 the national medal of technology and innovation (formerly the national medal of technology) is an honor granted by the president of the united states to american inventors and innovators who have made significant contributions to the development of new and important technology. the award may be granted to a specific person, to a group of people or to an entire organization or corporation. it is the highest honor the united states can confer to a us citizen for achievements related to technological progress. == history == the national medal of technology was created in 1980 by the united states congress under the stevenson-wydler technology innovation act. it was a bipartisan effort to foster technological innovation and the technological competitiveness of the united states in the international arena. the first national medals of technology were issued in 1985 by then-u.s. president ronald reagan to 12 individuals and one company.the national medal of technology and innovation recipients: 1985 laureates. united states patent and trademark office. among the first recipients were technology giants like steve jobs and stephen wozniak, founders of apple computer. the medal has since been awarded annually. on august 9, 2007, president george bush signed the america competes (creating opportunities to meaningfully promote excellence in technology, education, and science) act of 2007. the act amended section 16 of the stevenson-wydler technology innovation act of 1980, changing the name of the medal to the "national medal of technology and innovation." == award process ==  each year the technology administration under the u.s. department of commerce calls for the nomination of new candidates for the national medal of technology. candidates are nominated by their peers who have direct, first-hand knowledge of the candidates achievements. candidates may be individuals, teams of ind
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