Dr. Peine Named 2026 Inventor of the Year
News related to:Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) · 2 min read
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) has announced that Dr. William J. Peine, Vice President of Research and Technology with Medtronic's Surgical business, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Inventor of the Year Award. Dr. Peine, a sole or co-inventor on multiple patents protecting key features of the Hugo™ robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) system, has made significant contributions to the development of this groundbreaking technology.
The Hugo™ RAS system, which features modular, cart-mounted arms and an open console, has been cleared by the FDA for use in minimally invasive urologic surgical procedures. Together, these procedures account for approximately 230,000 surgeries per year in the United States. Outside of the U.S., the Hugo™ RAS system has been used in tens of thousands of urologic, gynecologic, and general surgery procedures across more than 35 countries in six continents.
Dr. Peine, who has been with Medtronic for over a decade, is a named inventor on more than 130 Medtronic patents. His distinguished career has been recognized with several accolades, including the company's Technical Contributor of the Year Award and induction into the prestigious Bakken Society, Medtronic's highest technical distinction.
The 2026 Inventor of the Year award, presented by IPOEF, recognizes the world's most outstanding recent inventors and their contributions to the nation's economy and quality of life. Dr. Peine's work exemplifies how strong intellectual property protection supports continued advancements in healthcare and medical technology.
Dr. Peine will be honored at the IPO Education Foundation Awards Celebration on December 15, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The annual event brings together leaders from innovation, business, intellectual property, education, and public policy to celebrate individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates the power of intellectual property to drive progress and societal benefit.
The Hugo™ RAS system, which is used in conjunction with Medtronic's Touch Surgery™ ecosystem, an AI-enabled solution that records and analyzes surgical videos, is designed to enable surgeons to operate through small incisions while remaining connected to the patient and operating room team. The system's modular, cart-mounted arms and open console design allow for greater flexibility and precision in surgical procedures.
Dr. Peine's contributions to the Hugo™ RAS system have not only advanced the technology but also improved surgical care for patients and empowered healthcare providers worldwide. His work on robotic-assisted surgery technology underscores the critical role intellectual property plays in fostering innovation and transforming scientific discoveries into life-changing medical devices.
The Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF) is a non-profit organization devoted to educational and charitable activities designed to teach, promote, and understand the value of intellectual property rights and encourage innovation. The IPOEF Awards Celebration, which will take place on December 15, 2026, in Washington, D.C., will honor Dr. Peine and other innovators whose work exemplifies the power of intellectual property to drive progress and societal benefit.