (8.5" x 11").

Send the original nomination packet (unbound, single-sided) to the Lemelson-MIT Program office via special delivery only:

Special Delivery (i.e. FedEx, DHL, UPS):
The Lemelson-MIT Program
Attn: Lemelson-MIT Awards
MIT School of Engineering
30 Memorial Dr., E60-215
Cambridge, MA 02142
617-253-3352

Please note: We will not be accepting nomination packets through standard mail.

Information about the candidate presented in the nomination packet may be used to prepare public educational materials, if the candidate is selected as the Prize recipient. Please contact the Lemelson-MIT Program Officer, lemelson_awards@mit.edu, if you have any questions.

Learn more about previous recipients in our Winners' Circle. Please note: different eligibility criteria applied to the prize from 1995-2006.

The $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize is part of multi-faceted program administered by the Lemelson-MIT Program and established by the Lemelson Foundation to recognize outstanding inventors, encourage sustainable new solutions to real-world problems, and enable and inspire young people to pursue creative lives and careers through invention.