Rusi Taleyarkhan, professor in the Purdue School of Nuclear Engineering, has been inducted into the inaugural Purdue chapter of the National Academy of Inventors, recognizing his sustained contributions to innovation and patented technology development.

The Purdue NAI Chapter officially launched during the Purdue Innovates Startup and Technology Expo, an event celebrating entrepreneurship, commercialization, and academic innovation across the university. The chapter was created to support and recognize Purdue inventors whose work has led to real-world impact through patented technologies and translational research.

More than 70 Purdue faculty inventors were inducted into the inaugural chapter. Eligibility included generating 10 or more issued U.S. patents during their time at Purdue or achieving distinction as an NAI Fellow. The chapter also aims to strengthen mentorship and foster a collaborative community centered on innovation and societal impact.

Supported by Purdue Innovates, the initiative reflects Purdue’s broader emphasis on research commercialization and entrepreneurial leadership. Purdue University consistently ranks among the top U.S. universities for utility patents, helping establish a strong ecosystem for faculty inventors and startup creation. The NAI Fellows Program recognizes academic inventors whose research has advanced technologies with meaningful societal benefit.

Purdue currently has 26 faculty members recognized as NAI Fellows, including Mung Chiang.

In 2025, Stephan Biller, Luna Lu, and David Nolte were named fellows. Taleyarkhan’s induction highlights his long-standing record of innovation and reinforces the role of Purdue researchers in advancing technologies that extend beyond the laboratory into practical application.

Read more about the 2026 Purdue Innovates Startup and Technology Expo.