Post by Bill Gates

Innovation is part of America’s identity. Time and again, this country and the people in it have achieved ambitious goals by investing early in big, bold ideas. From the space race to the internet to countless medical breakthroughs, our commitment to research has changed the world. A few examples from the past century include: ​ ​ • The polio vaccine. Created by American physician Jonas Salk in the 1950s, the first effective polio vaccine helped protect millions of children from a once-devastating disease. ​ ​ • The practical light bulb. Thomas Edison and his team developed the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb that lit up homes, businesses, and cities around the world. ​ ​ • The microprocessor. First made at Intel in California, the microprocessor became the engine behind personal computers, smartphones, and the digital economy.​ ​ As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we should remember what made these breakthroughs possible. The world faces major challenges today—from the rise of AI to decreased funding for global health—but I’m confident that our country’s one-of-one innovation ecosystem will play a big role in solving them.