National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI)
Nominations for 2024 are now closed.
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The National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement, bestowed by the president of the United States on America's leading innovators.
The Medal is awarded to individuals, teams (up to four individuals), companies or divisions of companies for their outstanding contributions to America’s economic, environmental and social well-being. The purpose of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation is to recognize those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation, and to recognize those who have made substantial contributions to strengthening the nation's technological workforce.
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.
Established by the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980, the Medal was first awarded in 1985. On Aug. 9, 2007, the president signed the America COMPETES (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science) Act of 2007, amending Section 16 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980.
The most recent Laureates were announced by theWhite House in January 2025.
Selection process
- Nominations for 2024 are closed.
- Please refer to the nomination guidelines and sample recommendation letter in the side bar on this page.
- As of 2019, nominations are eligible for three years.
- Nominations of candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged.
- We encourage all nominators to get in touch with the NMTI program staff with your questions. We want to help you submit a quality application.
- Sign up for theUSPTO Awards newsletter to receive announcements.
- A recorded informational webinar to learn more about the nomination process is availablehere.
The National Medal of Technology and InnovationNomination Evaluation Committee, a distinguished, independent committee appointed by the secretary of commerce, reviews and evaluates the merit of all candidates nominated through an open, competitive solicitation process. The committee makes its recommendations for medal candidates to the Secretary of Commerce, who in turn makes recommendations to the President for final selection. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation laureates are announced by the White House and the Department of Commerce once the medalists are notified of their selection.
News & Updates
The 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) Laureates were honored and celebrated at the White House on Friday, January 3 for their trailblazing achievements in science, technology, and innovation. Nine individuals and two companies were recognized for their groundbreaking...
WASHINGTON–The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for the 2024 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI) . The NMTI is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and is presented to recipients by the President of the United States. "The National...
Today, President Biden awarded the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to a number of Americans who have made exemplary achievements in science, technology, and innovation to strengthen our nation’s well-being. The National Medal of Science is the nation’s...
WASHINGTON—The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations for the 2023 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI). The NMTI is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and is presented to recipients by the President of the United States at a...
WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks nominations for the 2022 National Medal of Technology and Innovation (NMTI). The NMTI is the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement and is presented to recipients by the President of the United States. “The...
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