Carmel Majidi(opens in new window), professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, is one of the recipients of the Bayh-Dole Coalition(opens in new window)’s American Innovator Award(opens in new window) for his pioneering work developing flexible materials for cooling advanced electronics and enabling new forms of robotic motion.
The coalition’s 2026 Faces of American Innovation report(opens in new window) honors a prestigious group of researchers, entrepreneurs and technology transfer professionals whose groundbreaking work, made possible by the Bayh-Dole Act, has changed the lives of millions in the United States and around the world.
The Bayh-Dole Coalition, of which Carnegie Mellon University is a member, protects the landmark legislation that empowers universities to own and license inventions made during federally funded research. By encouraging the private investment needed to turn fundamental science into products, the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980 ensures that breakthroughs — like Majidi’s — are translated into broader public use.
On June 3, Majidi and seven other innovators will receive the award in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled that Carmel Majidi is being recognized by the Bayh-Dole Coalition for his groundbreaking contributions to materials science and engineering,” said Theresa Mayer(opens in new window), vice president for research at Carnegie Mellon University. “His work exemplifies how bold, basic research can lead to breakthroughs that reshape industries — from more efficient electronics to more capable, adaptable robotics. We’re proud to see his innovations honored on a national stage, and equally proud that Carnegie Mellon’s robust research and entrepreneurial ecosystem helps move discoveries like his from the lab into startups, products and broader impact.”
At Carnegie Mellon, Majidi developed a new class of soft materials that combine the flexibility of rubber with the performance of metals. One key innovation, a thermally conductive rubber known as “thubber,(opens in new window)” can conform to surfaces and help maintain efficient heat transfer under stress, offering a flexible, high-performing solution for applications from data centers to electric vehicles. His electroadhesive technologies also improve precision in robotics and automation.
Under Bayh-Dole, Carnegie Mellon was able to patent Majidi’s federally supported research. He co-founded the startup Arieca(opens in new window), which licensed the technology from the university, and is continuing to develop and commercialize the breakthrough for real-world applications and impact.
“Dr. Majidi’s innovative approach to materials science is redefining what’s possible in both advanced electronics and next-generation robotics,” said Joseph P. Allen, executive director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition. “His work reflects the strength of the Bayh-Dole Act, which enables researchers at institutions like Carnegie Mellon to protect their federally supported research and translate it into tangible products — launching new companies, fueling the job market, advancing manufacturing and strengthening the economy.”
Carnegie Mellon University, a globally recognized R1 institution, maintains a strong commitment to innovation and technology transfer. Since 2006(opens in new window), Carnegie Mellon has generated 2,747 invention disclosures, secured 1,156 patents, and launched nearly 200 spin-off companies — underscoring its vital role as an innovation leader and economic driver in Pittsburgh and beyond.
“Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The institution was originally established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical School. In 1912, it became the Carnegie Institute of Technology and began granting four-year degrees.”
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