Nominations are now open for the Global Innovator Awards 2026, a new awards programme created by NEXUS to recognise international founders, innovators and exceptional talent building and contributing in the UK.
Across the UK, some of the most ambitious businesses, technologies and ideas are being shaped by people who made a deliberate decision to bring their talent here.
They have built companies, commercialised research, created jobs, entered new markets and contributed new perspectives to the UK innovation ecosystem.
The Global Innovator Awards were created to give those achievements a dedicated platform for recognition.
Why NEXUS Created the Awards
At NEXUS, we work at the intersection of international ambition and UK opportunity, supporting founders and innovators as they establish, grow and scale in the UK.
Through that work, we see first-hand that the international dimension behind many successful UK ventures is not incidental. The experience, expertise, networks and perspectives founders bring with them can become a fundamental part of what they build here.
The Global Innovator Awards were created to recognise that contribution, and to increase the visibility of the people behind it.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The awards are open to founders, innovators and exceptional talent who came to the UK through qualifying innovation and talent routes, including:
-
Innovator Founder Visa
-
Global Talent Visa
-
Graduate Visa
-
Innovator Visa
-
Start-up Visa
-
Tier 1 Exceptional Talent
-
Tier 1 Entrepreneur
Nominees should be able to demonstrate meaningful achievement, innovation or contribution through the work they are building in the UK.
You can nominate yourself or nominate someone whose work deserves greater recognition. Entry is free.
Independent Recognition
Nominations will be reviewed by an independent judging panel, bringing together expertise from across business, investment, innovation and the wider UK ecosystem.
The Global Innovator Awards will recognise achievement across ten award categories, alongside an honorary Pioneer Award.
Finalists will have the opportunity to gain greater visibility across the GIA ecosystem, with winners announced at the Global Innovator Awards ceremony in Central London in November 2026.
Your Nomination Could Put Someone on the Stage
Some of the innovators most deserving of recognition will not necessarily put themselves forward.
They may be a founder you have invested in, a colleague you have watched build, an innovator you have mentored, or someone whose contribution to their sector deserves a wider audience.
If someone comes to mind, this is the opportunity to recognise them.
Nominations are now open.