Arthur S. Obermayer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur S. Obermayer
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Arthur S. Obermayer in 2009
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| Born | July 17, 1931 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
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| Died | January 10, 2016 (aged 84) |
| Alma mater | Swarthmore College (BSc) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (PhD) |
| Occupation | Businessman, philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | Judith Obermayer |
| Children | 3 |
Arthur S. Obermayer (July 17, 1931 – January 10, 2016) was an American scientist, businessman, and someone who gave a lot to good causes (a philanthropist). He started and led a company called Moleculon Research Corporation. He also helped start two important groups: Partners for Progressive Israel and the Obermayer German Jewish History Awards.
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Early Life and Education
Arthur S. Obermayer was born in Philadelphia, a big city in Pennsylvania. His family had come from Germany a long time ago. They were from a town called Creglingen.
Arthur went to college at Swarthmore College. He then earned a special science degree (a PhD) in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This is a very famous science and engineering school.
Business Career
Arthur Obermayer was an entrepreneur. This means he was a person who starts and runs new businesses. He founded and was the leader of Moleculon Research Corporation. This company focused on new ideas in chemistry, plastics, and medicines. He also helped start another company called Zero Stage Capital.
In 1981, Arthur's company, Moleculon, became a public company. This means its shares could be bought and sold by anyone. He later sold the company in 1984.
Helping Small Businesses
Arthur Obermayer worked hard to create government programs that help small businesses. Since 1970, he worked with Senator Kennedy. He often spoke to Congress, urging them to give money for research and development (R&D) to small businesses.
In 1976, a law was passed to create the SBIR program. SBIR stands for Small Business Innovation Research. This program helps small businesses get money for their new ideas.
In 1982, the SBIR program was approved again. That same year, Arthur's company, Moleculon, received a grant of $25,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through this program.
Arthur and his wife, Judith Obermayer, also supported the Bayh-Dole Patent Act. This law lets small businesses own the inventions they create using government research money. Before this law, the government owned these inventions. This change made more small businesses want to apply for SBIR grants.
Awards and Recognition
In 2015, Arthur and Judith Obermayer were honored. They were put into the Small Business Administration (SBA) Hall of Fame. This happened at a special event at the White House. They were recognized for helping the economy grow. Their work helped get the first money for the SBIR program. By 2018, this program had given out over $50 billion!
Arthur Obermayer believed the SBIR program was very important. He said it was one of the most important laws Congress ever passed, besides the G.I. Bill after World War II. He was also an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Philanthropy and Awards
Arthur Obermayer helped start Meretz USA. This group is now known as Partners for Progressive Israel.
In 2000, Arthur Obermayer helped create the Obermayer German Jewish History Awards. He started these awards with two other groups: JewishGen and the Leo Baeck Institute. These awards honor non-Jewish Germans who have worked to preserve German-Jewish history.
In 2007, Arthur received a very special award from Germany. It was called the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. This award recognized his important work.
Personal Life
Arthur Obermayer was married to Judith. They had three children together. His brother was Herman Obermayer.
Arthur passed away on January 10, 2016. He was 84 years old. He died in Dedham, Massachusetts.
