GE Innovation Timeline Feature: History, Thomas Edison, inventions

a tradition of innovation

I find my greatest pleasure, and so my reward, in the work that precedes what the world calls success. - Thomas A. Edison

From Thomas Edison’s first commercially viable light bulb to the first X-ray machines, we’ve continued to innovate what has yet to be imagined. GE was there for the first walk on the moon. We created the first television network, the first man-made diamond and the first jet engine. This is imagination at work.

From Inspiration to Industry (1878 - 1904)
Big ideas deliver mankind into the Age of Industry.
Historic Advancements (1905 - 1912)
GE makes history in the home and over the airwaves.
Reaching New Heights (1913 - 1924)
GE expands our horizons, in the air and around the world.
New Directions – Expanding Markets (1925 - 1934)
Helping out at home: New appliances and a new way to pay.
A Decade of Firsts (1935 - 1945)
GE innovations help us see our world differently.
The Science of Improvement (1946 - 1956)
The scientists of GE turn their imagination to developing new materials and useful new processes.
Dedicated to Science & Research (1957 - 1970)
Science fiction becomes science fact as GE helps put a man on the moon.
Continuing the Tradition (1971 - 1985)
Sophisticated GE solutions meet more complex needs.
Leading the Way (1986 - 1997)
GE boldly leads the way online and around the world.
Tapping Emerging Markets (1998 - 2000)
Online and around the world, the landscape of business transforms as emerging markets burst open.
Breakthrough Discoveries (2001 - 2004)
The GE tradition of innovation picks up speed with economies of scale.
Recent Developments (2005 - 2008)
Dramatic discoveries quietly redefine our lives.

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