Nominations Open for INNOVATE100: Elevating NJ’s Leading Innovators

On Jan 22, 2026

The annual INNOVATE100 celebration, which honors the state’s most influential innovation leaders, is now accepting nominations for its 2026 class. This year’s event will be held on May 13 at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, where leaders from across various sectors—including startups, corporations, universities, nonprofits, and government—will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to New Jersey’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.

The INNOVATE100 initiative, spearheaded by James Barrood and Innovation+, seeks to highlight those who are driving innovation forward in both good times and challenging periods. In addition to honoring executives such as CEOs, presidents, and organizational heads, INNOVATE100 will also recognize the individuals who play a critical role in fostering innovation within their companies, as well as community leaders who catalyze positive change across the state.

“We are excited to continue our mission of celebrating the innovators who are shaping New Jersey’s future,” said James Barrood, founder/CEO of Innovation+. “This year’s nominees will be those who not only excel in their organizations, but also inspire collaboration, foster growth, and set the stage for the next generation of groundbreaking leaders.”

The 2026 INNOVATE100 honorees will be selected from a diverse pool of candidates and will include Innovators to Watch, individuals who are poised to become the next wave of leadership in New Jersey’s innovation scene. Nominations are being accepted from all industries, and self-nominations are welcomed.

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 1, with honorees to be notified in mid-February. To nominate someone, please submit their name, title, and organization, along with a brief statement on why they deserve to be recognized. The quick form can be found here, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNryvqgzF29Itb3XgInoX0HngYRGUedKoG8jSpNG7m4u_5Rg/viewform?pli=1.

The INNOVATE100 honorees will be honored at the May 13 event which will also celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines New Jersey’s innovation landscape, with major sponsors including Rutgers University, Valley Bank, Citrin Cooperman, Nokia Bell Labs, Bell Works, and partners NJBIA, Middlesex County, Jersey Tech + Innovation and Aspire Studios.

To submit a nomination and learn more about last year’s event and this year’s celebration on May 13, please visit https://innovatenewjersey.com. For further inquiries, contact [email protected].

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: