National Academy of Inventors

The room will be full before the sessions even begin. Join leaders from across research institutions, industry, and federal agencies at the Welcome & Networking Breakfast. Kick off the NAI’s 15th Annual Conference by connecting with the people shaping how innovation moves forward before the conference formally begins. Join us Tuesday morning at the Hollywood Ballroom Foyer, Loews Hollywood Hotel. Explore the agenda to see who you'll be in the room with: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… Thank you Fulgent Genetics for sponsoring the NAI’s Welcome & Networking Breakfast. #NAI #NAI2026 #Invention #Innovation

NAI Fellows Nominations are NOW OPEN for the 2026 Class. Submit nominations May 1 - July 31, 2026. Do you know an inventor whose work is shaping the future? Nominate them for the highest professional distinction awarded exclusively to innovators. NAI Fellows are recognized for: • Breakthrough Discoveries and Technologies • Pioneering Patents • Licensing and Lasting Societal Impact • Championing a Culture of Innovation Submit your nomination today through the Fellows Nomination Portal: ow.ly/kmTX50YSCIy New to the process? Click SIGN UP to create an account. Learn more about the nomination criteria: ow.ly/Q8PS50YSCIz Questions? Contact us at members@academyofinventors.org Join us in celebrating the visionaries who are shaping the future and transforming our world through bold innovation. #NAIFellows #NominateNow #Inventor #Innovation #Invention

Destiny is making the impossible real. Lanny Smoot turns imagination into physical experience. As Disney’s most prolific inventor, he has developed technologies that bring stories off the screen and into the real world. From interactive attractions to immersive environments that respond, move, and surprise in real time, his work has created moments that feel like magic and shaped how millions of people experience entertainment. We’re honored to welcome National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee Lanny Smoot as a speaker at the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference, June 1–4, 2026, in Los Angeles. Explore the conference program: ow.ly/nWbX50YRNu5 #NAI #NAI2026 #inventing #inventors

Destiny is turning discovery into purpose. As the former Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Sethuraman Panchanathan, FNAI is no stranger to forging pathways that turn ideas into actionable impact. During his tenure at NSF, he established the first directorate in over 30 years, the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), which accelerates the translation of science and technology for economic progress, national security, and societal impact. A global leader in science, engineering, and education, Panchanthan continues to drive research, innovation, collaboration, and growth at NAI Member Institution Arizona State University and beyond. We’re honored to welcome Sethuraman Panchanthan as the moderator of a featured panel at the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference, June 1–4, 2026, in Los Angeles. Explore the conference program: ow.ly/Ulr550YRNeO

Thank you to United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), a Sustaining Member of the Academy, for sponsoring The Missing Middle: Funding IP from Discovery to Impact panel at the NAI’s 15th Annual Conference. As the UAE’s flagship national university, UAEU plays a vital role in advancing research excellence and strengthening national innovation capacity. Their sponsorship supports a critical leadership discussion on how institutions bridge the gap between discovery and scalable impact — ensuring that research moves beyond publication and into meaningful application. Be part of NAI 2026 in Los Angeles, June 1–4: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… To explore partnership opportunities for NAI 2026, visit: academyofinventors.org/sponsorship-re… #NAI #NAI2026 #innovation #invention

“People thought it was impossible. They truly did not think it could be done.” — Henry Samueli, FNAI, co-founder of Broadcom In this inspiring video from the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Dr. Henry Samueli reflects on the moments that shaped his life as an innovator and the values that guide him. Congratulations again on being inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Dr. Samueli! Watch here: youtu.be/AA_sfoFvyt4 #NAIFellow #innovation #invention

Reminder: The NAI’s reduced group rate at the Loews Hollywood Hotel ends May 1. Rooms may still be available after this date, but no longer at the conference rate. With one week remaining, we encourage attendees of the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference to finalize their plans. The Loews Hollywood Hotel will serve as the central hub for four days of programming, discussion, and connection across the global innovation community. Secure your room and complete your registration: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… #NAI2026 #innovation #invention

