Momentum Awards

Celebrating innovation and empowering tomorrow’s tech leaders.

September 25, 2025

Public Voting & Ticket Sales are now open!

2025 Sponsors

Finalists Revealed

Public Voting Closes Aug 14

The Momentum Awards 2025 finalist have been revealed. It’s up to our community to determine who will take home an award.

Momentum Award Categories

Rising Star

This award recognizes a company that is early in its progression, has achieved significant traction in their market, and is well-positioned to grow into a leader in its market.

Momentum

This award recognizes a growth-stage tech company with the strongest potential to emerge as a market leader.

CityLIGHTS

This award honors a late-stage tech company that has become a category leader through innovation and growth.

Chicagoness

This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the values of the Chicago entrepreneurial community & empowers future innovators. 

Corporate Champion

This award is presented to a company that champions the growth of the Illinois tech industry through community-focused action.

Industry
Disrupter

This award recognizes a company that has developed or introduced an ingenious, non-traditional, and innovative product or service that has significantly disrupted its industry.

Social Impact

This award is presented to the technology company that has fostered an impact-oriented culture for their employees through a dedicated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, along with a positive contribution to the community.

Outstanding
Tech CEO

This award is presented to a CEO who has successfully scaled their company through outstanding leadership, the ability to attract and retain talented resources, dedication to diversity and inclusion, and the implementation of strategic growth opportunities.

Vote for the finalists

Attend the Momentum Awards

September 25, 2025

On September 25, join us for the 18th annual Momentum Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating Chicago’s innovation community and championing companies and individuals who are building extraordinary businesses. 

While the Momentum Awards are only one night, the impact transcends the evening. By supporting 1871, attendees champion the future of innovation and contribute to providing resources for founders whose solutions are changing the world.

The Momentum Awards Experience Includes:

VIP Lounge  

Pre-show cocktail hour featuring drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and networking

Award ceremony and dinner where eight winners will be recognized 

Silent Auction and Raffle featuring high-value prizes, the proceeds of which contribute to 1871’s mission

After party featuring live music and drinks

Become a Sponsor

Amplify Innovation, Expand Your Reach, and Drive Impact

When you sponsor the Momentum Awards, you’re not just supporting an event—you’re championing the future of innovation. Your sponsorship unlocks a year-long platform for visibility, connecting your brand with leading innovators and decision-makers in the tech community.

As a proud 501c3 nonprofit, the transformative work we do relies on partnerships with visionary organizations like yours. By becoming a sponsor, you empower us to nurture the next generation of trailblazers and shape the future of technology. Explore the opportunities below to see how you can join us in making a lasting impact.

Thank you 2024 sponsors:

1440, AON, Ashling Partners, BMO, Suntory, Cooley, Discover, Dscout, Eternal Creations, ExpoPass, ITW, Lettuce Entertain You, Lofty Ventures, LogicGate, Molson Coors, OCA Ventures, PNC, Polsky Center, Reloshare, SpotHero, the MART, U3 Coffee

2024 Sponsors