Second and last chance for innovators to win scaling perks: Belden extends nomination window

The quest for groundbreaking innovation continues, as the nomination period for the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award has been extended to February 27, 2026. This extension comes in response to a surge of interest and a strong influx of early submissions, allowing innovators more time to showcase their transformative technologies. Named in honor of Joseph C. Belden, a trailblazer in connectivity and communications, this prestigious award celebrates emerging companies and pioneering solutions that are driving significant advancements across connected sectors. The award categories cover a wide array of fields, including digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, industrial automation, and intelligent operations. A key focus for the 2026 award is the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). As businesses evolve by integrating physical and digital realms, solutions that effectively unite these areas are increasingly vital for enhancing performance, resilience, and growth. Finalists will not only gain recognition but also valuable opportunities for industry visibility, access to executive audiences, and personalized co-marketing initiatives aimed at propelling their innovations into the market. Winners will be revealed during the Belden Innovation Summit, scheduled for June 9-11, 2026, in Detroit, where industry leaders will gather to discuss the technologies that will shape the future. To be eligible for consideration, small and midsize companies with revenues below $500 million can submit products that were launched after July 1, 2024, provided they have at least one customer deployment. With the nomination deadline now pushed to February 27, innovators have a renewed chance to highlight their contributions and connect with a community of companies that are shaping the future of connected industries. Don't wait too long—submissions are open now but will close soon.