Next25 Awards

Recognizing 25 top Ohio innovators, builders, and future-shapers 35 and under who are building Ohio’s tech hub.

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.

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.

Important Dates

• May 20, 2025: Nominations Open (closed)

• July 15, 2025: Deadline to Submit (closed)

• Winter 2025: Winners Announced & Feature Launch