The Lemelson-MIT Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology celebrates inventors who have turned their ideas into innovations and new products that transform our lives. In an effort to elevate inventors to “rock star” status, the Program highlights successful inventor role models and encourages young people to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology by sparking curiosity through hands-on invention challenges.
 

The Lemelson-MIT Program includes:

• Prizes for invention and innovation, including a $500,000 Prize, Lifetime Achievement Award, Award for Sustainability and series of Student Prizes.
• InvenTeam grants for teams of high school students that build and test their own prototypes’ ability to solve real-world problems.
• The annual EurekaFest celebration which engages students and families in a multi-day event that honors role models and hosts invention-focused demonstrations, student competitions, and hands-on workshops.

In its 15 years, the Lemelson-MIT Program has created broad awareness of the importance of invention and inspired young inventors to make a real difference. The $500,000 prize, dubbed the "Oscar for Inventors" by CNN, is recognized as one of the world's most prestigious honors for inventors. Lemelson-MIT Student Prize winners have secured over $63 million in funding and launched companies that provide employment to more than 50 people. Additionally, over 1,200 high school students at 94 schools across the country have participated in the InvenTeams program.

Read more: Lemelson-MIT program and award winners

  www.web.mit.edu/invent