Each year the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) honors those who have made outstanding contributions to American technology and innovation. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Award (NMTI) seeks nominations of those whose work in technology and innovation has contributed to America’s competitiveness, standard of living, quality of life and the strengthening of America’s technological workforce.
The NMTI is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and is bestowed by the President of the United States. Steve Jobs and Stephen Gary Wozniak of Apple were among the inaugural twelve awardees in 1980. Future award winners have come from a range of science and technology fields.
The medal is awarded to individuals, teams, and companies for their outstanding and lasting contributions to the nation’s economic, environmental, and social well-being. Nominations are judged by The National Medal of Technology and Innovation Nomination Evaluation Committee appointed by the secretary of commerce. They review and evaluate all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. The committee recommends candidates to the Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the President for final selection and announcement by the White House.
By highlighting the national importance of technological innovation, the medal is also meant to inspire future generations of Americans to prepare for and pursue technical careers to keep America at the forefront of global technology and economic leadership.
The Medal was last awarded in December 2015. Award Nominations for 2021 are open until July 30 and as of 2019 nominations are eligible for three years. Nominations of candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged. A recording of the June 2 webinar is now available on the NMTI webpage on the USPTO website. The NMTI program staff are readily available to answer any inquiries. The USPTO Awards newsletter is available for sign ups.
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