The Lemelson Foundation celebrates and supports inventors and entrepreneurs in order to strengthen social and economic life.

Founded by Jerome Lemelson, one of U.S. history's most prolific inventors, the Lemelson Foundation uses its resources to recognize and celebrate accomplished inventors, inspire and mentor young people and grassroots inventors and entrepreneurs, disseminate technologies that improve people’s lives and generate entrepreneurial opportunity, and research and share information that illuminates the value of invention to society. To date, the Foundation has donated or committed more than $140 million in support of its mission.

The Foundation's programs stem from a three-pronged strategy:

Recognition - The Foundation works to recognize and celebrate successful inventors, and develops programs that reward inventive minds. It also supports policy and educational initiatives that foster cultural appreciation of innovative creativity. Mentoring - Because a wise advisor and a supportive environment can make all the difference in an inventor’s journey, the Foundation supports high-caliber mentoring and education for young inventors. This mentoring support helps innovative people overcome the many obstacles that may block the path leading from potentially significant innovations to products that change people’s lives. Dissemination - The Foundation believes in the value of spreading sustainable technologies that can create economic opportunity and improve lives in societies that can benefit most from such advances. It also researches and disseminates information that highlights the role of invention in society.

U.S. Initiatives:
The Foundation supports several grantees whose programs inspire and develop inventiveness in young people and foster appreciation for the critical role of invention and innovation in American economic, social, and cultural development.

International Initiatives:
Understanding that invention and innovation play a critical role in improving living standards around the globe, in 2002 the Foundation launched Invention for Sustainable Development, a program to address the challenges facing the nearly 3 billion people trapped in poverty in less-industrialized countries.