VIA Impact Awards

Awards Categories

This year, we are pleased to be accepting nominations in the below eight categories:

Industry

Industry Research & Development Excellence Award
Recognizing an industry leader whose innovative research and development efforts have successfully translated into impactful solutions, driving advancements in STEM ecosystems.

Government

STEM Policy Innovator Award
Celebrating a government leader who has championed policies that support and enhance research and development translation and the growth of STEM-based innovation.

Equity

Opportunity Advocate of the Year
Honoring a changemaker dedicated to expanding access and opportunities within STEM ecosystems, fostering inclusive growth and innovation.

Sustainability

Sustainable Practice Impact Award
Highlighting an individual or organization whose pioneering work in sustainable innovation is transforming STEM ecosystems and fostering a more resilient future.

Higher Education

The Entrepreneurial University Award, presented by the Deshpande Foundation
Recognizing an institution demonstrating excellence in both the Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship categories. This institution must provide evidence that support for entrepreneurial programs and initiatives is integrated across the institution’s strategic plan.

Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship, presented by the Deshpande Foundation
Honoring an institution that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to—and success in—developing and offering innovative educational courses and/or programs that foster entrepreneurship education across the institution.

Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship, presented by the Deshpande Foundation
Recognizing an institution that encouraged student leadership and engagement in developing innovative extra- and co-curricular activities that support the development of entrepreneurial awareness, skills, and practice.

Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education, presented by the Deshpande Foundation
Awarded to a higher education leader who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements to entrepreneurship in higher education. The recipient of this award should be known for leadership activities, service, and/or contributions to advancing the field of entrepreneurship in higher education.

Winners will be announced during the VIA Impact Awards: Celebrating the Change Makers of Innovation on the final day of the summit, Thursday, June 12, 6:00-9:00 p.m. CT at the Audubon Aquarium. The VIA Impact Awards Reception will be a special evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in innovation. Attendees will hear inspiring stories of impact, celebrate the achievements of industry and academic leaders, and connect with peers shaping the future of STEM entrepreneurship.

This is an opportunity for leaders and organizations to:

• Showcase their contributions to I&E
• Win a cash prize of $2,000
• Receive complimentary registration to the full VIA Summit

Nominees who plan to attend are encouraged to register early to take advantage of reduced rates. If an attendee is selected as an award recipient, that person’s registration fee will be fully refunded.

Timeline

• April 1, 2025: Award nominations close
• April 15, 2025: Applicants notified
• June 10-12, 2025: VIA Summit
• June 12, 2025, 6:00-9:00 p.m. CT: VIA Impact Awards Reception

Important Details

• You may nominate yourself or your own institution/organization. You may also nominate a colleague or a different institution/organization from your own.
• Someone from the winning institution/organization must be available to attend the summit.
• We accept proposals via the web portal only. You will need to sign in or create a VentureWell account to submit.

Questions? Email via@venturewell.org.