Join us for the inaugural GIID Global Summit, 9-11 April 2025 in Monterrey, Mexico
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Global Summit Awards
Three new awards will recognize and celebrate the achievements of innovation districts and the individuals that drive this work. Whether you’re a long-standing pioneer in the field, or an emerging changemaker, GIID is creating a new awards program to celebrate excellence and showcase your achievements on an international stage.
Award descriptions and requirements are listed below. Submissions will be reviewed by an independent jury, and awardees will be announced and recognized at the Awards Dinner during GIID’s Global Summit on Thursday, April 10th in Monterrey, Mexico.
Learn more below and apply now!
The Awards
Trailblazer Award
An early or emerging district that is charting new, groundbreaking pathways important to the advancement of innovation districts. This district will be pioneering approaches or strategies that demonstrate, even at an early stage, a command of their unique value proposition and R&D strengths as they position themselves as drivers of economic growth, technological advancement, and societal impact.
Lighthouse Award
A mature or more established innovation district that has uniquely, and distinctively, developed over time, offering powerful insights and inspiration for others. This district will have made significant impact harnessing their unique R&D capabilities, scaling solutions for the market, making a sizable contribution to its local and regional growth and competitiveness. This district may also have signature buildings or approaches for its physical development, perhaps repurposing existing buildings or creating public spaces that foster collaboration and connected, buzzing communities. Further, it is a district that even under times of difficulty, pivoted or devised new strategies that strengthened its unique value proposition.
District Champion
Recognition of an individual demonstrating extraordinary leadership, vision and unwavering commitment in advancing an innovation district. This person will have stepped out in front, especially in times of challenge or duress, to drive an ambitious agenda. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable expertise and thought-provoking insights on the “how to” of innovation districts. You can nominate yourself, or other leaders from your own or other districts.
How to Apply
Submitting your application is simple. Follow these steps:
Check Eligibility: Only established** districts are eligible to apply for the Trailblazer and Lighthouse Awards.
Only individuals currently or formerly working on behalf of an innovation district are eligible for the District Champion award.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or have any questions, click here to view the info session recording and read the FAQ’s about each award or email fhussain@giid.org.
**Established districts can include those with shovels in the ground and nascent programming.
Prepare Your Application: Lighthouse & Trailblazer Nominations
Step 1: Complete the application form.
Step 2: Submit a powerful, one-page district case (max 500 words) that makes an undeniable argument for your district. Clearly showcase innovative practices, measurable success, and commercialization efforts. Highlight breakthrough approaches, notable products or processes, and/or major financial milestones. Also provide insights into land use, multi-tenant buildings and any connections with adjacent communities to illustrate the “power of place” in your district.
Prepare Your Application: District Champion Nomination
Step 1: Complete the application form.
Step 2: Submit a half-page statement (max 250 words) outlining the nominee’s leadership, key contributions, and impact. Include description of how their efforts have contributed to the growth, success, and transformation of the district, and provide insight into their expertise and thought leadership in the field.
Submit Your Application: Click here to submit your application. Complete by Wednesday, April 2 for review by an independent jury.
Note: Districts registered for the Global Summit in Monterrey (see map below) have already received application forms.
Purchase your tickets:
Registration for the GIID Global Summit open through Friday, March 21, 2025. Shortlisted applicants are recommended to have a representative in attendance at the Awards Dinner.
Only able to join Thursday? Contact Fatima Hussain at fhussain@giid.org.
Prepare for the Announcement: Shortlisted applicants will be informed by Friday, April 4.
Winners will be announced live at the Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 10.
Questions?
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please reach out to Fatima Hussain at fhussain@GIID.org
Celebrate with us!
Global Summit Awards Dinner
The Awards Ceremony will be the highlight of the Global Summit. Join us to celebrate the achievements of innovation districts and the individuals leading driving them forward.
Thursday, April 10th
5:30 – 9:30 PM
Horno3
Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
