We’re thrilled to have three fellows in the NAI Class of 2025 from USC! Shang-Hua Teng, S.K. Gupta and Massoud Pedram of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering have been elected fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), an honor that recognizes academic inventors whose work has generated significant societal and economic impact.

The NAI, founded in 2010 in partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, honors academics who hold U.S. patents and whose inventions have been commercialized or otherwise deployed in real-world settings. Fellow status represents what the organization describes as the highest professional distinction for academic inventors.

Teng’s research focuses on understanding why algorithms perform better in practice than traditional theoretical analysis would predict. Gupta develops robotic systems designed to handle repetitive, physically demanding manufacturing tasks that have become increasingly difficult for companies to staff. Pedram’s work centers on designing energy-efficient computer chips and systems that reduce power consumption in electronic devices.

With the induction of Teng, a computer scientist known for his theoretical work on algorithms; Gupta, a robotics researcher who co-founded a manufacturing automation startup; and Pedram, an electrical engineer who holds multiple patents, USC Viterbi now has 31 fellows in the NAI, and the university has 58.

In June 2026, USC will be the host university for the 15th Annual NAI Annual Conference when NAI Fellows and Senior Members are inducted with their class. We will roll out the red carpet and give inductees the star treatment. The theme for the conference is “Spotlight on Our Stars,” which will highlight inventors’ star power in society. The invite-only Welcome Reception will take place on campus, and the conference will be held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, home of the Academy Awards. See the full list of the Class of 2025 here. Congratulations to all inductees around the globe!

Read the full article written by USC Viterbi staff and learn more about their inventions.

Watch the NAI 2026 video and learn more about USC’s research in innovation.