our mission

Inspiring the next generation of greatness.

Now more than ever, society needs to cultivate a new army of elegant inventors, artists, statesmen and women, who work together to imagine a brighter future, just like Lewis Latimer.

The background

Over the last 34 years, The Edison Awards™ have served as a leader in globally recognizing, honoring and fostering innovation and innovators to create a positive impact in the world. Named after legendary innovator Thomas Edison, the awards are considered the "Oscars in Innovation" and are the world's most respected innovation award. 

In April 2021, The Edison Awards introduced the Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program, designed to provide special access and mentorship to a select group of exceptional Black innovators.

Meet Lewis

Lewis Howard Latimer (September 4, 1848 – December 11, 1928) was one of the first major African-American inventors and a draftsman for the patents of the incandescent light bulb, among many other inventions. 

He first worked as an assistant to Alexander Graham Bell and later was the only Black member of Thomas Edison’s private Pioneers Club of innovators. 

Latimer's other patented inventions include such diverse items as the first water closet (i.e., toilet) for railroad cars (1874) and a forerunner of the air conditioner (1886). 

Latimer was a true “renaissance man” – a painter, a poet, as well as a remarkable inventor and scientist.

 

The Medici Effect

The Latimer Fellowship is inspired by The Medici Effect, a concept defined by Frans Johansson. The concept describes the increased likelihood of transformative innovation when ideas, disciplines and cultures are combined. 

The Medicis were a very prominent and influential family in Florence, Italy, who brought sculptors, painters, philosophers, scientists and poets together. Their influence and patronage led to “a creative explosion that became one of the most innovative eras in history—the Renaissance.” Taking advantage of different perspectives, views and skills allows innovators to rapidly identify powerful niches, and combine good ideas to create great ones. 

The Founders

  • Frank Bonafilia

    FOUNDER

    As Executive Director for the Edison Awards™, Frank has been a leader in recognizing and promoting innovation across the world. Frank has a complete dedication to the growth of The Edison Awards and develops partnerships and networks to promote inclusivity in the field of innovation.

    Originally established in 1987, the Edison Awards™ have recognized and honored some of the most innovative products and business leaders in the world and is among the most prestigious accolades honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design and innovation.

  • Carmichael Roberts

    FOUNDER

    Carmichael is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Material Impact, and bases the fund's strategy on his successful career as an entrepreneur-investor in materials, blending a unique business model of licensing university technology and commercializing it through targeted partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. His current investments include Soft Robotics and Zero Mass Water.

    Carmichael is also member of Breakthrough Energy, a mission-oriented group committed to changing the world by creating and building companies that address the threat of climate change and long-term sustainability of the planet. As part of their work, Breakthrough Energy will invest over $1B over the next 20 years to help scale products for energy, transportation, agriculture, and construction, with a focus on big concept projects that promise the largest possible benefit to the earth’s future. 

  • Jon Cropper

    FOUNDER

    Jonathan Cropper is the founder of Futurlogic Advanced Concepts, a highly confidential business development, design, and branding studio. 

    He has designed and implemented innovation strategies for many global brands, and sits on multiple startup boards as an angel investor and advisor.

    Most recently, Jon was the Head of Global Real Estate, Aviation & Marine Partnerships for Aston Martin Lagonda. 

Ready to Apply?

The Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program can change your life.