The Lemelson Foundation
Inventions change our world.

Invention is critical to the future we all want

International Invention Education

We believe that students and entrepreneurs in developing countries should be equipped with the mindsets, skillsets and tools to invent the future in their own communities and become part of the global innovation economy.

There is a tremendous need for invention to solve challenges in developing countries, but many of the necessary systems, such as an educational system that fosters invention and entrepreneurship across grades, do not yet exist.

Our Approach

The Foundation works with partners to fund educational programs to develop a pipeline of local inventors and future entrepreneurs in India and East Africa.

The goal is to produce self-sustaining, invention-based enterprises with social and environmental impact. We support organizations that offer hands-on, invention activities to underserved students.

These experiences allow students to:

  • Cultivate empathy and ability to identify and solve real-world problems.
  • Discover practical applications of STEM and design knowledge.
  • Learn critical mindsets such as resilience, persistence and a willingness to fail.
  • Strengthen creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence.
  • Learn the key principles of invention, such as problem identification, user-centered design skills, prototype creation and testing, and entrepreneurship.

For educators, we support programs to develop curricula, share best practices and create a global network of like-minded professionals.

The Foundation’s goal is to help build the enduring local organizations, schools, universities and educator networks that will increase demand for invention education in developing countries.

Featured Grantee Profiles

Grantee Profiles

August 15, 2018

Global Minimum: Building a new pipeline of young inventors in Africa to solve community challenges
Grantee Profiles

December 1, 2017

Rice 360°: Engaging engineering students to invent solutions to global health challenges
Grantee Profiles

May 1, 2019

SELCO Foundation: Improving lives and livelihoods in India with clean energy solutions

Learn More

Access developing country invention education resources here.