The Lemelson-MIT Student Prize is awarded annually to an MIT graduating senior or graduate student. As we enter the 21st century, it is these young inventors who will lead the charge into new product development. Mr. Kane, who grew up in Austin and holds the BS and an MS in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas, plans to use the prize money to pay for patent applications and make prototypes of his inventions.
Young people represent an untapped source of creative and entrepreneurial energy.
We need to inspire them to develop new products and socially responsible, marketable solutions to contemporary dilemmas. Dr. Lemelson, the nation's most prolific inventor, has more than 500 patents, including inventions incorporated into the Sony Walkman and personal computers. Professor Slocum and Mr. Levy convinced Mr. Kane to apply for this year's Lemelson prize, and Professors Slocum and Sanjay Sarma wrote recommendations. If being a nerd means that I am totally involved in inventing, that may be true. I love what I'm doing.