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Thank you for your submissions! Nominations have officially closed as of midnight CDT, on September 16th, 2025.

The A-LIST Awards recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of innovative companies and startups in the Austin region. By highlighting the pioneering spirit and technological advancements within our community, the A-LIST Awards showcase the Austin region as a premier destination for business and investment, fostering an environment of entrepreneurial excellence and growth.

This year’s program introduces a fresh set of industry-focused award categories that reflect the region’s growing leadership with innovative technologies across multiple strategic sectors. Companies are encouraged to apply for multiple awards, as long as they meet the eligibility and criteria for each category.

Thank you for nominating your company. All applications will be carefully reviewed by our esteemed panel of judges. We appreciate your participation and wish you the best of luck in the selection process! 

Self nominations and nominations on behalf of others will be accepted 

A-LIST Industry Tech Awards

Series A - C+

Life Sciences Innovator Award

Health, biotech, pharmaceutical, wellness, beauty

Recognizes a health or biotech company transforming care through research, data, or science with strong market traction and measurable outcomes.

Manufacturing Excellence Award

Semiconductor, manufacturing (includes F&B and CPG), advanced manufacturing

Celebrates a manufacturing company advancing production, supply chain, or industrial processes that position Austin as a global leader.

Defense Technology Award

Cybersecurity, aerospace, defense tech, space tech

Honors a company innovating in defense or aerospace with dual-use tech reshaping national and global security.

Creative & Digital Media Disruptor Award

Travel, sports, media publishing, gaming, music

Recognizes a company reshaping media or entertainment through storytelling, digital platforms, or immersive experiences.

Energy Award

Clean technology, energy storage, transportation, solar

Celebrates a clean energy company driving breakthroughs in sustainability, climate tech, or renewable infrastructure.

Fintech Game-Changer Award

Banking, mortgage, insurance, wealth management, health

Recognizes a fintech company revolutionizing financial services through digital innovation, inclusion, and smarter capital access.

Note:
The number of recipients may vary by category. Companies at Series A – C funding stages are eligible. Multiple winners may be recognized at judges’ discretion.

A-LIST Classic Awards

AI (Artificial Intelligence) Standout Innovation Award

Bootstrapped - Series C+

Recognizes AI innovation accomplishments through potential breakthrough technology, processes, or services. Nominees will be judged on the most breakthrough AI innovation.

Emerging Startup of the Year Award

Bootstrapped - Seed in any of the above categories. Awarded a $5,000 check.

Recognizes leadership for an emerging company up to 2 years old for their technical leadership, team building creation and maintenance of a creative environment, and market awareness skills. 

International Startup of the Year Award

Bootstrapped - Series C+

Recognizes an international startup company for their innovation and market positioning. The company must have relocated to the Austin region after January 1, 2018.

Venture Capital Firm of the Year Award

Recognizes a venture capital firm based on the success of the companies they invest in.