Join the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and partner organizations, including the NAI, on Wednesday April 29 in Washington, DC, to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day 2026. This annual international event is an opportunity to learn about the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The theme of this year’s celebration is “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” Learn more and register here: aipla.org/detail/event/2… #WorldIPDay

We are pleased to once again welcome Wayne State University as a Member Institution of the National Academy of Inventors! An R1 research institution and member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Wayne State University has re-engaged with the Academy following a brief hiatus, reflecting a continued commitment to innovation, research excellence, and real-world impact. We look forward to building on Wayne State University’s legacy of innovation within the NAI community. #innovation #invention #NAIMember

THE AGING ACADEMIC INVENTOR An article in Technology and Innovation explores how age contributes to invention, emphasizing the role of both accumulated knowledge and collaborative teams. The discussion highlights how experienced researchers bring depth and historical perspective, while younger collaborators contribute new ways of thinking, which together support the development of patentable ideas. This finding reinforces the importance of building teams and environments that support innovation across different stages of experience. Read the article by Kimberly Bjugstad, PhD, Roland D. Shytle, and Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI: tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.21… #NAI #TechnologyandInnovation #innovation #invention #technology

Congratulations to Shuji Nakamura, FNAI, on being selected to receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from University of Oxford. Dr. Nakamura is a professor of electrical and computer engineering and materials at University of California, Santa Barbara, where his pioneering research continues to advance energy-efficient technologies. A Nobel Laureate and inventor of the blue LED, his groundbreaking work enabled a global shift toward energy-efficient lighting and has had a lasting impact on industry and society. Reflecting on this recognition, Dr. Nakamura shared, “The development of the blue LED was the result of many years of persistence and collaboration, and I am grateful to the colleagues and students who have contributed to advancing this technology and its impact on society." We are proud to celebrate Dr. Nakamura as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and this well-deserved honor. Join us in congratulating him! #NAIFellow #innovation #invention

A special thank you to Tufts University for sponsoring the Senior Member Induction & Reception at the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference! A leading research university, Tufts is committed to advancing innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving real-world impact. This signature event celebrates the 2026 class of NAI Senior Members — rising innovators whose work is shaping the future of research translation. As the sponsor of the Senior Member Induction & Reception, Tufts plays a key role in honoring these emerging leaders at a pivotal moment in their careers, bringing the community together to celebrate achievement and leadership. Join us June 1–4, 2026, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… Organizations seeking visibility among leaders shaping the future of research-driven innovation can learn more here: academyofinventors.org/sponsorship-re… #NAI2026 #innovation #invention

What can the Telecommunications Act of 1996 teach us about today’s AI policy landscape? Robert V. Duncan, FNAI, NAI Board Member, and President’s Distinguished Chair in Physics at Texas Tech University, recently joined Jill Malandrino on Nasdaq TradeTalks to answer this question. He was joined by Andoni Economou, Co-Founder and COO of MetTel, and Francisco J. Morales Barrón, Partner at Vinson & Elkins, for a discussion on how past telecom policy decisions continue to shape today’s infrastructure, competition, and innovation — and what that means for AI. From the role of universities in driving early-stage discovery to the importance of policy and intellectual property in scaling innovation, the conversation reflects themes central to the mission of the National Academy of Inventors. The National Academy of Inventors is proud to see its Fellows contributing to these critical, timely conversations. Watch the full interview: nasdaq.com/videos/telecom… #NASDAQ #AI

Only a few spots remain for the Welcome Reception at the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference. Set at the University of Southern California’s historic Town and Gown, this special opening night event offers an intimate, elevated opportunity to gather inside one of the university’s most iconic and beautifully designed spaces and hear insights from two of its most respected leaders in innovation. The evening will feature remarks from Mark A. Stevens, Founder of the USC Stevens Center for Innovation, and Beong-Soo Kim, President of the University of Southern California. This is where the conversation begins. Once these remaining spots are filled, access to the reception will close. We thank the University of Southern California for serving as our Host institution. Learn more and register: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… #NAI #NAI2026

