50 Years of Innovation: Shaping the Future

“I still think all the things that will make life better for all of humanity — most of the ideas are still to be discovered. That has to come from innovators and from future generations. I value the outreach by National Inventors Hall of Fame education programs, to reach young innovators and impress upon them their potential and their part to becoming innovators. The future of this country and of the world lies on their shoulders.” 
— National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductee Arogyaswami Paulraj, inventor of MIMO wireless technology
 

As the National Inventors Hall of Fame’s 50th year draws to a close, we look to the future with renewed commitment to our mission: to recognize inventors, promote creativity, and advance the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Connecting Generations of Innovators

One of the brightest moments in celebrating our 50th anniversary came during the 2023 National Inventors Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. While honoring our newest class of Inductees, we also welcomed to the stage a group of inspiring individuals who represent the impact of our mission at each stage of the innovative journey. As Inductees Lonnie Johnson and Lisa Lindahl, Collegiate Inventors Competition^® (CIC) Finalist Ethan Damiani, educator and Camp Invention^® Director Amy Adams, Leadership Intern Arushi Pandey and Camp Invention camper Jalani Maitlan appeared onstage, all in attendance could see the value of connecting generations of innovators through the Hall of Fame’s one-of-a-kind events, competitions and education programs.

Each year, as we welcome another class of visionary inventors, the Induction Ceremony is just the beginning. Our Inductees inspire, inform and often become actively involved in everything we do.

As Jim West said upon his own induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, "This distinguished honor comes with great responsibility — to nurture the curiosity and ingenuity of the young inventors that will follow in our footsteps."

Many Inductees serve as CIC Judges, providing invaluable feedback, insight and advice to emerging innovators representing colleges and universities across the country. Inductees also share their lessons and stories with the country’s youngest innovators through our hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and invention education programs including Camp Invention and Invention Project^®. Every Inductee inspires our unique curricula, and many directly collaborate with our team of education experts and even make personal visits to program sites to inspire and encourage budding innovators.

Empowering the Next World-Changers

By positioning the world’s greatest innovators as role models and sharing their diverse stories with coming generations, the National Inventors Hall of Fame ensures that our future is in capable, creative hands.

Each of our invention education programs taps into children’s natural inclination to create and guides them through the act of invention to build the I Can Invent^® Mindset. This growth mindset, which has been demonstrated by each of our more than 600 Inductees, will help kids navigate their lives, overcome any challenge and reach their full potential.

What could be more powerful than helping children build the mindset and skills they need? Each donation made to the National Inventors Hall of Fame is an investment in the future — a future where every child knows they can invent, and is equipped and empowered to change the world.

“The exposure my son received at Camp Invention has made him a more creative and confident child. He feels like he is able to create things, change things and make the world a better place.” 
— Daisy B., Camp Invention parent, Southlake, TX 
 

“My daughter is very excited about the idea of inventing new things and that her inventions could eventually solve world problems.” 
— Joel B., Camp Invention parent, Fishers, IN 
 

“My son has thought about more ways to build new things to help this world in the future! He is a builder and innovator, and you have definitely inspired him further!” 
— Marsha M., Camp Invention parent, Mt. Angel, OR 
 

“Camp Invention opened up a whole new creative world for my daughter! Now she looks around for things she can use to build new things, and she uses a creative thought process to figure out how to build it! She’s already looking forward to Camp Invention next year.” 
— Halo H., Camp Invention parent, Waterloo, IA 
 

“Every day, both my children came home with wonderful stories about their days. I was so impressed hearing about all the creative ways they were learning about entrepreneurship, problem solving and so much more. To be able to have fun with these critical concepts at such a young age will help arm them with skills they need to be successful. I am convinced that teaching our next generation of leaders these concepts and instilling these tools in them so young will make our world better.” 
— Deena M., Camp Invention parent, Bellingham, FL 
 

“My child has been so inspired by Camp Invention. His future goal is ‘to be an inventor and create something that helps people.’” 
— Jennifer B., Camp Invention parent, Massillon, OH

Contribute to the Next 50 Years of Innovation

Thank you to all our supporters for fueling progress since 1973. We look forward to all our National Inventors Hall of Fame family will accomplish together in the next 50 years.

Your donation to the National Inventors Hall of Fame makes a real difference by giving meaningful opportunities to children, educators and emerging inventors. You can direct your support to the cause you value most, from providing scholarships for education programs to funding hands-on learning materials.

Visit our website to make a one-time contribution or provide steady support by selecting a monthly donation.