Connecting innovation with gifted education is a necessity not only in the current political climate but also because it is a field with deeply held beliefs about the importance of problem solving, creativity, imagination, and invention--all critical components of innovation. In this address, the author focuses on three key ideas. First, she explores the concept of innovation that has an interesting history as well as a bright future. Second, a biographical detour provided the opportunity to hang flesh on the dry bones of the abstract concept by using the lives of two inventors as illustrations of an important lesson about innovation--the lesson she believes the field needs most immediately. Third, she explores the education of talented students in what has often been termed, the "Age of Innovation." (Contains 2 figures.)