CNBC Disruptor 50 2026: Nominate a company to be included on the list of innovative startups

CNBC has officially opened the nomination process for its 2026 Disruptor 50 list, marking the fourteenth edition of this prestigious recognition for trailblazing, venture-backed companies. These organizations are reshaping various industries, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, and are demonstrating their ability to scale effectively. The deadline to submit applications is set for Monday, February 23, at 11:59 PM EST. Eligible candidates include independent, privately-owned companies founded after January 1, 2011. Founders, executives, investors, or their communication representatives can easily access the application process. Once nominated, candidates will undergo a thorough evaluation based on a range of quantitative and qualitative factors, such as scalability, revenue growth, user engagement, and the implementation of groundbreaking technologies. The year 2026 may prove pivotal for both the tech landscape and capital markets. Notably, SpaceX, which has made history as one of only two companies—alongside OpenAI—to feature twice on CNBC's Disruptor 50 list, is gearing up for a potential public listing this year. This IPO could raise tens of billions of dollars and elevate the company's valuation to over $1 trillion, emphasizing a significant shift in the industry. As technology firms increasingly prepare for public market scrutiny, the focus has shifted from ambitious growth alone to building sustainable, scalable businesses that meet investor expectations. The era of unchecked speculation is gradually yielding to a more realistic approach to disruption, where the ability to convert capital into lasting value is paramount. Despite this shift, private capital remains readily available, particularly for generative AI companies, which have attracted substantial investment. According to PitchBook data, OpenAI and Anthropic secured a staggering $176.5 billion in venture funding in the first three quarters of 2025. To ensure a robust selection process, CNBC has assembled two advisory boards comprising leading scholars in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as top-tier venture capitalists. Their insights will enhance the quantitative criteria that underpin this renowned list. The final selection will combine quantitative scores with qualitative assessments conducted by CNBC staff, who meticulously review each submission. The chosen disruptors will be informed in March, with the highly anticipated list set to be unveiled in May across CNBC's television, digital, and social media platforms. Don't miss out on the opportunity to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for deeper insights into the companies and visionaries making waves in the startup ecosystem.