We are anticipating that we’ll announce 100 winners to the Best Workplaces for Innovators list, though that number is subject to change depending on the quality and number of submissions.
We’re excited to introduce even more categories this year, offering additional chances for recognition. While every application submitted will be considered for the annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, you may also choose to apply to any of these new categories, increasing your odds of being recognized by Fast Company. We expect to name multiple honorees in each category.
These categories include:
Advertising and Marketing (New!)
For companies focused on advertising and/or marketing.
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (New!)
For companies focused on AI and automation.
Banking/Finance/Fintech (New!)
For companies focused on banking or finance or relevant applications that have created strong cultures for innovation.
Communications and Public Relations (New!)
For companies focused on communications and PR.
Digital Content/Media/Entertainment (New!)
For companies focused on creating engaging and informative content.
Education and Nonprofits (New!)
For nonprofit companies and workplaces with educational missions.
Food and Agriculture (New!)
For workplaces focused on farming or food.
Health and Wellness
Workplaces focused on achieving better health outcomes that have created strong cultures for innovation.
Science and Technology
Companies and organizations focused on science or technology that have created strong cultures for innovation.
Software and Computing (New!)
For companies creating software or focused on computing.
Best Workplaces for Innovators United States
Workplaces based in the U.S. that have invested in human capital and innovation infrastructure in their home markets.
Innovative Leader of the Year
Individuals at any level, from CEO to department head, who have enhanced the innovation culture of their workplace.
Early Career Innovators
Workplaces that have successfully encouraged and nurtured innovation among early career employees.
Women Innovators
Workplaces that have successfully encouraged and nurtured innovation among their female employees.
Small Companies
Workplaces with fewer than 100 employees that have outpaced their cohort in fostering cultures of innovation.
Large Companies
Workplaces with 1000+ employees that have outpaced their cohort in fostering cultures of innovation.
Art and Design (New!)
For companies focused on design or on creating, managing or promoting art.
Automotive and Transportation (New!)
For companies in the automotive or transportation industries.
Beauty and Fashion (New!)
For companies focused on beauty or fashion.
Consumer Products and Services
Workplaces in consumer products and services that have created exceptional cultures of innovation.
Enterprise Products and Services
Workplaces in enterprise products and services that have created exceptional cultures of innovation.
Energy (New!)
Companies in the energy sector.
General Excellence (New!)
Companies that have established and pervasive innovation cultures that have yielded remarkable results.
Manufacturing (New!)
For companies in the manufacturing industry.
Social Good
Companies and organizations focused on socially beneficial missions that have created strong cultures for innovation.
Best Workplaces for Innovators International
Workplaces based outside of the U.S. that have invested in human capital and innovation infrastructure in global markets.
Innovative Team of the Year
Teams that have gone above and beyond, driving important innovations in their workplace.
Diverse Innovators
Workplaces that have successfully encouraged and nurtured innovation among diverse employees.
Sustained Excellence
Companies that can demonstrate a commitment to sustained dynamic innovation cultures over many years.
Midsized Companies
Midsized Companies Workplaces with 100-999 employees that have outpaced their cohort in fostering cultures of innovation.
Applications for the 2025 Best Workplaces for Innovators are now closed. Click here to request a notification when applications open for 2026!
Have any questions or concerns? Email us at bwiawards@fastcompany.com