NORTH CANTON, Ohio — January 31, 2026
Executive Summary
The National Inventors Hall of Fame has announced the 2026 class of Inductees, recognizing fifteen inventors whose contributions span medicine, communications, agriculture, consumer products, transportation, energy, and advanced computing. Honored in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the 2026 class includes pioneers behind foundational innovations such as Wi-Fi technology, broadband communications, shapewear, gene editing, advanced wound care, agricultural resilience, and life-saving medical devices. According to the organization, the inductees will be formally honored during “The Greatest Celebration of American Innovation®,” held in Washington, D.C., in May 2026. The announcement highlights the Hall of Fame’s continued focus on recognizing inventions that have delivered measurable societal impact while illuminating the role of inventors in advancing economic growth, public health, and quality of life.
Announcement Overview
The National Inventors Hall of Fame has released the roster of inventors selected for induction into its Class of 2026, marking another milestone in the organization’s mission to recognize individuals whose patented innovations have transformed industries and daily life. The fifteen inductees represent a broad cross-section of disciplines, ranging from semiconductor engineering and broadband communications to agricultural science, medical devices, and consumer innovation.
According to the organization, the 2026 class reflects the evolving nature of innovation, where advances in digital connectivity, biotechnology, materials science, and manufacturing intersect with human needs. Several inductees are recognized posthumously for inventions that continue to shape global markets decades after their introduction, while others are living innovators whose work underpins modern infrastructure and emerging technologies.
The induction is conducted in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, reinforcing the Hall of Fame’s emphasis on the role of intellectual property in protecting and commercializing innovation. The Hall of Fame stated that the 2026 class will be formally celebrated through a multi-day program culminating in a black-tie induction ceremony in the nation’s capital.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement type: Inductee class announcement
- Organization: National Inventors Hall of Fame
- Inductee class: 2026
- Number of inductees: 15
- Recognition focus: Patented inventions with societal impact
- Partner organization: United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Induction events: May 6–7, 2026
- Primary locations: Washington, D.C.; Alexandria, Virginia
Strategic Context
According to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the 2026 inductee class reflects a period of innovation defined by convergence across disciplines. Advances in communications technology, biotechnology, agriculture, and manufacturing have increasingly influenced one another, resulting in inventions that deliver both economic and social benefits.
The organization noted that several of the 2026 inductees contributed to foundational technologies that enable modern digital infrastructure, including wireless connectivity and broadband communications. Others are recognized for medical and life-science innovations that have improved patient outcomes on a global scale. Agricultural and materials innovations among the class further underscore the role of invention in addressing food security, sustainability, and industrial efficiency.
The Hall of Fame stated that honoring these inventors supports its broader mission to inspire future generations by highlighting real-world examples of creativity, persistence, and impact.
Statement From the USPTO
“America’s Innovation Agency — the USPTO — is profoundly honored to recognize both the inspiration and the perspiration that are the very stories of these amazing visionaries the National Inventors Hall of Fame inducts into their 2026 class — and a very special class indeed as they will be enshrined 250 years from the birth of our nation,” said John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “The onrush of technology knows no bounds — and who knows what tomorrow will bring? For one, this remarkable class does because their breakthroughs and advances brought the possibility of better tomorrows just that much closer for all of us, improving our lives, fueling economic growth, creating new jobs and advancing the very American freedoms our founders declared 250 years ago. Welcome.”
The Class of 2026: Medical and Health Innovations
Among the 2026 inductees are inventors whose work has reshaped medical treatment and patient care.
Louis Argenta and Michael Morykwas are recognized for co-inventing Vacuum Assisted Closure® (V.A.C.®), a medical device that applies controlled suction to promote wound healing. According to the Hall of Fame, V.A.C. therapy has been used worldwide to treat complex wounds, including surgical sites, burns, and diabetic ulcers, and has influenced modern standards of wound care.
George Maison, Irving Porush, and Charles Thiel are honored posthumously for inventing the pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI). Introduced in the mid-20th century, the MDI enabled portable and effective delivery of asthma medication to the lungs. The Hall of Fame stated that the device has improved quality of life for hundreds of millions of patients globally.
Feng Zhang is recognized for his work in CRISPR gene-editing technologies. According to the organization, Zhang was among the first to demonstrate engineered CRISPR-Cas9 systems for genome editing in human cells, laying the foundation for advances in genetic research and therapeutic development.
