Empowering Young Innovators: Foley IP Team Partners with Microsoft and Lemelson-MIT to Support Student Invention

At Foley IP Law, we believe that the power of innovation belongs to everyone, including the next generation of creators. That’s why we’re proud to share the story of our recent pro bono partnership with the Microsoft Make What’s Next Program and the Lemelson-MIT Program, which allowed a team of high school inventors to bring their idea one step closer to reality.

Through this collaboration, four Foley IP attorneys—Sarah Foley, Grace Chang, Hajra Khan, and Aaron Leiter—provided pro bono legal services to help a team of high school students prepare and file a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Foley also sponsored the USPTO filing fees as part of our firm’s ongoing commitment to empowering future changemakers through accessible innovation pathways.

From Classroom to Patent Filing

The high school team, hailing from Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, California, developed an impressive invention: the Dextera exoskeleton hand, designed to assist individuals with limited hand mobility. Their vision and technical execution earned them a coveted spot in the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams program, a prestigious initiative that champions high school inventors and their problem-solving projects.

These bright students not only completed a working prototype but also earned national recognition for their efforts. Their story was recently featured on CBS News—a compelling segment that also highlights Foley’s involvement. You can watch it here.

A Unique Honor

As a testament to their ingenuity and dedication, the team was awarded a unique honor given to only one team each year through the Lemelson-MIT program. This award recognizes not only the technical excellence of the project but also its potential for real-world impact.

How It Came Together

This collaboration was born from a shared mission to expand access to STEM opportunities and support underrepresented voices in innovation. Sarah Foley first learned of the opportunity through ADAPT (Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams), a professional network committed to promoting diversity in IP law. A fellow Microsoft attorney and ADAPT member made the connection with the Make What’s Next Program, and the Foley team quickly mobilized to provide the legal expertise needed to protect the students’ intellectual property.

Why It Matters

Projects like this highlight the critical role that mentorship, access, and legal support play in ensuring that all innovators—regardless of age, background, or resources—can move their ideas forward. As one of the students shared in their team newsletter, the experience of working with professional IP attorneys gave them invaluable insight into the patent process and a sense of ownership over their work.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to seeing how this talented group of young inventors continues to shape the future of assistive technology. And we hope their story inspires others—legal professionals, educators, and students alike—to join in creating a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Foley IP is honored to have played a part in their journey. Stay tuned for more stories like this, and follow us on social media as we continue to champion pro bono initiatives that make a difference.

Want to Learn More?

Discover more about the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams program

Watch the CBS News feature on the Dextera exoskeleton hand Here