The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest invites nominations for 2026 awards
Do you know someone developing a bold new idea, solving problems in creative ways, launching something impactful or helping build a stronger and more innovative Northwest Indiana? We want to hear their story.
Nominations are open for The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest’s 21st annual Innovators Awards! Awards are given to individuals, teams, businesses, nonprofits, students, educators and organizations across all industries who live or work in Northwest Indiana.
Whether the innovation is highly visible or happening quietly behind the scenes, this is an opportunity to celebrate the people making a difference in our communities, workplaces, classrooms and industries.
Submit a nomination by August 28, 2026.
- Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome
- Open to all industries and sectors
- Individuals and teams eligible
- Northwest Indiana residents and organizations encouraged to apply
Help us continue building a region where innovation thrives.
The Society of Innovators’ annual awards celebrate the spirit of creativity, problem-solving and ingenuity by recognizing innovators from across Northwest Indiana’s seven-county region. Founded on the belief that innovation can come from anyone, anywhere, the Society honors the individuals and teams helping shape the future of our communities, industries and economy through bold ideas and meaningful impact.
Honoree Categories
Individual Innovator
The Individual Innovator category recognizes the people behind some of Northwest Indiana’s most impactful innovations, initiatives, products and services. To be considered, the innovation must have been developed within the Northwest Indiana region during the past four years.
Team Innovator
Innovation is often a team effort. The Team Innovator category recognizes collaborative teams responsible for developing innovative products, services, initiatives, or solutions in Northwest Indiana within the past four years. Eligible teams may come from a single company, government agency, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or a collaboration between multiple organizations. Up to five team members may be included in the nomination.
Advocate for Innovation
The Advocate for Innovation category recognizes individuals or teams who actively strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem by connecting people, supporting new ideas, building partnerships and helping innovation thrive throughout Northwest Indiana. This category is intended for leaders and champions who make innovation possible — even if they are not directly tied to a single innovation or product.
Advocate for Youth Innovation
The Advocate for Youth Innovation category recognizes educators, mentors, community leaders and organizations that are helping inspire and develop Northwest Indiana’s next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. This category honors those creating meaningful opportunities for youth through entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, mentorship and experiential learning. Rather than focusing on a single innovation, this award celebrates long-term impact and commitment to youth development.
Nomination Information
Individuals and teams are nominated via an online application. Anyone who lives or works in Northwest Indiana is eligible for consideration.
All applications must be submitted through the online form on the Society of Innovators’ website at pnw.edu/soi. There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged.
The deadline to submit nominations is August 28, 2026.
More information can be found online at pnw.edu/innovators-awards or by reaching out to societyofinnovators@pnw.edu.
Interested in supporting the 2026 Society of Innovators Awards as a sponsor?
The annual awards program brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, nonprofits, manufacturers, startups and community changemakers from across Northwest Indiana to celebrate innovation and regional impact. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to align their brand with creativity, leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of our region.
From premium presenting sponsorships to table and program advertising opportunities, sponsors receive visibility before, during and after the event while helping us continue recognizing the innovators shaping Northwest Indiana’s future.
To learn more about 2026 sponsorship opportunities, please email societyofinnovators@pnw.edu.