Friday, April 30, 2021

Nominations sought for prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation

WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for the 2021 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI). The NMTI is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and is presented to recipients by the President of the United States at a White House ceremony.

“By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, this medal is meant to inspire future generations to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership,” said Drew Hirshfeld, performing the functions and duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “The USPTO is honored to help celebrate the best minds in American innovation whose creations have improved our world.”

The medal is awarded to individuals, teams (up to four individuals), and companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s economic, environmental, and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technological products, processes and concepts, technological innovation, and strengthening the nation’s technological workforce.

Anyone can nominate for the NMTI by submitting the online nomination form and letters of support. Applicants must submit all nominations by 11:59 p.m. ET, July 30, 2021. Nominations of candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged.

Detailed information about the nomination guidelines, a preview of the nomination questions, and a link to the nomination form is available on the NMTI webpage. For more information about the award and nomination process, please contact nmti@uspto.gov.

NMTI staff will hold a webinar to answer questions about the award and the nomination process on June 2 at noon ET. For more information and to register, please visit the event page on the USPTO website.