UNC Charlotte Celebrates 2026 Invention of the Year Awards and Launches New NAI Chapter
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte hosted its 2026 Invention of the Year Awards, a celebration of turning research into real-world solutions. The event highlighted the moment when ideas become protected inventions with practical impact. It also marked the launch of UNC Charlotte’s new chapter of the National Academy of Inventors. The awards ceremony brought together key figures in innovation and intellectual property. Speakers included John Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, as well as North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt. Retired Brigadier General John Teichert delivered the keynote address.
The event recognised breakthroughs across multiple fields, from clean energy to life sciences. Soumitra Roy Joy received the Grand Award for his work on signal transmission using engineered metallic island structures. Other honoured inventions spanned information and data science, physical sciences, and material sciences. UNC Charlotte has seen a sharp rise in patent filings and startup creation in recent years. The university now ranks among the top institutions for innovation productivity relative to research funding. The awards play a key role in this growth by showcasing technologies and linking researchers with industry partners, investors, and collaborators. Behind the event is a broader strategy led by Laura Peter, Executive Director of IP and Technology Transfer. Her vision focuses on converting university inventions into economic and societal benefits. The new National Academy of Inventors chapter further strengthens this mission by fostering a culture of innovation on campus.
The awards underscore UNC Charlotte’s commitment to transforming ideas into tangible change. By accelerating patent activity and industry connections, the university is positioning itself as a leader in turning research into real-world applications. The event also sets the stage for continued growth in innovation and commercialisation.
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