Second and last chance for innovators to win scaling perks: Belden extends nomination window

The search for the next wave of breakthrough innovation isn’t over yet. Due to overwhelming interest and strong early submissions, nominations for the 2026 Joseph C.

Belden Innovation Award have been extended through February 27, 2026, giving innovators additional time to bring their technologies into the spotlight. Learn more and start your submission here. What are the Joseph C. Belden Awards? Named after Joseph C. Belden — a pioneer in connectivity and communications — the award honors emerging companies and breakthrough solutions driving meaningful change across connected industries. From digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to industrial automation and intelligent operations, the program recognizes technologies that deliver measurable, real-world impact. What are we looking for? A critical focus for 2026 is IT/OT convergence, highlighting solutions that bridge information technology and operational systems. As enterprises modernize operations and connect physical and digital environments, technologies that unify these domains are becoming essential to performance, resilience, and growth. What do finalists receive? Finalists will receive more than recognition. Selected innovators gain access to industry visibility, executive audiences, and tailored co-marketing opportunities designed to elevate their solutions and accelerate adoption. Winners will be announced live at the Belden Innovation Summit, June 9–11, 2026, in Detroit, where industry leaders will gather to explore the technologies shaping what comes next. Image Credits:Foundry What does it take to be eligible? Eligibility is open to small and midsize companies with revenue under $500 million and products launched on or after July 1, 2024, with at least one customer deployment. With the extended deadline now set for February 27, innovators have a renewed opportunity to showcase their work and join a growing community of companies defining the future of connected industries. Techcrunch event Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately.Offer ends March 13. Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediatelyOffer ends March 13. Boston, MA | June 9, 2026 REGISTER NOW Nominate before tomorrow ends Nominations are open now — but not forever. Don’t miss your chance, start or complete your submission today. Image Credits:Foundry Topics Hardware, Joseph Belden, OT, SMBs, Startups, TC TechCrunch Events View Bio October 13-15 San Francisco, CA Tickets are live at the lowest rates of the year. Save up to $680 on your pass now.Meet investors. Discover your next portfolio company. Hear from 250+ tech leaders, dive into 200+ sessions, and explore 300+ startups building what’s next. Don’t miss these one-time savings. REGISTER NOW Most Popular Meta’s own research found parental supervision doesn’t really help curb teens’ compulsive social media use Sarah Perez How Ricursive Intelligence raised $335M at a $4B valuation in 4 months Julie Bort After all the hype, some AI experts don’t think OpenClaw is all that exciting Amanda Silberling OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI Anthony Ha Hollywood isn’t happy about the new Seedance 2.0 video generator Anthony Ha The great computer science exodus (and where students are going instead) Connie Loizos A Stanford grad student created an algorithm to help his classmates find love; now, Date Drop is the basis of his new startup Amanda Silberling