Twenty-four people who designed and advanced the Internet as the global, world-changing platform that it is today were inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame April 8 during ceremonies held in Hong Kong.

Representing 13 countries, the 2014 class of inductees have pushed the boundaries of technological and social innovation to connect the world. Their trailblazing accomplishments are as broad and diverse as the Internet itself.

Eleven of the 24 inductees are Americans, including the late Douglas Engelbart, the man who invented the computer mouse. 

Their work has expanded the Internet's benefits into new regions and communities, and created new technologies and standards that were foundational to the Internet's development and expansion.

The Internet Hall of Fame celebrates Internet leaders and innovators from around the world who believe in the design and potential of an open Internet and, through their work, have helped change the way we live and work today.

The Americans inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame are Douglas Engelbart (posthumous), Susan Estrada, Frank Heart, Dennis Jennings, Radia Perlman, Eric Allman, Eric Bina, John Cioffi, Paul Vixie, Michael Roberts and Steven Huter.

The other inductees are Rolf Nordhagen (posthumous), Karlheinz Brandenburg, Hualin Qian, Dai Davies, Demi Getschko, Masaki Hirabaru (posthumous), Erik Huizer, Abhaya Induruwa, Dorcas Muthoni, Mahabir Pun, Srinivasan Ramani, Ben Segal and Douglas Van Houweling.

"We all benefit today from the contributions of these individuals who helped shape the global Internet," noted Internet Society CEO Kathy Brown.

"They fearlessly forged into uncharted territory with innovative ideas, groundbreaking technologies, and collaborative work to connect more people and countries to the Internet. We are delighted to honor these inspiring leaders for their foresight, creativity, dedication, and achievements."

The Internet Hall of Fame is a recognition program and virtual museum that celebrates the living history of the Internet and the individuals whose extraordinary contributions have made the Internet, its worldwide availability and use, and its transformative nature possible. The Internet Hall of Fame was launched by the Internet Society in 2012.