Carmel Majidi Honored with Prestigious Award for Innovations in Flexible Materials
In a remarkable achievement for Carnegie Mellon University, Professor Carmel Majidi has been awarded the American Innovator Award by the Bayh-Dole Coalition. Recognized for his pioneering contributions to materials science, Majidi’s work in developing flexible materials that enhance cooling in advanced electronics and enable new robotic movements has earned him this prestigious accolade.
The Bayh-Dole Coalition’s 2026 Faces of American Innovation report celebrates exceptional researchers and entrepreneurs who have significantly impacted society through innovations made possible by the Bayh-Dole Act. This landmark legislation allows universities to own and license inventions resulting from federally funded research, thus facilitating their transition from scientific concepts to practical applications.
On June 3, Majidi, alongside seven other innovators, will be recognized in Washington, D.C., for his groundbreaking work. Theresa Mayer, vice president for research at Carnegie Mellon University, expressed pride in Majidi’s achievements, stating, “We are thrilled that Carmel Majidi is being recognized by the Bayh-Dole Coalition for his groundbreaking contributions to materials science and engineering.” She highlighted how his research has led to breakthroughs that are reshaping industries, including electronics and robotics.
Majidi’s notable innovation at Carnegie Mellon includes the development of “thubber,” a thermally conductive rubber that combines the flexibility of rubber with the high performance of metals. This material aids in efficient heat transfer under stress and has applications ranging from data centers to electric vehicles. Additionally, Majidi’s electroadhesive technologies are enhancing precision in robotics and automation.
Through the Bayh-Dole Act, Carnegie Mellon was able to patent Majidi’s research. He furthered his innovations by co-founding Arieca, a startup that licensed the university’s technology, aiming to commercialize and apply these breakthroughs in real-world scenarios.
Joseph P. Allen, executive director of the Bayh-Dole Coalition, remarked on Majidi’s contributions, saying, “Dr. Majidi’s innovative approach to materials science is redefining what’s possible in both advanced electronics and next-generation robotics.” Allen emphasized the importance of the Bayh-Dole Act in enabling the commercialization of federally supported research.
Carnegie Mellon University, an R1 institution renowned for its commitment to innovation, has been a vital force in technology transfer. Since 2006, the university has produced 2,747 invention disclosures, secured 1,156 patents, and launched nearly 200 spin-off companies, solidifying its role as a leader in innovation and economic development in Pittsburgh and beyond.
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