The Tech Museum have announced The Tech Awards Laureates 2009, 15 innovators from around the world who have committed their groundbreaking work to solving humanity’s most pressing challenges. The Tech Awards recognizes Laureates in five categories: environment, economic development, education, equality, and health. These Laureates have developed new technological solutions or innovative ways to use existing technologies to significantly improve the lives of people around the world. This year’s Laureates were selected from 650 nominations representing 66 countries. The Tech Awards Laureates 2009 represent regions as diverse as Nigeria, Brazil, Great Britain, the United States and Bangladesh. And their work impacts people in many more countries worldwide.

The Laureates and former Vice President Al Gore, this year’s James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award recipient, will be recognized at The Tech Awards Gala on November 19th at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The Global Humanitarian Award, sponsored by Applied Materials, honors individuals whose broad vision and leadership help to alleviate humanity’s greatest challenges. Gore was selected for his worldwide work on environmental affairs – in particular, raising global awareness of climate change.

Click here to read the full press release and see a list The Tech Awards Laureates 2009 and a brief description of their projects.