Amy Smith was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the 'Genius Grant,' in 2004. This recognition acknowledged her exceptional creativity, commitment to social impact, and potential for future contributions to the field of invention and international development. The fellowship provided her with unrestricted funding to pursue her work.

Amy Smith received the Lemelson-MIT Prize, which recognizes outstanding inventors who have improved the world through technological innovation. This award highlighted her practical inventions and her dedication to empowering communities through access to appropriate technologies.

Throughout her career, Amy Smith has received numerous other awards and recognitions for her work, including honors from academic institutions, professional organizations, and international development agencies. These awards acknowledge her leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.