Boston University Biomedical Engineer Ji-Xin Cheng Named National Academy of Inventors Fellow

Precision medicine pioneer holds more than 30 patents and is the cofounder of multiple companies

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Ji-Xin Cheng, a biomedical engineer at Boston University, has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Cheng is the 16th BU researcher to receive this honor, which recognizes inventors who have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. Cheng is known for pioneering innovations in precision medicine, including a microscope that enhances cancer detection, a device to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and a technique for mapping cells that could help address Alzheimer's disease.

Why it matters

Cheng's work in biomedical engineering and precision medicine has led to over 30 patents and the founding of multiple start-up companies. His election to the NAI fellowship highlights Boston University's strength in innovation and the real-world impact of its research.

The details

Cheng, the BU College of Engineering Moustakas Chair Professor in Optoelectronics and Photonics, is an expert in manipulating photons to develop new medical technologies. His innovations include a microscope that enhances cancer detection, a device to zap away antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and a technique for mapping cells that could help address Alzheimer's disease. Cheng has also cofounded multiple companies to commercialize his inventions.

  • Cheng was named a National Academy of Inventors (NAI) fellow in 2026.

The players

Ji-Xin Cheng

A biomedical engineer at Boston University who has pioneered innovations in precision medicine, including over 30 patented inventions and the founding of multiple start-up companies.

National Academy of Inventors (NAI)

An organization that awards the highest professional distinction solely to inventors, recognizing those who have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society.

Boston University

The university where Cheng is a professor and where 16 researchers have now been named NAI fellows, highlighting the institution's strength in innovation and real-world impact.

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What they’re saying

“I am very pleased to receive this honor and join this wonderful NAI class. My name Ji-Xin (继新) means continuous innovation in Chinese. I guess that I was born for this career!”

— Ji-Xin Cheng, BU College of Engineering Moustakas Chair Professor in Optoelectronics and Photonics (bu.edu)

“The bar for selection to the NAI is extremely high, and Professor Cheng richly deserves this recognition. He has never been afraid to try imaginative new approaches while seeking solutions to complex and deadly challenges like prostate cancer. His pioneering imaging technologies are born out of multidisciplinary insights and have incredible potential for understanding, treating, and preventing disease.”

— Elise Morgan, ENG dean and Maysarah K. Sukkar Professor of Engineering Design and Innovation (bu.edu)

“The newest fellows are a driving force within the innovation ecosystem, and their contributions across scientific disciplines are shaping the future of our world.”

— Paul R. Sanberg, NAI president (bu.edu)

What’s next

Cheng plans to use a recent BU Ignition Award to help commercialize a new microscopy technology that illuminates the chemical makeup of nanoparticles, a breakthrough with potential applications in drug discovery and the screening of cancer, Alzheimer's, and other diseases.

The takeaway

Cheng's election to the prestigious NAI fellowship highlights Boston University's strength in innovation and the real-world impact of its research in biomedical engineering and precision medicine. His pioneering work, spanning over 30 patents and multiple start-ups, demonstrates how curiosity and a desire to benefit humanity can drive successful invention.