Professor Ramesh Raskar, head of the Camera Culture research group at the Media Lab, is one of two MIT community members selected for the 2024 cohort of National Academy of Inventors Fellows. His research spans Computational Imaging and Decentralized AI.
The NAI Fellows Program was established to highlight academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.
Among his inventions are a camera that operates at the speed of light, imaging that can look around corners, as well as a next-generation CAT-scan machine (used to view internal organs, bones, tissue), privacy preserving machine learning (Split Learning), and AI that creates new AI (AutoML). He has secured more than 100 patents, written more than 500 reviewed publications, has an H index of 86, and was previously recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the world’s top innovators under the age of 35.
Under Professor Raskar's advisement, several Camera Culture members have created startups, including Ubicept, which develops imaging algorithms for advanced sensors; Labby, a company producing optical sensors to determine the composition of raw milk samples; EyeNetra.com, the creator of a portable vision testing kit; REDX.io, an organization whose labs and clubs act as conduits for innovators; Vayu Robotics, focused on visual imaging in robotics; Brelyon, for VR without headsets; and Photoneo, a company at the intersection of imaging and automation.
The Camera Culture group's work in Decentralized AI envisions equitable, distributed systems to overcome the limitations of centralized AI, such as restricted data access, inflexible models, and lack of transparency. By leveraging secure data markets, multi-dimensional learning models, and verifiable systems using federated learning and blockchain, this approach fosters inclusivity and innovation; it enables advancements in personalized healthcare, equitable education, and climate solutions while empowering smaller organizations and individuals to further benefit from AI technologies. Focused on transparency and shared prosperity, Decentralized AI democratizes innovation, addresses biases, and unlocks significant economic value, shaping a fairer, more resilient, and participatory digital ecosystem.
"This year’s Class of NAI Fellows represents a truly impressive caliber of inventors. Each of these individuals are tackling real-world issues and creating solutions that propel us into the future. Through their work, they are making significant contributions to science, creating lasting societal impact, and growing the economy,” said Dr. Paul Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI. “NAI Fellows as a whole are a driving force of innovation, generating crucial advancements across scientific disciplines and creating tangible impacts as they move their technologies from lab to marketplace."
An induction ceremony will be held at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Honorees will be presented with a medal by a senior official of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.