Innovation Awards Summit
A statewide celebration of problem-solving, creativity and technology.
September 2, 2026
Time: 8:30 am - 1 pm
Utah Cultural Celebration Center
Nominate by June 2026
Event Overview
Utah ranks No. 1 in the nation for innovative capacity. Our economic system supports the creation and implementation of good ideas, and Utah Business is celebrating the people who work to build them.
Join us in spotlighting the brightest innovators, boldest founders and most forward-thinking companies at the Innovation Awards Summit, Utah’s statewide celebration of problem-solving, creativity and technology.
This dynamic, half-day event includes:
- Dynamic presentations on the state of innovation in Utah with innovation experts and successful inventors
- An interactive Innovations Fair, where entrepreneurs and inventors display and demo their product(s) with attendees
- Networking with other innovators, investors and business leaders
- A high-stakes speed pitch competition, where selected applicants will take the stage for 60 seconds to convince a panel of judges their company should take home the check
- Innovation Awards luncheon and ceremony
Attendees to the Innovation Awards Summit will witness cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, including tech, health sciences, aerospace, manufacturing, consumer goods and more, while making connections with fellow innovators.
We will roll out the red carpet for the 2026 Innovation Award honorees, sharing their stories and expressing gratitude for their impact in driving Utah’s innovation ecosystem forward.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, student, or innovator, this event is your opportunity to rub shoulders with the leaders shaping the future of business in Utah and make connections that help you achieve your business growth goals.
Sponsors
About the Nomination Process
How are honorees selected?
Nominations are scored by a panel of business and industry experts. Judge scores are then averaged and ranked to determine top performers.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone may nominate a candidate! You can nominate yourself or nominate someone whom you think would be a good selection.
What information should be included in the nomination?
Stand-out nominations provide specific details about the contributions and impact of the nominee. Consider including information about your nominee’s expertise, accomplishments, and community involvement, as well as explanations about your nominee’s unique traits and statistics about their professional or leadership successes. For more details on nomination information, please visit our award Q&A page here.
Is there a fee to submit a nomination?
No!
What is the nomination process like?
To submit a nomination, click on the “Nominate Here” button on this page. You’ll fill out a simple form with basic information about the nominee, details about how they stand out among their peers, how they have fostered principled leadership and how they have contributed to their organization’s culture and impact.
Do multiple nominations for a candidate improve their chances of being selected?
No. Honorees are selected based on merit rather than popular vote. It is best to compile all the information into one well-written nomination. As the judges read through all the nominations—sometimes hundreds of them—it’s easier for them to get a full picture of the nominee if all information is in the same nomination.
Photos from the Award Event
Sponsorship Opportunities
Utah Business events provide a dynamic platform for celebrating the achievements, innovations and contributions of professionals and organizations across Utah. Our events are meticulously designed to recognize excellence and inspire growth within the business community.
Sponsors are an integral part of our events strategy.
Sponsorship packages are available at all levels of impact and budget, ranging from comprehensive exposure to element-specific branding. Options include:
- Company logo on all print and digital advertising throughout marketing campaign
- Company logo on event landing page
- Table sponsorship
- Exhibit table
- Company logo on honoree videos and award plaques
- Use of event logo
Want to connect with this one-of-a-kind group of leaders? Visit utahbusiness.com/advertise for more information.
