For more inspiration, see our Faces of Invention page.
The Lemelson Foundation Story
Inspiring and educating the next generation of inventors and catalyzing their ideas into invention-based businesses and commercial technologies.
We believe inventors will solve our biggest challenges and improve lives in communities in the United States and around the world.
Our Strategic Funding Areas
The Lemelson Foundation harnesses the power of invention and innovation to accelerate climate action and improve lives around the world.
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The Powerful History of Early Black Invention
An inventor shares what Black invention means to her.
Building an Innovation Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs in Africa
A leader in African entrepreneurship shares how funders can support innovation-based enterprises in Kenya.
The Role of Philanthropy in Supporting Impact Entrepreneurs
A network of philanthropic funders is helping innovators navigate challenging times.
Villgro Africa
Villgro Africa is an incubator and impact investor that supports innovative solutions for accessible healthcare on the continent.
SELCO Foundation
The SELCO Foundation develops clean energy solutions to increase access to healthcare and education in under-resourced communities.
Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies
Rice360 engages higher education to invent solutions to global health challenges.
VentureWell
VentureWell supports innovators who envision a better future for people and the planet.
Protecting the Planet, One Engineering Class at a Time
How a wildlife biologist’s unconventional career path led to a sustainability movement in engineering education.