Marketing Copywriter at 1871
For 17 years, the Momentum Awards have been the largest celebration of tech innovation and impact in Chicagoland. But what makes them unique?
This award ceremony is 1871’s premier signature event, bringing together our entire community of founders, leaders, partners, and supporters annually for a night of celebration and innovation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Momentum Awards, its history and evolution, and its impact on the work we do for our tech community!
About the event
Each year, the Momentum Awards honor the top tech innovators and leaders who are disrupting their industries, building up their communities, & shaping the future.
Our 8 awards: Rising Star, Momentum, CityLIGHTS, Outstanding Tech CEO, Industry Disrupter, Social Impact, Corporate Champion, and Chicagoness, represent key areas of achievement, spanning from idea to Fortune 50.
With awards recognizing early-stage startups, growth and late-stage companies, and corporate innovators, the Momentum Awards celebrates outstanding individuals and companies, no matter where they are in their business journey!
Together, our award ceremony highlights the strength of our community and showcases the ingenuity that arises when innovators are connected with the necessary resources, mentorship, and support system.
The Momentum Awards supports our mission
As a 501c3 nonprofit, our work is made possible by the generous support of our community.
The Momentum Awards isn’t just an event—it’s our fuel for the future. Your support helps us inspire, equip, and champion innovators and leaders at every stage of their journey. Whether you contribute to our Annual Fund, become a sponsor, or join us at the event, you’re shaping the landscape of tomorrow’s tech leaders. Let’s build the future together!
You can also help us recognize the best in tech by nominating yourself, your company, or your peers across our award categories. Nominations open each year during the summer, and your participation will help determine which innovators and leaders make our esteemed group of finalists!
Finally, you can support us by celebrating with our community at the event! Just reserve your ticket and join us in person or virtually for the big day.
The story of the awards
The Momentum Awards predate 1871 itself! The Chicago Entrepreneurial Center (CEC) first introduced the awards in 2007 to bring attention to the people building businesses and growing the community at a time when few viewed Chicago as a top tech startup destination.
A lot has changed in 17 years! Since our first event, we’ve seen incredible growth in our local tech industry, in large part because of the strength of our community. Every day, founders create meaningful solutions, build new businesses, and scale their companies. Our annual gathering has also evolved to reflect these developments.
The Momentum Awards’ impact
Not only is it one of the best places to connect with some of the brightest stars in tech, but the Momentum Awards also has a long history of recognizing startups that have become leading disruptors in their industries. In fact, it wouldn’t be the first time one of our award recipients became Chicago’s next unicorn!
You will surely recognize many of our 2023 winners, including CDW, Rivet, WeSolv, ReloShare, 1440, SpotHero, and many others. Read about our 2023 Momentum Awards winners.
As an attendee, you’ll also see the density and diversity of our community on full display. The Momentum Awards brings together our entire community of members, mentors, corporate sponsors, community and university partners, VCs, alums, and policymakers for an unforgettable night of celebration. It highlights what makes 1871 special—the energy from every fortunate collision with supporters who share the same passion for innovation!
For any questions about Momentum, contact momentum@1871.com
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