The Langer Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence

Application Instructions

The application/proposal package should include:

• a CV
• a 1000-word description of the challenges confronting the development of their product or process and how these challenges may be overcome in order to bring this new product or process to market
• the full name and contact information of the three references who will be submitting letters of support.
• as part of the Langer Prize (the “Award”) process, the recipient is required to sign and return the Award Recipient Certification form upon which the Award is contingent. Please review the form here.

The application package should be sent to LangerPrizes@aiche.org and the letters of support should also be sent by the references to the same email address by February 29, 2024. 

Requirements:

• A bachelor of science degree is required, preferably in chemical engineering or bio-related engineering; an advanced degree preferred.
• A doctoral degree is preferred but not required. 
• Recipients must use this fellowship to bridge research ideas to commercialization of a product or process that will create a transformative impact on society.
• The awardee will be acknowledged at The Langer Prize for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Excellence Award Presentation and Lecture at the Annual Meeting, where they will be expected to present a high level summary of their project.
• A summary report of the status of the awardee's project should be submitted to the AIChE Foundation by January 15, 2 years after receiving the prize.

Selection process:

Applications are evaluated by a Selection Committee composed of 3 but no more than 5 innovators/entrepreneurs (1 academic/2 industry) who have a proven track record in the evaluation and/or commercialization of products or processes. 

The Selection Committee is appointed by the Executive Committee of the AIChE Foundation. Each appointee shall serve a three-year term, with no more than two rotating off each year in a staggered manner. The Selection Committee makes its final recommendation to the Executive Committee of the AIChE Foundation.

The Executive Committee of the AIChE Foundation shall appoint the Chair of the Selection Committee and the responsibility of the chair will be to assemble the committee members, distribute nomination documentation and oversee the selection process. 

1. If the chair deems appropriate, a confidential discussion through mail or conference call may be conducted at the beginning of selection. 
2. Each member has one vote, including the chair.
3. The chair may elect to have a two round or three round voting, especially in the case that the number of candidates is large.
4. Personal interviews may be conducted for final selection. 

Langer Prize Application Deadline: February 29th