Awards

WID Space Coast is pleased to accept nominations to recognize individuals, organizations, and companies for their innovation supporting U.S. defense and national security in one or more of the following areas:

Innovator of the Year

The Innovator of the Year Award recognizes an individual, team, company, or organization that has advanced a new idea, technology, process, partnership, or solution with meaningful impact.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Development or implementation of an innovative product, service, process, or program
• Contribution to defense, space, national security, STEM, or public sector missions
• Creative problem-solving with measurable or meaningful results
• Advancement of technology, operations, partnerships, or community impact
• Collaboration across organizations or sectors to solve a mission need
• Potential for long-term impact across the Space Coast or broader national security community

Eligible nominees: Individuals, teams, companies, nonprofits, academic institutions, government partners, or collaborative initiatives.

Mentor of the Year

The Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made a meaningful impact through mentorship, guidance, advocacy, and support of others’ professional growth.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Commitment to mentoring emerging leaders, students, professionals, or peers
• Support for women’s advancement in defense, space, STEM, or national security careers
• Demonstrated willingness to share knowledge, open doors, and encourage growth
• Positive influence on individual career development or leadership confidence
• Active engagement in professional development, networking, or community leadership
• A lasting impact on those they have mentored

Eligible nominees: Professionals from industry, government, military, academia, nonprofit, or community organizations.

Small Business of the Year

The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated outstanding performance, leadership, growth, and contribution to the defense, space, national security, or public sector community.

Nominees should demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Excellence in service, solutions, or mission support
• Growth, resilience, and business leadership
• Meaningful contribution to the Space Coast defense or space economy
• Support for workforce development, community engagement, or professional advancement
• Commitment to collaboration, innovation, and mission success
• Positive impact on customers, partners, employees, or the broader community

Eligible nominees: Small businesses supporting defense, aerospace, space, government, national security, technology, engineering, professional services, or related sectors.