What Does It Mean to Be a Hall of Fame Inductee?

At any Hall of Fame, you will find inspiring individuals who are considered the best in their field. But at the National Inventors Hall of Fame^®, you’ll find much more. 

Our Hall of Fame not only honors the nation’s greatest inventors, but it also inspires and challenges the next generations to make their own innovative mark on the world. For this reason, the role of a National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee is not meant to end with our Induction Ceremony. As these extraordinary creators and innovators become actively involved in our mission, they reach far beyond one event, into communities across the country. 

Wondering what the journey of a National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee looks like? Read on to follow their path.

Nomination

Every Inductee’s journey starts with a nomination. We invite everyone to submit nominations by following these steps:

1. Identify a patent-holding inventor whose work is recognized as important to their field, is in widespread use and has made a major impact on the world. 
2. Visit our nomination page to tell us about your nominee, their invention and their impact.
3. Submit your completed website form so our panel of experts in science, technology, engineering and patents can consider your nominee for selection.

Our selection panel aims to identify unique stories of inventors who have demonstrated perseverance, resourcefulness and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Induction

Every year, the National Inventors Hall of Fame welcomes a new class of inventors at our Induction Ceremony: the Greatest Celebration of American Innovation^®. 

The Induction Ceremony brings together past Inductees, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) officials and innovative leaders across industries. While celebrating life-changing achievements, past Inductees often encourage members of the new class to join them in becoming deeply involved in the Hall of Fame mission following the event. 

Integration

Inductees’ stories form the foundation for all aspects of the National Inventors Hall of Fame mission: to recognize invention, promote creativity, and advance the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

We believe everyone can learn valuable lessons from these real-life superheroes whose inventions have made our lives easier, safer, healthier and more enjoyable. So, we integrate their stories into everything we do — from engaging exhibits at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum to invention education programs that reach students across the country.

Education

Through our invention education programs, like Camp Invention^® for grades K-6 and Invention Project^® for grades PreK-8, the Hall of Fame turns the lessons of our Inductees into hands-on, creative STEM challenges for kids across the country.

Research shows that these programs:

• Contribute to better school attendance, GPA and test scores
• Result in significant short-term and long-term improvements in creativity, STEM interest, collaboration and problem solving
• Reduce children’s science anxiety and math anxiety
• Boost children’s confidence and encourage a love of learning           
• Help children identify inventors as relatable role models

By providing children with opportunities to develop their own solutions to real-world problems, these programs guide them to build the I Can Invent^® Mindset. This is the same growth mindset our Inductees have used to change the world, and it equips children to become confident, creative problem solvers who can navigate and overcome any challenge in life.

Not only do our Inductees inspire all our programs, but some also collaborate directly with our education team to develop program curricula. Many Inductees also choose to visit Camp Invention programs, where they personally encourage children’s curiosity, creativity and persistence. 

Mentorship

National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees find even more mentorship opportunities at our annual Collegiate Inventors Competition^® (CIC). This unique competition recognizes and rewards emerging inventors, inviting Finalists to present their work to Judges including USPTO patent examiners and Hall of Fame Inductees.

Inductee Judges provide CIC Finalists with expert feedback, insight and advice on their path toward obtaining intellectual property rights and bringing their inventions to market. Meeting with Inductees is an unforgettable and invaluable experience for every CIC Finalist.

Philanthropy

As Inductees become actively involved in our events and programs, many also provide philanthropic gifts to support the Hall of Fame mission. Some Inductees also have invested in the future through National Inventors Hall of Fame Endowment gifts. 

Endowment funds provide the stability our nonprofit needs to continue delivering hands-on invention education programs to children nationwide. Whether they contribute to existing endowment funds or establish their own, Inductees’ generosity makes a meaningful, lasting difference.

Get Involved 

Since 1973, the National Inventors Hall of Fame has honored more than 650 world-changing inventors — and we know there are always more inventors’ stories to tell. 

To bring our attention to the next great inventor who could begin the journey of a Hall of Fame Inductee, submit a nomination today.