These categories recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and forward-thinking qualities within their organization or industry since July 1, 2023.

Nominations that won in the 2025 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories include
a. An essay of up to 3,500 characters describing the nominee's innovative achievements since July 1, 2023.
b. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges.

X01. Most Innovative Chairman of the Year
X02. Most Innovative Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year (New for 2026)
X03. Most Innovative Creative Person of the Year
Only professionals in creative fields such as advertising, photography, illustration, filmmaking, etc. should be nominated in this category.
X04. Most Innovative Customer Service Executive of the Year
X05. Most Innovative DEI Leader of the Year (New for 2026)
X06. Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year
X07. Most Innovative Finance Executive of the Year
X08. Most Innovative HR Executive of the Year
X09. Most Innovative Leader of the Year
X10. Most Innovative Mentor of the Year
X11. Most Innovative Operations Manager of the Year
X12. Most Innovative Product Manager of the Year
X13. Most Innovative Sales Executive of the Year
X14. Most Innovative Sustainability Leader of the Year
X15. Most Innovative Team Builder of the Year
X16. Most Innovative Technology Leader of the Year
X17. Most Innovative Woman of the Year