Contest: We're Searching For The Next Great Inventor!

Calling All Inventors! Modern Marvels Invent Now^® Challenge Seeks America's Next Great Invention Idea

The History Channel_® and National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Foundation launch new competition for everyday inventors

The History Channel_® and Invent Now^® Inc., a subsidiary of the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Foundation, announced today that they have joined forces in search of the nation's next great invention idea. Inventors throughout time have shared one common attribute – a unique gift for seeing a reality that does not yet exist. The Modern Marvels Invent Now^® Challenge provides an opportunity for independent inventors to be discovered and to influence the ever-changing face of invention.

The Challenge is named in part for The History Channel signature series, Modern Marvels^®, which tells the stories of inventors of our past who crafted man-made wonders, technological breakthroughs or commonly used items through invention and imagination. Naming the winner's invention the '2006 Modern Marvel of the Year,' the competition brings the Modern Marvels^® series to life by shining a spotlight on great invention ideas of not only the past, but the present. Challenge submissions will be judged on 1) the originality and uniqueness of the invention, 2) the ingenuity of the inventor and 3) the story of the invention and its relation to historical precedents.

The Challenge is also an extension of the Invent Now programs of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation that are designed to give everyday inventors the recognition and honor that their innovations and perseverance deserve. In addition, The History Channel and the National Inventors Hall of Fame have teamed up with TIME Magazine for the Challenge in an exciting media partnership in conjunction with TIME's 2005 Coolest Inventions special edition, which arrives at newsstands on Monday, November 14^th.

 "America's independent inventors face many obstacles when it comes to sharing their ideas with the world – perhaps most significantly a stage on which to tell their story," said Jeffrey Dollinger, President of Invent Now, Inc. "This Challenge is a great opportunity for inventors to unleash their inventive spirit and advance their big ideas."

The Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge will be accepting submissions at www.History.com/invent from today through December 31, 2005 at 11:59p.m. PT. The winner of the Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge will receive the tools and training necessary to become America's next great inventor – beginning with a $25,000 grant. In addition, the winner and four other finalists will be announced and have their invention ideas and stories featured during Modern Marvels "Invention Week" on The History Channel (May 22-26, 2006). The 25 semi-finalists will also have their invention ideas featured at a national exposition and be invited to attend a one-day invention seminar to help further develop their invention ideas. 

"Some of history's greatest inventions – Velcro^®, the elevator, the traffic signal and the air conditioner – came from everyday inventors," said Judy Klein-Frimer, Director of Brand Enhancement for The History Channel. "These are the people and breakthroughs that we showcase on Modern Marvels, so it is fitting to our brand and company values that we sponsor a program seeking the next great invention idea – one that may someday be a feature on our program."

Those who dream of transforming the way we live and shaping our future through a simple idea or concept can log-on to www.History.com/invent for details on how to enter the Modern Marvels Invent Now Challenge.

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