We want you to help us celebrate American ingenuity with our new series, “The Search for America’s Greatest Innovation.” Cast your ballot for one of three fantastic innovations, or nominate one yourself. Our series was produced with research assistance from ASME, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Lemelson Foundation. Please, have a look and a listen, and then VOTE!

Vote For America’s Greatest Innovation Here

The Sewing Machine

(Credit: Anita Rundles)

The sewing machine was invented in 1846 by Elias Howe in Massachusetts. Today sewing machines are used by countless artists, designers, and hobbyists. Listen to Deborah Nadoolman Landis, a Hollywood costume designer, make her case for why the sewing machine is America’s greatest innovation. 

Is this America’s greatest innovation? Cast your ballot here.

The GPS

(Credit: Anita Rundles)

The Global Positioning System was first developed by the Defense Department in 1957 and became fully operational in 1993. Today, the GPS is used by pilots, adventurers, and lost travelers. Listen to Chris Catrambone, an American entrepreneur that is rescuing migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean, make his case for why the GPS is America’s greatest innovation.

Is this America’s greatest innovation? Cast your ballot here.

The Mobile Phone

(Credit: Anita Rundles)

Invented in 1973 by Martin Cooper of Motorola, the first mobile phone weighed two pounds and cost more than $4,000. Today, more than 6 billion people use cell phones. Listen to Melinda Gates, philanthropist and wife of Microsoft Founder Bill Gates, make her case for why the cell phone is America’s greatest innovation.

Is this America’s greatest innovation? Cast your ballot here.

Nominate Your Own Innovation!

(Shutterstock)

Not impressed by the innovations you’ve seen so far? Think we’re missing something? Working on a great invention? Nominate your own choice for America’s greatest innovation here.