The Business Journals Inno Under 25 (Rising Innovators)

Overview

The Business Journals’ Inno Under 25 (often subtitled Rising Innovators in local markets) is a series of city-level editorial lists from American City Business Journals that spotlights standout founders, technologists, and startup ecosystem contributors under the age of 25. Each local Business Journal/Inno newsroom runs its own call for nominations and selects honorees based on impact, innovation, and leadership rather than financial metrics. Companies and individuals pursue it for regional visibility within their tech/startup communities and the credibility of an independent, editorially curated recognition by a major U.S. business media group.

Eligibility Requirements

• Nominee must be under the age of 25 as of the publication date of the 2026 Inno Under 25 list for the relevant city/region
• Nominee must be actively involved in the local innovation, startup, or technology ecosystem (e.g., founder, early employee, researcher, builder)
• Nominee must live or work in the coverage area of the specific Business Journal/Inno market running the list (e.g., St. Louis region for the St. Louis Business Journal)