Entrepreneurs Nab Two Genius Grants

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation named its 2007 fellows today—a group that is popularly known as the recipients of "genius grants." Two entrepreneurs are included in the mix.

Saul Griffiths is the co-founding partner of Squid Labs in Alameda, California, which invents new technologies in a broad range of areas, including optics, textiles, and nanotechnology. An MIT graduate, Griffiths is also involved with several other ventures including Instructables.com, Potenco, and HowToons.

Peter Cole is the co-founder and co-editor of a small press called Ibis Editions. The press prints poetry and other writings from the Middle East. "In a region mired in conflict, Cole's dedication to the literature of the Levant offers a unique and inspiring vision of the cultural, religious, and linguistic interactions that were and are possible among the peoples of the Middle East," the Foundation said in announcing the award.

To view the complete list of genius award winners for 2007, click here.

Mike Hofman was previously editor of Inc.com and a deputy editor at Inc. magazine, which he joined in 1996. The site was nominated for a National Magazine Award for Digital Media in 2010, and was named the best business website by Folio Magazine. In 2006, Hofman was part of a team of writers nominated for a Webby Award for best business blog. He lives in New York City. @mikehofman