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 LangerPrize@aiche.org and the letters of support should also be sent by the references to the same email address by March 17, 2026. 

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, currently chaired by Samir Mitragotri, Hiller Professor of Bioengineering and Hansjörg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering - John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences – Harvard University.The Selection Committee is composed of a chair, and at least three and up to five total members featuring innovators/entrepreneurs (1 academic/2 industry) who have a proven track record in the evaluation and/or commercialization of products or processes. The chair’s responsibility includes assembling the committee members, distributing nomination documentation and overseeing the selection process. Each appointee shall serve a three-year term, with no more than two rotating off each year in a staggered manner.

1. Each member has one vote, including the chair.
2. The chair may elect to have a two round or three round voting, especially in the case that the number of candidates is large.
3. Personal interviews may be conducted for final selection.

The Selection Committee makes its final recommendation to the Executive Committee of the AIChE Foundation for review and vote. Upon the selection of the Langer Fellow, a simultaneous communication will be sent to the new Langer Fellow and to the AIChE Board of Directors.

Langer Prize Application Deadline: March 17th