NAI Announces Top 60 Patenting Worldwide Non-Profit Institutions and Government Agencies The National Academy of Inventors has released its 2025 Top 60 Worldwide Non-Profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies list, highlighting the critical role these organizations play in advancing innovation that drives societal and economic impact around the globe. "Patents serve as a cornerstone of the innovation ecosystem, providing inventors and institutions with the incentive to invest time and resources into developing transformative technologies," said Lisa Jorgenson, Deputy General Director of the Patents and Technology Sector at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). "The NAI continues to be an invaluable champion for inventors worldwide, and through initiatives like this, they are helping to shine a light on the critical role that intellectual property protection plays in ensuring groundbreaking discoveries can be translated into real-world solutions that benefit society on a global scale." Collectively, the organizations on this year’s list hold over 5,500 patents and represent 17 countries. Explore the full Top 60 Worldwide Non-Profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies list here: academyofinventors.org/nai-announces-… #NAI #patents

Destiny is scale. Mark A. Stevens has dedicated his career to helping transformative technologies grow from promising ideas into companies that shape entire industries. After more than three decades investing in the technology sector — including many years at Sequoia Capital — Stevens understands exactly what is required for ideas to move beyond the lab and reach global markets. That perspective helped inspire a landmark philanthropic gift from Stevens and his wife Mary establishing the USC Stevens Center for Innovation at his alma mater. Today, the center serves as USC’s central hub for patenting, entrepreneurship, and the commercialization of discoveries. We’re honored to welcome Mark A. Stevens as a speaker at the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference, June 1–4, 2026, in Los Angeles. Thank you, USC, for being our Host Institution. Learn more and register your attendance: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… #NAI #NAI2026 #innovation #invention #IP

STRUCTURAL DRIVERS OF INNOVATION DIVERGENCE ACROSS ARIZONA’S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES Innovation is shaped by how systems are designed to work together. A new article in Technology and Innovation presents a data-driven analysis of Arizona’s public universities and their roles in the state’s growing innovation ecosystem. The findings highlight a complementary structure: Universities contributing differently across invention generation, commercialization, and regional impact are together strengthening statewide economic performance. Read the new article by Prof. Mihri Ozkan, FNAI, Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, and Sethuraman Panchanathan, FNAI: tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.10… #NAI

Thank you to IDiyas for supporting the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference as an Exhibit Booth Sponsor. IDiyas is focused on strengthening the visibility, recognition, and understanding of inventorship. The organization builds tools and resources that support inventors, intellectual property professionals, and research teams. Their presence at NAI 2026 reflects a shared commitment to elevating inventors and strengthening the systems that support innovation across institutions. Join us June 1–4, 2026, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… Organizations committed to advancing invention and intellectual property can explore partnership opportunities here: academyofinventors.org/sponsorship-re… #NAI2026 #innovation #invention

Innovation doesn’t happen often in isolation. It is taught, encouraged, and carried forward. At the NAI’s 15th Annual Conference, join us for a rare and candid conversation featuring Robert S. Langer, FNAI, and Gary Michelson, FNAI, led by Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI. These two leaders have not only advanced human health through invention, but have also dedicated themselves to empowering others to do the same. From mentoring generations of inventors to expanding access to intellectual property education and building institutions that support commercialization, their impact extends far beyond their own work. Together, they will discuss the responsibility of inventors in shaping the future, the systems that support innovation, and why protecting intellectual property is critical to progress. Will you be joining us in Los Angeles this June 1-4? Explore the conference agenda: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… #NAI #NAI2026 #inventing #inventors

A big thank you to the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP) for sponsoring the lanyards at the National Academy of Inventors’ 15th Annual Conference! C4IP is dedicated to advancing policies and initiatives that strengthen intellectual property rights and fuel innovation across industries. As our Lanyard Sponsor, their support is woven throughout the conference experience and serves as a visible reminder of their commitment to empowering inventors and strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Join us June 1–4, 2026, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles: web.cvent.com/event/39e5f307… Organizations advancing innovation and intellectual property can explore partnership opportunities here: academyofinventors.org/sponsorship-re… #NAI2026 #innovation #invention #patents