Calling all energy innovators: The 2026 Houston Innovation Awards, presented by InnovationMap, return this fall to celebrate the best and brightest in the Houston innovation ecosystem, and that includes those leading the energy transition.

We're asking you to nominate Houston's top innovators and startups for this year's awards.

Nominations are open now through August 27 and can be made on behalf of yourself, your organization, and other influential leaders in the local innovation scene.

The annual awards program recognizes the most innovative individuals and companies in Houston across 10 prestigious categories, including one category specifically for the energy transition.

This year's awards will honor the following categories:

• Minority-founded Business, honoring an innovative startup founded or co-founded by BIPOC or LGBTQ+ representation.
• Female-founded Business, honoring an innovative startup founded or co-founded by a woman.
• Energy Transition Business, honoring an innovative startup providing a solution within renewables, climatetech, clean energy, alternative materials, circular economy, and beyond.
• Health Tech Business, honoring an innovative startup within the health and medical technology sectors.
• Deep Tech Business, honoring an innovative startup providing technology solutions based on substantial scientific or engineering challenges, including those in the AI, robotics, and space sectors.
• Startup of the Year (People's Choice), honoring a startup celebrating a recent milestone or success. The winner will be selected by the community via an interactive voting experience.
• Scaleup of the Year, honoring an innovative later-stage startup that's recently reached a significant milestone in company growth.
• Incubator/Accelerator of the Year, honoring a local incubator or accelerator that is championing and fueling the growth of Houston startups.
• Mentor of the Year, honoring an individual who dedicates their time and expertise to guide and support budding entrepreneurs.
• Trailblazer, honoring an innovator who's made a lasting impact on the Houston innovation community.

You have three weeks to submit nominees, so don't delay — nominate today at this link or fill out the form below. Qualified nominees will receive a formal application to complete, which will be reviewed by our esteemed panel of judges to determine the finalists and winners.

More announcements about the 2026 Houston Innovation Awards are coming soon.Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Houston Innovation Awards? Please contact sales@innovationmap.com.