Nominations Open for the Connecticut Technology Council's Women of Innovation® Awards

The Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2026 Women of Innovation awards, recognizing women innovators, role models, and leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) across the state.

Nominations are open through May 18; nominators must complete and submit the Women of Innovation Nomination Form at www.ct.org/womenofinnovationby midnight on May 18.

The 21^st annual Women of Innovation awards event – always an exciting and inspiring evening - will be held on Tuesday, October 27 and will include networking with technology and business leaders from across the state, as well as the official announcement of the category award winners. The slate of finalists will be announced this summer; and the awards event will be held at The Woodwinds in Branford. Sponsorships for the 2026 Women of Innovation celebration are now available and include various promotional opportunities for sponsoring organizations.

Held annually since 2005, the Women of Innovation program has created a vibrant community of women and girls in STEM, passionate about making an impact, mentoring, leading, and sharing their expertise with those pursuing career development and growth. It is one of the largest networks of women in technology, science and engineering in Connecticut.

“The Connecticut Technology Council is proud to host the 21^st Women of Innovation celebration with the support of our members, sponsors, and partners,” said Milena Stankova Erwin, CTC’s Executive Director. “We are excited to continue the program’s legacy, highlight the impact these amazing women in STEM continue to have in Connecticut and beyond, and honored to celebrate their impressive accomplishments.”

Finalists in each of nine award categories are nominated by peers, coworkers, and mentors. A diverse panel of judges selects finalists and winners in two rounds of judging. All nominees must currently work or study in Connecticut and meet the specific requirements in the award category in which they were nominated. The 2026 award categories are:

• Youth Innovation & Leadership
• Collegian Innovation & Leadership
• Academic Innovation & Leadership – Secondary
• Academic Innovation & Leadership – Post-Secondary
• Entrepreneurial Innovation & Leadership
• Research Innovation & Leadership
• Corporate Innovation & Leadership – Small/Medium Business
• Corporate Innovation & Leadership – Large Business
• Community Innovation & Leadership

At the October 27 awards celebration, all the finalists will be honored, and category winners will be announced. The Youth finalists receive scholarships to further their education and career.

To review the award categories and criteria and to complete the nomination form by the May 18 deadline, visit www.ct.org/womenofinnovation. Take this opportunity to nominate the trailblazers you know and help spotlight their successful journey in STEM in Connecticut.

For more information on how to support the Women of Innovation program and women leaders in STEM through sponsorship or scholarship fund donations, contact Milena Erwin at executive.director@ct.org.

Visit www.ct.org/womenofinnovation for more details and updates.

CATEGORIES:

Youth Innovation & Leadership

Awarded to a young woman in high school who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievements in technology or science, or who has displayed innovation or creativity in a STEM field, including in extracurricular activities. High school Juniors and Seniors are eligible for the award.

Collegian Innovation & Leadership

Awarded to a young woman in college - undergraduate or graduate student - who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in the STEM (technology, science, or engineering) areas of study, and/or has displayed inventiveness or creativity in said fields through projects, research, extracurricular activities, entrepreneurship and volunteer work.

Academic Innovation & Leadership - Secondary

Awarded to a woman working in a CT high school who has developed, implemented and sustained STEM programs in curriculum development, student research, and/or teacher student collaborations and who consistently demonstrates leadership and innovation.

Academic Innovation & Leadership – Post Secondary

Awarded to a woman working in a CT higher education institution who has developed, implemented and sustained STEM programs in curriculum development, student research, and/or faculty student collaborations and who consistently demonstrates leadership and innovation.

Entrepreneurial Innovation & Leadership

Awarded to a woman who has founded an innovative STEM venture (for-profit or non-profit), demonstrating vision, leadership and impact, and taking great professional and financial risk to make her idea a reality and achieving great results.

Research Innovation & Leadership

Awarded to a woman in a STEM field who has developed new knowledge or products, or made improvements to products, in a corporate or academic setting, exhibiting an original research approach, achieving peer recognition, and demonstrating leadership by heading research teams, motivating staff, and securing funding/resources.

Corporate Innovation & Leadership – Small/Medium Business

Awarded to a woman who has managed a program, project, or business unit in an exemplary way in a corporation or professional services firm (under 500 employees). Nominees must have a minimum of three years of managerial or technical experience in the STEM fields of technology, science, or engineering.

Corporate Innovation & Leadership – Large Business

Awarded to a woman who has managed a program, project, or business unit in an exemplary way in a corporation or professional services firm (500 or more employees). Nominees must have a minimum of three years of managerial or technical experience in the STEM fields of technology, science, or engineering.

Community Innovation & Leadership

Awarded to a woman employed in the areas of technology, science, or engineering who has led efforts to drive positive change within her community, by devoting her own time and resources to support community or non-profit initiatives, as well as leading STEM programs and/or organizations that create meaningful social impact. This may include volunteerism, corporate social responsibility efforts, or professional roles dedicated to community betterment. Nominees in this category exemplify a commitment to making a difference.