Alvy Ray Smith

Alvy Ray Smith is a distinguished speaker and industry expert in computer graphics and digital innovation. His extensive background includes co-founding Pixar Animation Studios and Altamira, both of which were acquired by Disney and Microsoft, respectively. As the first director of computer graphics at Lucasfilm, he played a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking technological advancements.

During his tenure at Lucasfilm, Smith played a crucial role in establishing the Computer Graphics Lab at the New York Institute of Technology. He later became the First Graphics Fellow at Microsoft and contributed to Xerox PARC's pioneering work on personal computers, the internet, and early color pixel technologies. Additionally, Smith directed the Genesis Demo in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and was key in hiring and directing John Lasseter for "The Adventures of André & Wally B."

Smith's technological contributions have been honored with two technical Academy Awards for the alpha channel and digital paint systems. He holds four patents and has published extensively in theoretical computer science and computer graphics. His inventions include the first full-color paint program and the development of the HSV (or HSB) color transform. Smith was also instrumental in proposing and negotiating the Academy Award-winning Disney computer animation production system, CAPS. As a Regent, he was crucial in initiating the Visible Human Project at the National Library of Medicine and served as a key witness in a trial that successfully invalidated five patents that threatened Adobe Photoshop.

Holding a Ph.D. from Stanford University and honorary doctorates from New Mexico State University and the New York Institute of Technology, Smith is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists. He is also a founding member of the Siggraph Academy.

Beyond technology, Smith's passion for art and creativity is evident. He is the creator of various computer artworks, including "Sunstone," part of the collection at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Recently, he published "A Biography of the Pixel," reflecting his profound understanding of digital media.

Currently, Smith serves as an advisor to Baobab Studios, a virtual reality startup in Silicon Valley. His experience and insights continue to inspire audiences globally with engaging presentations on the future of technology and digital art.