Recognizing 25 top Ohio innovators, builders, and future-shapers 35 and under who are building Ohio’s tech hub.
About Next25
Next25, presented by Ohio Tech News and OhioX, is a new annual recognition of 25 top emerging tech leaders in Ohio. These are the founders, innovators, and community leaders 35 and under who are shaping what Ohio will look like in the next 25 years.
This isn’t just an award. It’s a platform for celebrating those who are building, and betting on, Ohio’s future.
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Who Should Be Nominated?
We're looking for Ohioans 35 or younger (as of 12/31/25) who are:
Creating new technology or companies
Leading innovative work inside an organization
Building communities or movements that advance tech and innovation
Using tech for good, access, or public impact
Ohio residents (you can work for a non-Ohio HQ’d company)
Whether in a startup, corporate, nonprofit, government, or education — we want to spotlight people making a real difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! You are welcome to self nominate.
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Yes! Just fill out a separate form for each nomination.
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Next25 honorees will be featured in a special editorial series on OhioTechNews.com. Select honorees may also be invited to participate in special OhioX events during 2025/26.
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No. We're recognizing impact in all forms — whether in a Fortune 500, small business, classroom, nonprofit, public office, or something else.
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Nominations Open: May 20, 2025
Deadline to Submit: July 15, 2025
Winners Announced + Feature Launch on OhioTechNews.com: Fall 2025
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Be an Ohioan (you can work for non-Ohio HQ’d companies)
Be 35 years old or younger (as of 12/31/25)
Do something remarkable in the world of tech and innovation.
On the fence on whether an application makes sense? Go for it.