Great inventors - and great inventions - solve problems, address real needs, and make life better. When it comes to making ideas happen, no figure is more iconic, more representative, than the inventor. That's why Behance and 99U have decided to recognize the next generation of world-changing creators with a new prize: The Alva.The Alva takes its name from the legendary inventor who inspired us: Thomas Alva Edison, who said that "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration." It's fitting then that the prize will be presented with the generous support of our friends at GE, a company that has been committed to innovation since its founding by Edison over 130 years ago.

The Alva Award: Recognizing Remarkable Inventors

Given to one person each year, The Alva Award will recognize a remarkable, serial inventor who has shown the ability to create useful, innovative new products and/or services that contribute toward a larger vision and make an impact on the world. The inaugural Alva award-winner will be announced at this year's sold-out 99U Conference on May 4, 2012 in New York City, where he/she will share a sneak-peek into the creative process that drives their incredible inventions. The Alva Emerging Fellowships: Providing Seed Grants for Young Inventors What's more, we will be cultivating the next generation of creative visionaries with our exciting new Alva Emerging Fellowship program. Through an open application process, we will identify three promising young inventors and provide them with seed grants to take action on their ideas, a ticket to the 2012 99U Conference, and access to GE's manufacturing expertise and resources. --> Learn more about the Alva Emerging Fellowships & how to apply

The Alva Award Selection Committee

To help us choose wisely, we've assembled an Alva selection committee of leading minds from across the design, tech, education, and business communities, including: Beth Comstock /// SVP and CMO, GE Diego Rodriguez /// Partner, IDEO Gary Vaynerchuk /// Founder, Wine Library TV Ji Lee /// Communication Designer, Facebook John Maeda /// President, Rhode Island School of Design Josh Rubin /// Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Cool Hunting Lesa Mitchell /// VP, The Kauffman FoundationMark Hatch /// CEO, TechShop Michael Ventura /// Founder, Sub Rosa Scott Belsky /// CEO, Behance Sheryl Connelly /// Manager, Ford Global Trends & Futuring Tom Wujec /// Fellow, Autodesk

What's Next for the Alva Award?

Follow us @99U to stay tuned into Alva Award updates, as we lead up to the big reveal at this year's 99U Conference on May 3-4, 2012 in New York City. -- For any general or press inquiries about the Alva Award, please send us an email.