Communications and Semiconductor Innovation
Several inductees are recognized for contributions that underpin modern digital connectivity.
Teresa Meng is honored for her role in advancing CMOS Wi-Fi technology. As founder of Atheros Communications, Meng pioneered the integration of wireless communication functions onto a single CMOS chip. The Hall of Fame noted that this work helped make Wi-Fi faster, more energy-efficient, and more affordable, supporting its widespread adoption.
Henry Samueli is recognized for advancing broadband communications through innovations that enabled high-speed digital data transmission. As co-founder of Broadcom Inc., Samueli’s work contributed to scalable wired and wireless communication solutions used globally in homes and businesses.
Frank S. Greene Jr. is honored posthumously for developing high-speed semiconductor memory systems, including components used in the ILLIAC IV supercomputer. The Hall of Fame also highlighted Greene’s dedication to expanding participation in STEM fields through mentorship and leadership.
Consumer and Industrial Innovations
The 2026 class includes inventors whose work transformed consumer products and industrial processes.
Sara Blakely is recognized for inventing footless control-top pantyhose and founding the SPANX® brand. According to the Hall of Fame, the innovation reshaped the shapewear industry and grew from a personal investment into a global consumer brand.
Maurus Logan is honored posthumously for inventing Ty-Rap® cable ties, originally developed to improve wiring safety in the aviation industry. The organization noted that cable ties have since become a ubiquitous fastening solution across industries worldwide.
Donald Alstadt is recognized posthumously for inventing Chemlok®, a rubber-to-metal adhesive system used across automotive, aerospace, defense, agriculture, and energy markets. According to the Hall of Fame, Chemlok-based technologies are used in nearly every vehicle produced today.
Agricultural and Infrastructure Contributions
Agricultural and infrastructure innovation is also represented among the 2026 inductees.
Gebisa Ejeta is honored for developing drought- and disease-resistant sorghum hybrids. The Hall of Fame stated that Ejeta’s work increased food security and agricultural resilience, particularly in regions facing environmental stress.
Olive Dennis is recognized posthumously for her work improving railroad passenger cars. As a civil engineer for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Dennis applied engineering principles and firsthand travel experience to enhance passenger comfort and safety.
Reuben Trane is honored posthumously for innovations in heating and cooling technologies, including the lightweight convector radiator. According to the organization, his work laid the foundation for The Trane Company’s long-term leadership in HVAC systems.
The Induction Celebration
The 2026 inductees will be honored during “The Greatest Celebration of American Innovation®,” a multi-day program held in Washington, D.C.
On May 6, 2026, the Illumination Ceremony will take place at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum located at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. During the ceremony, new inductees will place their names on illuminated hexagons within the Gallery of Icons®.
On May 7, 2026, the formal induction ceremony will be held at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. The evening will include a black-tie dinner and ceremony recognizing the inductees’ contributions to society. The event will be hosted by Danica McKellar, who will serve as master of ceremonies.
Leadership Perspective From the Hall of Fame
“The National Inventors Hall of Fame is committed to illuminating the legacies of world-changing inventors and creating opportunities for the next generation to learn from these innovative role models,” said Monica Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. “The inventors in our 2026 class have made contributions in fields as varied as semiconductor technology and portable inhalers. Induction into the Hall of Fame honors the significance of these advances, which have enhanced our daily lives and well-being.”
Sponsors and Institutional Support
The 2026 National Inventors Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is sponsored by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and supported by a range of institutional partners. According to the organization, sponsors include the Amos E. Joel Young Inventors Fund, Anaheim Ducks, Fossum Family Young Inventors Fund, Kindeva®, Parker Lord, PhRMA, Richard W. Pogue, the Samueli Foundation, Trane, the University of California, Irvine Samueli School of Engineering, and the University of California, Los Angeles Samueli School of Engineering.
About the National Inventors Hall of Fame
Founded in 1973 in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the National Inventors Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing inventors, promoting creativity, and advancing innovation and entrepreneurship. The organization honors individuals whose inventions have made lasting contributions to society and supports educational programming designed to inspire future generations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Hall of Fame operates national educational initiatives, hands-on learning experiences, and collegiate competitions focused on innovation and problem solving. Additional information about the organization and the induction process is available through its official channels.
Media Contact
Ken Torisky
National Inventors Hall of Fame
Phone: 234-901-6085
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement