The USPTO has launched earlier this year a pilot competition entitled "Patents for Humanity". Applicants were asked to send in applications with a description of the use of their patented technology or products to tackle humanitarian challenges. For this pilot competition the competing categories were: technology, food and nutrition, clean technology and information technology. Judges who were chosen from the academia will now examine all applications and announce the winners in the above categories.

For more information please go to the USPTO's competition page.