Five Student Teams Recognized in 2026 Collegiate Inventors Competition
The National Inventors Hall of Fame announced winners of the 2026 Collegiate Inventors Competition on October 16, 2026. Five teams from various U.S. universities received cash prizes and USPTO Patent Acceleration Certificates for their groundbreaking inventions, including a CPR guidance patch and a knee rehabilitation device. These innovations highlight the creativity and potential of young inventors in addressing real-world challenges.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame announced the winners of the 2026 Collegiate Inventors Competition on October 16, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. This annual event celebrates the work of undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States. Five finalist teams were recognized for inventions designed to tackle pressing issues in health and rehabilitation, part of an ongoing effort to encourage young inventors to shape the future of American innovation.
This year's field featured five undergraduate and five graduate teams, bringing together 25 students from nine different colleges and universities. Each group presented their work to a panel of judges that included National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees and representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The event serves as a way to reward the persistence and creativity required to bring these complex projects to life.
Taking top honors in the undergraduate category, a team from the University of Washington introduced CPRight, a patch the size of a wallet that offers real-time guidance during emergency resuscitation. By using LED cues, the device helps bystanders perform effective CPR in critical situations. In the graduate division, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine presented the ClearView-Jaw. This device is designed to improve outcomes for head and neck cancer patients by reducing complications during mandibular reconstruction.
Runner-up prizes highlighted other breakthroughs, including the Knee Artificial Intelligence Rehabilitation Sleeve (KAIRS) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which assists with recovery after a knee injury. New York University also received recognition for BioAxis, a medical device that supports rotator cuff healing by utilizing a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma.
Beyond showcasing technical skill, the 2026 Collegiate Inventors Competition underscores how vital new ideas are to solving modern health challenges. The recognition these students receive often provides the momentum needed to turn a concept into a lasting contribution to society. As it grows, the competition continues to serve as an important platform for the next generation of innovators in the United States.
Enjoyed this story?
Show the newsroom a little love — one tap per reader.
Priya reports on breakthroughs that change lives, big and small.
Be part of the good
Stories like this start with people who care. Share it, or submit your own uplifting story to inspire millions today.
