Phil Weilerstein, president and CEO of VentureWell, has been named one of the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) inaugural National Invention Ambassadors. Weilerstein joins a distinguished national network of accomplished inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, scientists, engineers, and innovation leaders with the shared goal of preparing a new generation of innovators to build America’s future.
This news follows the July announcement that VentureWell has joined the founding coalition with NAI and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to strengthen America’s innovation ecosystem.
“NAI’s National Invention Ambassadors Network will expand opportunities by inspiring future generations of innovators on the frontiers of today’s discoveries,” said John A. Squires, under secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and director of the USPTO. “We are proud to partner with NAI to strengthen our economic competitiveness through the renewal and transformation of American inventiveness into innovations that improve lives and create prosperity.”
Established through NAI’s landmark five-year joint partnership with the USPTO, the National Invention Ambassadors Network—an integral component of the American Innovation Campaign—is designed to reinforce American competitiveness by expanding intellectual property awareness, accelerating the commercialization of research, fostering meaningful mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of inventors and leaders.
As an inaugural ambassador, Weilerstein will champion intellectual property education and innovation literacy while mentoring students, researchers, faculty, entrepreneurs, and inventors. He will help inspire and build the next generation of inventors through public engagement and programming, while strengthening technology commercialization practices and supporting regional innovation ecosystems.
“Invention cannot happen alone: Every innovator benefits from the support of a network of mentors, experts, and guides to help them navigate the complex pathways from lab to market,” said Weilerstein. “I’m honored to serve as an ambassador to help forge the networks and systems that accelerate solutions to urgent global health challenges, economic prosperity, and the sustainability of our planet.”
About VentureWell
VentureWell is a mission-driven global nonprofit that catalyzes science and technology solutions by activating and connecting innovators to improve lives and protect the planet. Over the past 30 years, VentureWell has trained more than 21,000 innovators from 55 countries, helping them launch more than 7,000 ventures that have collectively raised over $9.8 billion in follow-on funding. Its expansive network includes more than 1,300 universities, research institutes, and federal laboratories; over 3,000 industry experts, service providers, and investors; and institutional funders across government agencies, multilateral institutions, leading philanthropic organizations, and corporate partners.