Now in its 12th year, OCBJ’s Innovator of the Year Awards celebrates the entrepreneurs, executives, and companies redefining what’s possible in Orange County business. Since its founding, the program has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated recognitions, drawing nominees from nearly every sector of the local economy. This section brings together this year’s full slate of nominees — a cross-section of the county’s most inventive minds, spanning health tech, law, finance, manufacturing, and beyond — alongside a look back at the honorees who earned this recognition before them.
Our editorial team revisits past winners to trace what they have been up to since winning the award. You’ll also find perspectives from the sponsors and advertisers who make the program possible.
The recognition culminates at the Innovator of the Year Awards Luncheon on October 7, 2026, at the Irvine Marriott, where this year’s winners will be announced. Brett Wall, former EVP and President of Medtronic Neuroscience and one of 2025’s Innovator of the Year winners, headlines as keynote speaker.
Whether you’re here to see who made this year’s list, revisit the innovators who came before them, or hear from the sponsors backing OC’s next generation of ideas, this is your home base for everything Innovator of the Year.