Alexandria, VA– The National Inventors Hall of Fame®, in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is on the lookout for the next wave of extraordinary minds to join its illustrious ranks. As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Hall of Fame is specifically seeking nominations of Hispanic and Latino inventors who have made significant contributions to the fields of science, useful arts, and the nation’s welfare.
Nomination Criteria: Making Waves in Invention
Prospective nominees must possess a U.S. patent for an invention that not only showcases excellence in their respective fields but has also left an indelible mark on the world. The Hall of Fame is particularly interested in inventions that are in widespread use and have had a profound impact on society.
Where to Nominate: A Call to Action
Individuals eager to put forward deserving candidates can submit their nominations at invent.org/nominate. The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2024. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the subsequent Induction nomination cycle.
Empowering the Public: Anyone Can Nominate an Inventor
Highlighting the democratic nature of the process, the Hall of Fame encourages anyone with a passion for innovation to nominate potential inductees. The ideal candidates are those whose stories of perseverance and passion serve as an inspiration for the next generation of American innovators.
Notable Hispanic and Latino Inventors: A Legacy of Impact
The National Inventors Hall of Fame already boasts a distinguished roster of Hispanic and Latino inductees whose groundbreaking inventions have transformed lives:
- Julio C. Palmaz, Intravascular Stent: Starting with a discarded piece of metal, Palmaz invented the first commercially successful intravascular stent, revolutionizing cardiac care and benefiting over 100 million people globally.
- Miguel Angel Ondetti, Captopril: Ondetti, along with David Cushman, developed captopril, a pioneering angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This drug, effective in treating hypertension, significantly improved patients’ quality of life.
- Luis von Ahn, reCAPTCHA: Known for advancements in website security and digitization of books, von Ahn created the online language-learning platform Duolingo in addition to his work with CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA.