On September 17, Chicago’s innovation community will come together for the 19th Annual Momentum Awards to celebrate the founders, leaders, and companies shaping the future of technology.

From breakthrough startups to category-defining growth companies, this year’s finalists represent the very best of Chicago innovation. They are creating new markets, solving meaningful problems, generating jobs, and proving that world-class companies are built here.

This year’s finalists were selected from an outstanding and highly competitive pool of nominations representing the breadth and strength of Chicago’s technology community. 

After a rigorous evaluation by an accomplished panel of founders, investors, operators, and industry leaders, these companies and individuals emerged as this year’s finalists. 

Our sincere thanks to the judges who dedicated their time, expertise, and thoughtful consideration throughout the selection process. Their commitment helps ensure the Momentum Awards continue to recognize the innovators and leaders making an extraordinary impact across Chicago.

Now it’s your turn.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging technology company that has demonstrated exceptional early traction and is poised to become one of Chicagoland’s next great success stories. This award celebrates companies up to $3MM in annual revenue, that solve meaningful problems, build momentum, demonstrate the ability to win in their market, and contribute to the strength of the Chicagoland technology community.

Momentum Award

The Momentum Award recognizes a growth-stage technology company with annual revenue between $3 million and $25 million that has demonstrated exceptional business momentum and is emerging as one of Chicagoland’s leading technology companies. This award celebrates companies that have achieved significant traction, established a clear competitive advantage, and are well positioned for continued growth while making a meaningful contribution to the Chicagoland technology community.

CityLIGHTS Award

The CityLIGHTS Award recognizes a technology company with annual revenue of more than $25 million that has achieved meaningful scale while continuing to drive innovation, deliver exceptional business results, and demonstrate a lasting commitment to the Chicagoland technology community. As the premier company award presented at the 1871 Momentum Awards, it celebrates organizations that have become category leaders while continuing to shape the future of Chicago’s technology community.

Industry Disrupter Award

The Industry Disrupter Award recognizes a technology company that is redefining its industry through innovation. This award honors a company that introduces a fundamentally new approach to solving important problems, demonstrates early market validation, and has the potential to reshape an industry.

Outstanding Tech CEO Award

The Outstanding Tech CEO Award recognizes an exceptional chief executive leading an Illinois-based technology company. This award honors a leader who demonstrates outstanding leadership and operational excellence, delivers measurable business results, builds a company with a clear competitive advantage, and contributes meaningfully to the Chicagoland technology community.

Social Impact Award

The Social Impact Award recognizes an Illinois-based technology company that is creating meaningful, measurable impact through its business. This award honors a company that combines business success with a demonstrated commitment to improving lives, strengthening communities, and creating lasting positive change.

The Momentum Awards celebrate the founders, leaders, and companies driving Chicago’s innovation economy forward. We’re proud to recognize this year’s exceptional finalists—and now it’s your opportunity to help determine the winners.

Public voting closes on August 19, 2026. Cast your vote today and help celebrate the people and companies building what’s next. 

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