The Innovators Awards
For more than 20 years, the Society has discovered, honored and celebrated the people and teams moving Northwest Indiana forward.
Make a nomination ↗
Nominations now open
Anyone who lives or works in Northwest Indiana is eligible. There is no fee to nominate, and self-nominations are encouraged.
Innovation can come from any industry, discipline, community or background.
Choose a category ↓Four ways to recognize impact
We define innovation as a new solution that delivers value to the community. Each nomination is considered for its creativity, implementation and impact.
Recognizes the people behind Northwest Indiana’s most innovative products, services and initiatives developed in the region within the last four years.
Celebrates teams that work together to develop an innovative solution and create meaningful value in Northwest Indiana. Up to five team members may be included.
Honors people and teams who make innovation happen by connecting ideas, people and opportunities across Northwest Indiana.
Recognizes educators and community leaders developing Northwest Indiana’s next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Innovation takes flight when ideas are shared
The Advocate for Innovation category is inspired by aviation pioneer Octave Chanute. A brilliant engineer, Chanute freely shared what he learned, connected fellow experimenters and helped others soar. His example continues to shape how the Society recognizes people who strengthen an entire innovation ecosystem.
A growing regional legacy
Meet some of the innovators, teams and advocates whose ideas and leadership have created value across Northwest Indiana.
The Society’s archive reaches back more than two decades. The complete historical roster will be added as the archive is migrated to the new site.
Distinguished recognition
These honors recognize sustained leadership and exceptional team innovation that shape the region for years to come.
Honors a regional leader whose lifetime of work reflects exceptional innovation, service and lasting impact.
Recognizes a team whose collaborative work delivered an inventive solution and extraordinary community value.
Each inductee receives a Chanute Wing, a symbol of Northwest Indiana’s legacy of experimentation, shared knowledge and ideas that take flight.