Nominations Now Open for Startups, Innovations, and Leaders
The Sacramento Business Journal is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Sacramento Inno Awards, an annual celebration recognizing the people, products, and companies pushing the boundaries of innovation in the Capital Region.
If you’re part of the local startup scene—or know someone doing groundbreaking work—this is your chance to highlight those making the biggest impact.
Award Categories and Nomination Links
Nominations are open in three categories. You may submit multiple nominations in different categories.
Company
Recognizes startups and businesses in the Sacramento region that have demonstrated significant traction, funding, or market impact in the past year.
Innovation
Honors a specific product, service, technology, or process that is novel, disruptive, and delivering meaningful economic or social impact.
Individual
Celebrates founders, executives, and innovation leaders whose creativity and bold thinking are driving change.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Nomination Deadline: Friday, June 6, 2025
- Honorees Announced: Summer 2025
- Awards Celebration: November 2025
- Honoree Coverage: Featured in print and online by the Sacramento Business Journal
Eligibility Overview
- Companies must be based in or have major operations in Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, or Yolo counties
- Individuals must live or work in the same four-county region
- Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged
- Anyone can nominate a company, product, or individual
- All nominations must be submitted online
What the Judges Are Looking For
Across all categories, judges will evaluate:
- Novelty and creativity
- Market need and demonstrated impact
- Leadership and problem-solving
- Potential for disruption, scale, or influence
- Contributions to the Sacramento innovation ecosystem
Innovation nominees will be judged specifically on novelty, market need, impact, and disruptive potential. Artwork or media assets may be submitted to support your nomination.
Why It’s Worth It
Participating in the Inno Awards brings tangible benefits:
- Recognition from Sacramento’s leading business publication
- Increased visibility with customers, partners, investors, and future employees
- An opportunity to celebrate your team or clients’ success
- A chance to network with other regional innovators and business leaders
- Contribution to showcasing Sacramento as a hub of bold ideas and entrepreneurial momentum
Ready to Nominate?
Whether you’re recognizing your own success or nominating a company, product, or person whose work deserves the spotlight, don’t miss the chance to be part of this year’s celebration of innovation in the Sacramento region.
Submit your nomination by June 6, 2025 and help showcase the creativity and leadership shaping our local economy.
Interested in learning about more events and programs happening in the Greater Sacramento region? Check our event listings!
