It’s easy to celebrate the historical impact of Thomas Edison, but it’s more important to
recognize the impact the Wizard of Menlo Park still has today.
Last week, at the annual Edison Patent Awards, Virginie Maillard, chair of the Research
& Development Council of New Jersey, did just that.
“The spirit of invention that began with Thomas Edison continues to thrive in New
Jersey,” Maillard told a group of hundreds gathered at Bell Works in Holmdel. “From
university labs to global research centers, our state remains an engine of innovation
where brilliant minds come together to solve complex challenges and power the future.”
Maillard, who serves as the head of Global Research in Simulation and Digital Twin and
Head of Research in the U.S. for Siemens Foundational Technologies, said the range of
awardees was impressive.
“From advances in health care and biotechnology to breakthroughs in communications,
defense and environmental sustainability, demonstrates that New Jersey’s innovators
are not only driving progress but redefining what is possible,” she said.
The event recognized 12 patents and six individuals whose innovations and
leadership continue to power New Jersey’s reputation as the nation’s “Innovation State.”
This year’s theme, “Powering the Future Through Invention,” highlighted how
discoveries made in New Jersey are shaping the world of tomorrow — from lifesaving
medical technologies to groundbreaking advances in energy, defense and digital
communication.
The following groups won Edison Patent Awards:
- Avantor and Amgen;
- Merck & Co.;
- MTF Biologics;
- New Jersey Institute of Technology;
- Nokia Bell Labs;
- Princeton University;
- Rowan University;
- Rutgers (which received two awards);
- Siemens;
- Stryker;
- U.S. Army DEVCOM Armaments Center.
The recognized patents range from innovations that improve knee replacements and
bone grafts to new ways of streaming online content and sharing data between
unmanned vehicles.
In addition to honoring patented innovations, the Council recognized six individuals
whose leadership and creativity are driving progress across science, technology and
education. They were as follows:
Science & Technology Medal: Robert Cohen, VP of Innovation and Technology for
Stryker’s Orthopaedics Group, received the honor for his decades of work advancing
surgical robotics, biomaterials and 3D printing to improve patient outcomes. The award
recognizes New Jersey innovators whose extraordinary performance has brought
scientific and technological advancements from the lab to the marketplace;
Visionary Award: John Crowley, CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization,
earned the award for his lasting impact on rare disease innovation and biotechnology
advocacy inspired by his family’s experience with Pompe disease. The award honors
individuals whose leadership unites industry, academia, and government in building
New Jersey’s research-based economy.
Educator of the Year: Dr. Brian Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health
Sciences and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Rutgers University, received
the Educator of the Year Award for transforming medical education in New Jersey and
unifying Rutgers’ health sciences enterprise. The award celebrates leaders advancing
STEM education and workforce development across the state.
Catalyst Award: Craig Arnold, vice dean for Innovation and University Innovation
Officer at Princeton University, was honored with the Catalyst Award for his leadership
in advancing Princeton’s innovation ecosystem and helping launch the New Jersey AI
Hub. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that significantly strengthen
New Jersey’s innovation infrastructure.
Emerging Tech Award: Nathaniel Banks and Yidian Liu, co-founders of PolyGone
Systems, received this award for developing a groundbreaking microplastic filtration system that has removed more than 540 million microplastics from New Jersey’s
waterways through a partnership with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority. The award
honors early-stage innovators whose work shows exceptional potential to create lasting
marketplace and environmental impact.
“Our individual honorees embody the intersection of innovation and leadership,” Council
Executive Director Kim Case said. “Each has transformed their field through creativity,
courage, and commitment. Their work reflects not only scientific excellence but also the
enduring spirit of discovery that defines New Jersey.”
