Innovator Awards 2026: Now seeking nominations

As we gear up to celebrate McMaster’s research and innovation ecosystem at this year’s Innovation Showcase, the McMaster Industry Liaison Office and Office of the Vice-President, Research are seeking nominations for three prestigious Innovator Awards.

These awards honor outstanding contributions in research and commercialization.

• The VPR Innovator of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have advanced research from McMaster University, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) or St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (St. Joe’s) into market-ready products or services with significant societal impact.
• The VPR Lifetime Innovator Award celebrates those with a distinguished career in translating multiple innovations from McMaster University, HHS or St. Joe’s into market successes.
• The new Startup Company of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding venture from the McMaster ecosystem that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation and impact over the past year.

Please help us identify deserving candidates by submitting nominations for your colleagues. The deadline for nominations is October 16th, 2026.

Download the nomination form here.

Please submit nomination forms directly to Gay Yuyitung, Executive Director, McMaster Industry Liaison Office (MILO).

Your support will help us honour the incredible entrepreneurial leaders within our community who are turning research into impact!

Award winners will be announced at the McMaster Innovation Showcase on November 16th, 2026.

Register to attend Innovation Showcase.