Robert Cohen, VP for Innovation and Technology for Stryker’s Orthopaedics Group, will be honored for his decades of leadership in orthopaedic innovation and digital health with the science and technology medal at the 46th annual Edison Patent Awards.
The 2025 Edison Patent Awards, the state’s highest honor for invention and innovation, will recognize six trailblazing individuals as well as the leaders behind 12 patents from New Jersey-based companies.
The Edison Patent Awards will be presented by the Research & Development Council of New Jersey, Nov. 20, at Bell Works in Holmdel.
As New Jersey’s largest celebration honoring inventors, the Edison Patent Awards shine a spotlight on the discoveries being made across the state in medicine, technology, energy, defense, and beyond.
This year’s theme: “Powering the Future Through Invention,” highlights how the work of New Jersey inventors is shaping the world of tomorrow.
“The Edison Patent Awards is the largest statewide celebration recognizing research organizations and inventors whose breakthroughs power New Jersey’s innovation economy,” R&D Chair Virginie Maillard said. “Each year, we’re reminded that invention is at the heart of progress, and that the work being done right here in New Jersey has global impact.”
In addition to patent awards, the Council will recognize six individuals whose leadership, research, and advocacy have made a lasting impact. A look:
Science & Technology Medal: Cohan will be honored for his decades of leadership in orthopaedic innovation and digital health. With more than 40 years in the medical device industry and over 25 patents, Cohen has advanced surgical robotics, biomaterials, and 3D printing technologies, all of which have improved patient outcomes worldwide.
Visionary Award: John Crowley, CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), will receive the award for his enduring impact on rare disease innovation and biotechnology advocacy. Inspired by his children’s diagnosis with Pompe disease, Crowley became a nationally recognized biotech leader and a voice for patient-centered science and policy.
Educator of the Year: Brian Strom, Chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Rutgers University, will be recognized for his transformative impact on medical education in New Jersey. As the chief architect of Rutgers’ academic health enterprise, Strom has unified and strengthened the state’s medical, dental, and health professional schools, expanding opportunities for students, improving care delivery, and positioning New Jersey as a national leader in health sciences education.
Catalyst Award: Craig Arnold, Vice Dean for Innovation and University Innovation Officer at Princeton University, will be honored for his leadership in Princeton — and New Jersey — as a hub for innovation. He is playing a key role in launching the NJ AI Hub and expanding Princeton’s innovation infrastructure, helping to accelerate research translation, entrepreneurship, and statewide collaboration in emerging technologies.
Emerging Tech Award: Nathaniel Banks and Yidian Liu, Co-Founders of PolyGone Systems, will be recognized for their groundbreaking microplastic filtration technology. Their innovative system, launched in partnership with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, has removed over 540 million microplastics from New Jersey’s waterways to date.
“These six individuals exemplify the many ways innovation can drive real-world change—from saving lives and cleaning our environment to building a stronger research infrastructure for the future,” R&D Executive Director Kim Case said. “Their vision, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire the next generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers across our state.”
2025 Edison Patent Award winners include:
- Avantor and Amgen
- Merck & Co.
- MTF Biologics
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Nokia Bell Labs
- Princeton University
- Rowan University
- Rutgers-New Brunswick (which will receive two awards)
- Siemens AG
- Stryker
- The 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. Winners were selected by a team of Council board members who evaluated patents for the significance of the problem, utility/socio-economic value, novelty, and commercial impact. All winning patents must have at least part of the technical/scientific work completed in New Jersey.
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