The Congressional Inventions Project (CIP) recently hosted its first Women’s History Month Innovation Showcase and Reception, convening more than 200 attendees to celebrate and elevate female inventors and innovators from across the country.
The event brought together a dynamic group of participants—from mom-preneurs and Shark Tank participants to pioneers developing cutting-edge scientific and medical technologies—offering attendees a hands-on opportunity to engage directly with innovation in action.
The Numbers
- 200 attendees, including House and Senate staff, USPTO officials, and CIP members
- 9 Congressional meetings, connecting inventors directly with policymakers
- 17 inventor booths, featuring a wide range of innovations—from early-stage concepts to products already in market
Participants included the youngest-ever Shark Tank participant, multiple college professors, and numerous Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) grantees, underscoring the breadth and depth of talent driving American innovation.
Elevating Women in Innovation
The program featured remarks from CIP Board Member Cori Kramer and inventor Joelle Flynn, who emphasized the importance of supporting women in the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.
They highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in IP, the importance of strong protections, and the opportunity for policymakers to foster a more inclusive and accessible innovation landscape.
Bringing Innovation to Capitol Hill
Ahead of the reception, CIP organized a series of Capitol Hill meetings, bringing participating inventors to nine House and Senate offices.
These conversations gave inventors the opportunity to share their personal stories, explain the challenges of bringing new ideas to market, and reinforce the critical role that intellectual property protections play in their work.
Several inventors emphasized how legislation such as PREVAIL and PERA would directly support their ability to innovate, grow, and compete—highlighting the need for a policy environment that enables, rather than hinders, American ingenuity.
A Clear Takeaway
The event served as a powerful reminder that innovation is not confined to any single industry or background. Ensuring strong IP protections and inclusive policies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of America’s next generation of inventors.
