FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUSTIN, Texas – Opportunity Austin, in partnership with SXSW, announced that nominations are now open for the 14th Annual A-LIST Awards, which spotlight the entrepreneurs and companies fueling Austin’s innovation ecosystem. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Long Center.
The A-LIST Awards celebrate the region’s most visionary leaders and groundbreaking startups developing industry-disrupting technologies. This year’s program introduces a fresh set of industry-focused award categories that reflect the region’s growing leadership with innovative technologies across multiple strategic sectors:
- Life Science Innovator Award
- Manufacturing Excellence Award
- Defense Technology Award
- Creative & Digital Media Disruptor Award
- Energy Award
- Fintech Game-Changer Award
As well as featuring the A-LIST Classic Awards including:
- International Startup of the Year Award
- Emerging Startup of the Year Award
- Venture Capital Firm of the Year Award
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) Standout Innovation Award
“With every passing year, the innovation coming out of the Austin region only accelerates,” Roland Peña, senior vice president for global investment and innovation at Opportunity Austin, said. “These awards recognize the trailblazers who are not only defining their industries but elevating our region as a global destination for entrepreneurship.”
“SXSW is committed to celebrating breakthrough ideas and the bold companies behind them,” added Peter Lewis, chief commercial officer for SXSW. “We’re proud to continue our collaboration with Opportunity Austin to shine a spotlight on the businesses shaping the future.”
In addition to being recognized at the event, the Emerging Startup winner will receive a $5,000 check. All winners will also be awarded exclusive prize packages, including a free Delta SkyMiles for Business membership, SXSW Conference Badges, a Capital Factory Golden Ticket, a complimentary one-year membership to the Austin Technology Council and other resources designed to fuel their growth.
Past honorees have gone on to achieve major milestones—Ambiq, for example, recently completed an initial public offering following its A-LIST recognition, and other winners have continued making headlines for breakthrough innovations across industries. This year’s event builds on that momentum, celebrating the companies putting Austin on the global innovation map.
Nominations are open now through Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. Eligible businesses must be privately owned and headquartered in the Austin region. Companies are welcome to nominate themselves or be nominated by others and are strongly encouraged to apply to multiple categories if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Submit your nomination and learn more at: opportunityaustin.com/innovation/a-list-awards-2025
About Opportunity Austin
Opportunity Austin is the regional economic partnership fostering innovation, investment, workforce development, and livability across the Austin region. Harnessing the region’s unrivaled economic momentum, its mission is to be a force multiplier for businesses that share the drive for enduring prosperity. Ultimately, the organization improves the strength, power, and performance of our region and those who do business within it.
