Cody Friesen awarded Lemelson-MIT Prize

October 11, 2019

Cody Friesen, PhD ’04 and Associate Professor of Materials Science at Arizona State University and founder of both Fluidic Energy and Zero Mass Water was awarded the 2019 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for invention. Friesen has dedicated his career to inventing solutions that address two of the biggest challenges to social and economic advancement in the developing world: access to fresh water and reliable energy. His renewable water and energy technologies help fight climate change while providing valuable resources to underserved communities.

Friesen joins a long lineage of inventors to receive the Lemelson-MIT Prize, the largest cash prize for invention in the United States for 25 years. He will be donating his prize to a project with Conservation International to provide clean drinking water via SOURCE Hydropanels to the Bahia Hondita community in Colombia. 

“Cody’s inventive spirit, fueled by his strong desire to help improve the lives of people everywhere, is an inspiring role model for future generations,” said Michael Cima, Faculty Director for the Lemelson-MIT Program and Materials Science Professor. “Water scarcity is a prominent global issue which Cody is combating through technology and innovation. We are excited that the use of this award will further elevate his work.”