Awards

Sumbit your nomination today!

The National Academy of Inventors Innovation Philanthropy Award recognizes visionary philanthropists whose generosity has strengthened research universities, advanced innovation and entrepreneurship, and created lasting opportunities for inventors and discoveries to achieve meaningful societal and economic impact.

The Award celebrates individuals whose philanthropy does more than provide resources—it creates possibilities, builds innovation capacity, and inspires others to invest in the future of American innovation.

Nominations are now open. Submit your nomination here. The 2027 awardee will be recognized at NAI’s Annual Conference.

“America’s greatest breakthroughs begin with bold ideas, but those ideas only reach their full potential when people invest in them. Supporting our universities and innovators is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in America’s future. I am honored to receive this recognition and hope it inspires others to invest in the people and institutions that will shape the next generation of discovery.”

-Mark A. Stevens, Inaugural Recipient of the NAI Innovation Philanthropy Award

Innovation Philanthropy Award Recipients

Mark A. Stevens, HonNAI

2026

Eligibility

Nominees should demonstrate significant impact in one or more of the following areas:

  • Transformational Philanthropy — Significant philanthropic investment in research, invention, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, or related initiatives.
  • Impact on Innovation — Demonstrated results that have strengthened an institution or innovation ecosystem, enabled discoveries or technologies to advance, or created new opportunities for inventors and entrepreneurs.
  • Enduring Legacy — Support that has established or substantially strengthened programs, centers, facilities, initiatives, or other lasting innovation capacity.
  • Leadership & Inspiration — A commitment to innovation philanthropy that serves as an example and inspires others to invest in research, inventors, institutions, and the next generation of discovery.

Supporting Materials

Nominators may provide up to three supporting items, such as:

  • Letter of support
  • Impact summary or institutional documentation
  • Relevant article, announcement, or other evidence of philanthropic impact

Selection

Recipients will be selected based on the significance, impact, lasting legacy, and inspirational value of their philanthropy in advancing innovation.

The strongest nomination will answer one simple question: What became possible because this person chose to invest in innovation?