USC Welcomes Global Innovators for the 15th NAI Annual Conference

Our institution proudly welcomed inventors, entrepreneurs, research leaders, and technology innovators from around the world as the host institution for the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) 15th Annual Conference from June 1-4, 2026. In collaboration with USC and the USC Office of Research and Innovation, the USC Stevens Center for Innovation partnered with the NAI and brought together members of the innovation ecosystem to celebrate invention, technology commercialization, and the transformative impact of research and innovation on society. After 10 years since the NAI last hosted their annual conference in California, the stars aligned for USC to host it in Los Angeles, where more than 500 attendees, representing 200 institutions, spent four memorable days in the Golden State.

A Trojan Welcome for the Global Innovation Community

The conference began with a memorable Welcome Reception at our University Park Campus, where attendees gathered at Town and Gown to connect, celebrate, and launch three days of programming focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact. Guests were welcomed by USC President Beong-Soo Kim and USC Trustee Mark A. Stevens, whose leadership and commitment to advancing innovation have helped strengthen USC’s position as a leading research institution. The evening also featured a spirited performance by the USC Trojan Marching Band, offering innovators from around the world a distinctly Trojan and Hollywood star experience by creating a picture-perfect moment at the iconic Tommy Trojan statue with Oscar-sized Tommys in hand.

A highlight of the reception was the presentation of the inaugural NAI Innovation Philanthropy Award to Mark Stevens. Presented by NAI President Paul Sandberg, the award recognized Mr. Stevens’ extraordinary commitment to advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization through philanthropy and leadership, including the gift to create the USC Stevens Center for Innovation.

Conversations Shaping the Future of Innovation

Throughout the conference, attendees participated in thought-provoking panels, keynote discussions, and networking opportunities exploring the evolving role of inventors, universities, investors, and philanthropic leaders in driving discovery and societal progress.

One of the conference’s signature sessions was a Fireside Chat featuring USC Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation Ishwar K. Puri and Mr. Stevens. Their conversation explored the powerful relationship between philanthropy and innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting how strategic investments in research, talent, and entrepreneurial ecosystems can accelerate breakthroughs and create lasting impact.

Daily welcome remarks from Dr. Puri, Erin Overstreet, Executive Director of the USC Stevens Center for Innovation, and Steven Moldin, Associate Vice President for Research and Strategy, provided an opportunity to highlight USC’s innovation ecosystem, frame the conference’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and translating discoveries into real-world impact, and set the stage for each day’s sessions.

“As the host institution for NAI 2026, USC was honored to welcome inventors and innovation leaders from around the world for a week of collaboration, celebration, and inspiration. The conference highlighted the extraordinary impact inventors have on society and underscored the vital role of technology transfer in helping bring groundbreaking discoveries from the lab to the marketplace. We are proud to support innovators at every stage of that journey and to celebrate the individuals whose ideas are shaping a better future,” said Dr. Overstreet.

The speakers and panels were part of a broader conference theme of “From Discovery to Destiny” that examined how universities, industry leaders, inventors, and philanthropic partners can work together to transform groundbreaking ideas into solutions that improve lives and address global challenges, including remarks from featured speakers John A. Squires; Sethuraman Panchanathan, FNAI; Sir Cato T. Laurencin, FNAI; Andrei Iancu, HonNAI; Robert S. Langer, FNAI; Gary Michelson, FNAI; David Agus, HonNAI; Anthony Pugliese, HonNAI; Lanny Smoots and many academic, government, and industry leaders.

Recognizing Excellence in Invention and Leadership

A centerpiece of the conference was the induction of the National Academy of Inventors’ newest inductees, including 13 new Senior Members and 3 Fellows from USC. During the induction ceremonies, the NAI honored the Class of 2025 Fellows and Class of 2026 Senior Members, distinguished innovators whose inventions, discoveries, and patents have generated significant societal and economic impact. Representing institutions across the nation and around the world, the inductees exemplify the creativity, persistence, and vision that drive innovation forward.

We celebrated four members of the USC community who received NAI Honorary Membership in recognition of their leadership and contributions to advancing innovation and entrepreneurship: USC President Kim, USC Trustee Mr. Stevens, Dr. Puri, and Dr. Agus. Their recognition underscored USC’s commitment to fostering an environment where research, innovation, and entrepreneurship can thrive and create meaningful impact beyond the university.

A Gala Celebration of Inventors and Visionairies

The conference culminated with a gala dinner celebrating the achievements of the NAI community and the newest class of inductees. Inventors, university leaders, industry partners, and supporters of innovation gathered to recognize the accomplishments of those whose discoveries and inventions are shaping industries, improving lives, and helping solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. Highlights included a keynote by Chris A. Malachowsky, cofounder of NVIDIA and NAI Fellow, who inspired all; and a tribute to Dr. Sandberg for his vision, 15 years of NAI success, and lasting impact. The evening served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the vital role innovation plays in driving progress.

Advancing Innovation Together

As the host institution for NAI 2026, USC was honored to convene this distinguished community of innovators and showcase the transformative impact of invention, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. It was an unforgettable week for both the USC and NAI communities, marked by meaningful connections, inspiring ideas, and remarkable achievements, and one that will be remembered for years to come.

From conversations about philanthropy and innovation to the recognition of pioneering inventors and visionary leaders, the conference highlighted the power of bringing together diverse perspectives to accelerate discovery and create lasting societal benefit and made it an extraordinary success. As the NAI community looks ahead to its next gathering in Arlington, TX, next year, the spirit of innovation celebrated at USC will continue to inspire the breakthroughs of tomorrow!

See all NAI 2026 photos here.

Photo Credit: Mark Skalny for the NAI and Sean Dube for USC