1871 Announces Nominations for Chicagoland Innovators & Businesses Are Open for 17th Annual Momentum Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO — May 28, 2024 — Non-profit global innovation hub 1871 is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the highly anticipated 17th Annual Momentum Awards. This prestigious event, celebrating excellence and innovation in the Chicagoland and Illinois tech community, is set to take place on September 19, 2024. Nominations are now open until June 12, 2024. 

The Momentum Awards, a cornerstone of Chicago’s tech community, recognizes outstanding individuals, team leaders, and companies who disrupt their industries and drive societal impact and economic growth within the tech sector. 1871 and the greater Chicagoland and Illinois community honor these trailblazers in 8 award categories. 

“Exciting times lie ahead as we open the gates for nominations,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “Our tech community has showcased incredible innovation and impact across diverse industries, technologies, and functions this year. We’re thrilled to welcome nominations from all corners of Chicagoland, eager to shine a spotlight on the outstanding companies and individuals driving our collective journey forward. Join us as we celebrate and recognize the transformative power of innovation.”

Nominations are open to individuals and organizations across various sectors, including early, growth, and late-stage startups, corporate innovators, and community leaders. Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges representing diverse expertise and perspectives within the tech ecosystem. 

1871’s 2023 Momentum Awards winners were an array ​​of visionary startups, corporate innovators, and companies who have made significant strides in advancing technology and entrepreneurship. From groundbreaking products and services to impactful initiatives and leadership, each awardee exemplifies the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines Chicago’s tech landscape.

Award categories 

Rising Star: Presented to an early-stage company that is positioned to grow into a leader in its market. 

Momentum: Presented to a growth company with the strongest potential to emerge as a leader in its market.

CityLIGHTS: Presented to a late-stage company that is becoming a category leader.

Outstanding Tech CEO: Presented to a CEO who has successfully scaled and nurtured their company through outstanding leadership.

Industry Disrupter: Presented to a company that has developed an innovative product that has the potential to significantly disrupt their industry. 

Social Impact: Presented to a company that has fostered a commitment to DEI, community contributions, and social impact.

Corporate Champion: Presented to a company that champions the growth of the Illinois tech industry through community-focused action. 

Chicagoness: Presented to an individual who exemplifies the values of the Chicago entrepreneurial community & empowers future innovators.

Rising Star, Momentum, CityLIGHTS, Outstanding Tech CEO, and Social Impact are open to public nomination and voting; The Corporate Champion and Chicagoness awards are closed to public nomination and voting, and will be determined by a selected committee. 

To learn more about the significance of The Momentum Awards, its award categories, and how to submit a nomination, attend an information session on June 6th or June 7th 2024. 

Nominations are now open to the public for several award categories. Multiple entries accepted. Submit by 6.12.24 for consideration.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact momentum@1871.com and visit our website to view  sponsorship guides and year-long benefits. 

For media inquiries, please contact J Blaszczykiewicz, Head of Marketing at press@1871.com.

About 1871 

1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds, and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.