Executive Leadership Awards (ELA)

Nominate your CEO today for Innovate@UCLA 2027 Executive Leadership Award:

Award Categories

Emerging Technology Award

Awarded to the leader of an early-stage company with at least $20M in funding or $200M in revenue. Key criteria are delivering radically new and unique products or services that provide great value to their customers.

Public Sector Award

Awarded to leaders in government agencies who drive innovation to deliver tangible benefits for their communities. Key criteria include advancing public services through technology, fostering collaboration, and creating sustainable community impact.

Enterprise Award

Awarded to senior executives transforming established organizations through brand, customer experience, and technology. Key criteria include driving large-scale innovation, strengthening competitive advantage, and creating measurable business impact.

Community Impact Award

Awarded to senior executives, typically non-profit officers, who have positively impacted their communities in ways that inspire integrity. Key criteria include significant outreach efforts focusing on ethical leadership, honesty, and sustainable impact.

Selection Criteria

Seek new innovative solutions creating a far more stimulating environment for change than during economically stable times.
Develop, communicate, and execute a strategic vision for the business that centers around technology as a critical advantage.
Leverage modernised, cutting edge technologies or proven technologies in an innovative or disruptive manner.
Maintain a track record of recognizing and successfully capitalizing on opportunities to utilize digital solutions/technologies.
Focus on delivering a differentiated, exceptional customer experience throughout the customer’s journey.
In addition, the selected executive should be receptive to receiving the award and able to attend the award dinner.

Event Recap: 2026 Executive Leadership Awards

On Tuesday, October 6th, 2026, Innovate@UCLA hosted its annual Executive Leadership Awards Dinner (ELAD) at the UCLA Luskin Ballroom. Centered on this year’s theme, “Workforce of the Future: Preparing for the Jobs, Skills, and Leaders of Tomorrow,” the evening brought together technology executives, academic leaders, innovators, and community to recognize organizations creating meaningful impact through technology and explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work.