Innovation Celebration 2017 nomination deadline is December 9th

Innovation Celebration 2017 is taking place Friday, March 3rd of 2017, though there’s still time to nominate someone for an INNCEL award. Check out all the information below, though the deadline is next Friday, December 9th, so you best get to it if you’re interested.

Check out our recap of INNCEL 2016 here.

Know an entrepreneur/innovator in Champaign County who deserves to be recognized?

Nominate them for a 2017 Innovation Celebration Award!

We are pleased to announce the 12th Annual Innovation Celebration in recognition of those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community.  Friday, March 3, 2017 5:30-8:30 pm Parkland College – Student Union 2400 West Bradley Avenue  Champaign, IL 61821 The awards have been established to recognize the various ways in which individuals and organizations have utilized innovation, creativity, and leadership for entrepreneurial endeavors and economic development in the community. Please nominate as many people/organizations as you would like.    Nominations are open to the public and will be accepted through 4 pm on December 9, 2016.   Nominations will be viewed and judged in December 2016 by a panel of past winners, sponsors and community & university leaders. Finalists will be announced in early 2017.  To learn more about the event, view past award winners, watch our videos, and RSVP, visit our event website.  #INNCEL ___________________________________________________________   Awards & Descriptions Innovation Transfer Award-University of Illinois  Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact. Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award-University of Illinois Recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.  Innovation in Engagement Award-Parkland College  Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.  Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.  Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy. Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy. Entrepreneurial Excellence: Advocacy Award Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success. Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award Has successfully commercialized innovations while demonstrating a commitment to positive, local, economic impact. Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans. Innovation: Longevity Award Recognizes those enterprises whose sustained success is the direct result of continued innovation over many years.

Top photo by Sam Logan.