The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives by inspiring and enabling the next generation of inventors and invention-based enterprises to catalyze a stronger U.S. economy and create social and economic change for the poor in developing countries. Established by prolific independent U.S. inventor Jerome Lemelson and his wife Dorothy in the early 1990's, to date the Foundation has committed more than $210 million in grants in support of its mission. Recognizing the complex challenges faced around the globe, the Foundation supports an ecosystem to address problems that are worth solving - not just problems that can be solved. This emphasis on impact inventing targets inventors and inventions that have positive social impact, are environmentally responsible and can become financially self sustaining products and enterprises. Through the work of our grantees, programs drive adoption of Invention Education in K-12 and higher education settings and foster strong entrepreneurship ecosystems in the both the U.S. and developing countries.