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The 2026 GeekWire Awards, taking place May 7th at the Showbox Sodo in Seattle, recognize amazing entrepreneurs, innovators, deal makers and non-profit leaders across more than a dozen categories.

Community nominations may be submitted by GeekWire readers, and self nominations are permitted. Note: The GeekWire Awards recognizes companies, organizations and individuals based in the Pacific Northwest. (Oregon, Washington and British Columbia). Past winners are not eligible in the same category.

One nomination is as good as 20, so no need to flood the ballot box. Thoughtful and well-written nominations receive stronger consideration.

Key Dates
February 6 - 25: Nominations open
February 25 - March 5: Judging panel selects five finalists per category
March 16 - April 17: Community voting on GeekWire
May 7: Winners announced live on stage at the Showbox SoDo

Visit us at www.geekwire.com/events for event updates

Questions? Email us at events@geekwire.com.
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Workplace of the Year, Presented by JLL
This year's winner will display the attributes of an exceptional workplace environment, represented by an unmatched company culture.
STEM Educator of the Year, Presented by First Tech
Our next generation of technologists, entrepreneurs and scientists will help solve some of the planet's most pressing problems. To help set them on the right course, this award recognizes educators in the Pacific Northwest who are inspiring young minds to achieve more in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.
Startup of the Year
This team is on the brink of stardom, but more importantly, innovating, executing, and making a difference. To be eligible for consideration in this category, startups need to be no more than 5 years old in 2026.
Next Tech Titan, Presented by Baird
Place your bets on the next dominant force in the Pacific Northwest.
Deal of the Year
This venture financing deal, acquisition or public offering put plenty of fuel in the tank for a Pacific Northwest company. Eligible deals between April 2025 and April 2026.
CEO of the Year
This tech leader has vision, fortitude, creativity, and that impossible to define x-factor.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Here's to the future: Look for big things from this entrepreneur, who has already made an impact in the startup world despite being 30 or younger as of April 2026.
Innovation of the Year
Step into the future. This breakthrough could change the way we live.
Health Innovation of the Year
This pioneering health, life science, biotechnology or medical breakthrough holds great promise for making the lives of people better or improving the health care system.
AI Innovation of the Year
Recognizing groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence that are pushing boundaries, solving big challenges, and redefining what’s possible in tech.
Sustainable Innovation of the Year
This breakthrough technology will help save planet Earth.
Hardware/Robotics/Physical AI of the Year
Celebrating the hardware pioneers and roboticists giving the digital world a sense of sight, motion, and impact.
Geeks Give Back Award
This organization's positive impact is making the community a better place.