Nominate for the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award
▼ Summary
– Nominations are open for the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award, which recognizes groundbreaking technologies that drive impact across connected industries.
– The award honors a telecommunications visionary and highlights breakthrough technologies across sectors like manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.
– This year’s award has an expanded focus on IT/OT convergence, recognizing solutions that bridge information technology and operational systems.
– Eligible nominees must be from small- or medium-sized companies with products launched after July 1, 2024, and at least one customer deployment.
– The nomination deadline is February 13, and finalists will be announced in April, with winners receiving visibility and co-marketing support.
The call for nominations for the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award is now active, seeking to honor the most impactful and forward-thinking technological solutions across connected industries. This prestigious award, named for the telecommunications pioneer Joseph C. Belden, carries a legacy of over a century, spotlighting breakthroughs that redefine possibilities in fields like manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and telecommunications.
A significant evolution for the 2026 program is its sharpened focus on IT/OT convergence. The award committee is particularly interested in solutions that effectively bridge the critical divide between information technology systems and operational technology environments. This integration represents a vital frontier for innovation in modern industrial and enterprise settings.
Recognition through this award offers substantial benefits beyond the accolade itself. Finalists and winners gain invaluable visibility among industry leaders, access to exclusive networking forums, and customized co-marketing support designed to amplify their market presence. Past recipients have included firms pioneering fault-tolerant computing architectures and transformative agentic AI platforms that enable large-scale operational change.
Eligibility for the award is targeted at small- to medium-sized enterprises with annual revenues under $500 million. The submitted product or solution must have launched after July 1, 2024, and have at least one active customer deployment. A distinguished panel of industry experts will evaluate all submissions, with the finalists scheduled for announcement in April.
Prospective nominees should act swiftly, as the submission deadline is February 13. This is a prime opportunity to gain recognition for innovations that are actively shaping the future. Complete details and the nomination portal are available on the award’s official website.
In related news, the TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 is set for June 23 in Boston. This major gathering will bring together over 1,100 founders for an intensive day dedicated to growth strategies, execution, and practical scaling insights. Attendees will have the chance to learn directly from seasoned founders and investors who have influenced the tech landscape, connect with peers at similar growth stages, and acquire actionable tactics for immediate implementation.
Attendees can benefit from significant savings, including up to $300 off individual passes or up to a 30% discount for teams of four or more. Registration for the summit in Boston, Massachusetts, is currently open.
(Source: TechCrunch)
