2026 Draper Prize for Engineering Recognizes the "Camera-on-a-Chip" Inventor
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. Jan. 6, 2026 – Eric R. Fossum, Ph.D., a pioneering semiconductor device physicist and engineer, is the recipient of the 2026 Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering. The prize, endowed by Draper and awarded every two years by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), is one of the world’s preeminent awards for engineering achievement.
The NAE recognized Fossum “for innovation, development, and commercialization of the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel image sensor ‘camera-on-a-chip.’” Originally developed to miniaturize cameras for NASA spacecraft, the technology makes high-quality imaging smaller, faster, and more energy efficient. It now powers billions of smartphone cameras and enables applications ranging from video communication and social media to medical tools, automotive safety systems, industrial vision, and space exploration.
"The innovative work led by Dr. Fossum produced dramatic improvements in what active pixel sensors can deliver and brought digital imaging to the masses," said Jerry M. Wohletz, Ph.D., president and CEO at Draper. "The wide range of applications for this technology and its impact on society are profound and clearly worthy of the Draper Prize."
Fossum was part of the research team at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory that developed the breakthrough CMOS sensor. Further refinements with pinned photodiode (PPD) technology led to CMOS sensors that eventually exceeded the performance of charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors. CMOS sensors are generally less expensive and use less power than CCD sensors, making them ideal for use in battery powered devices. More recently, Fossum invented the Quanta Image Sensor, a CMOS-based photon-counting image sensor that enables high-resolution imaging in extremely low light conditions.
Fossum is the John H. Krehbiel Senior Professor for Emerging Technologies at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth, where he teaches, directs the Ph.D. Innovation Program, and conducts research in image sensors. He also serves as Dartmouth’s Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer. His professional recognition includes induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF), election to the National Academy of Engineering, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, the National Medal for Technology and Innovation, a Technical Emmy Award, and the Edwin Land Medal.
Fossum received his Bachelor of Science degree in physics and engineering from Trinity College in Connecticut, and his Ph.D. in engineering and applied science from Yale University. He has published over 300 technical papers and holds 185 U.S. patents.
The Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering was established and endowed in 1988 at the request of Draper to honor the memory of “Doc” Draper, the father of inertial navigation, and to increase public understanding of the contributions of engineering and technology. The biennial prize honors an engineer whose accomplishments have significantly impacted society by improving quality of life, providing the ability to live freely and comfortably, and/or permitting access to information. Recipients receive a $500,000 cash award.
About Draper
Draper is a non-profit research, development, and manufacturing company that solves some of the nation’s most important challenges. With more than 2,500 employees working in collaboration across 12 locations, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet our customers’ requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend our legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX™ seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further our mission. To learn more about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
About the NAE
Founded in 1964, the National Academy of Engineering is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. The NAE advances the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent, objective advice to the U.S. government whenever called upon to do so, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering. Learn more at www.nae.edu.
Released January 6, 2026
