Categories

The 2019 Xconomy Awards San Diego are open to people, companies, and organizations working across the life sciences, healthcare, medicine, and medical device sectors—as well as in big data analytics, wireless, and other tech industries that intersect with biomedicine. Nominations from industry, academia, government, and nonprofits are welcome.

One of the things that makes this innovation community so strong is the tremendous diversity of people and ideas. We want to celebrate this diversity, so we encourage you to think broadly and creatively when submitting nominees for the categories below. We also encourage nominations of people who have diverse backgrounds and are from under-represented groups, as well as of companies, organizations, and teams led by such individuals.

Big Idea

Revolutions begin with a bold, unique idea. It’s the scientific observation that spawns a new way of making drugs, the creative business strategy that shakes up the healthcare system, or the unique tech innovation that promises to improve health. We’ll honor the people, companies, and organizations whose big ideas are making a big impact.

Innovation at the Intersection

In covering a vast range of industries across high tech and life sciences, Xconomy’s editors have found that some of the most important innovations happen at the intersection of different disciplines. We’re looking for the people, companies, and organizations that are most successfully mining that borderland.

CEO

From the new startup to the stock market giant, every company needs a good leader—someone who’s successfully navigated through rough waters or brought a unique and visionary perspective to the executive suite. We will honor the best of the best.

Commitment to Diversity

It is impossible to build a strong and sustainable innovation community without drawing on the talents and perspectives of people with diverse backgrounds. Nominate the people, companies, and organizations that are demonstrating a real commitment to building a diverse and inclusive life sciences community.

Startup

We’re looking for young companies that are making their mark now: boldly charting new territory, executing quickly on a daring vision, or showing that their hard work is already paying off. Open to private firms less than 5 years old.

Secret Weapon

We all have a secret weapon on our team: someone whose accomplishments and impact far exceed the credit they’ve received. Whether it’s a member of the C-suite or executive team, a more junior employee, a patient, an advocate, or someone else in your organization or community, we want to give these unsung heroes the recognition they deserve.

Digital Trailblazer

Apps, hardware, mobile devices, big data and more—the latest advances in digital technologies are transforming not just drug discovery and medicine, but also how patients collect and use their own health data. This award will go to the person, company, or organization that is pushing the boundaries of how digital tools can ultimately improve health.

Lifetime Achievement

The San Diego area is home to many people who’ve already achieved several lifetimes’ worth of breakthroughs, founding new fields of study and launching new industries. Who do you think has been the biggest influence and inspiration?

X of the Year

Some folks are so unique they need their own category. We want suggestions not only for which person, company, or organization deserves to win an award, but also for the category they belong in. As long as it fits on a trophy, that is.