Innovation Award
ATD Award Programs
Innovation Award
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ATD research shows that actively involving the talent development function in organizational innovation initiatives is an approach tied to better market performance, more effective learning, and improved innovation results.
ATD research shows that actively involving the talent development function in organizational innovation initiatives is an approach tied to better market performance, more effective learning, and improved innovation results.
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This award is given in recognition of an innovation that has a measurable impact on an organization or audience, moves the talent development industry forward, is sustainable, and is replicable. This award can be presented to an individual or a team.
This award is given in recognition of an innovation that has a measurable impact on an organization or audience, moves the talent development industry forward, is sustainable, and is replicable. This award can be presented to an individual or a team.
Advancing the Talent Development Field
Submission Process for 2026 Recognition
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All entries must be submitted via our online awards portal. Entrants will be notified by March.
All entries must be submitted via our online awards portal. Entrants will be notified by March.
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Download the Word version of the application to help you prepare.
Download the Word version of the application to help you prepare.
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Eligibility: Eligible candidates are individuals or teams from within the talent development industry or related field. Elected officials are not eligible. Do not have to be U.S.-based or an ATD member to apply.
Eligibility: Eligible candidates are individuals or teams from within the talent development industry or related field. Elected officials are not eligible. Do not have to be U.S.-based or an ATD member to apply.
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The award winners will be honored at the awards ceremony held during the ATD International Conference & Exposition.
The award winners will be honored at the awards ceremony held during the ATD International Conference & Exposition.
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Questions? Contact [email protected]
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Advancing the Talent Development Field
Award Criteria
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Nominations will be evaluated on the following:
Nominations will be evaluated on the following:
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Evidence that the innovation, which may be an idea, a process, a model, an approach, or a change in talent development, is positively affecting individuals, an organization, or larger audiences/stakeholders. This not limited to one specific innovation.
Evidence that the innovation, which may be an idea, a process, a model, an approach, or a change in talent development, is positively affecting individuals, an organization, or larger audiences/stakeholders. This not limited to one specific innovation.
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Technology is not a required component.
Technology is not a required component.
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Evidence the nominee or team is working for or on behalf of an organization to support any aspect of talent development, and their innovation(s) or innovative work helps an organization achieve results.
Evidence the nominee or team is working for or on behalf of an organization to support any aspect of talent development, and their innovation(s) or innovative work helps an organization achieve results.
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Evidence the nominee or team has identified a unique approach or an opportunity to use new ideas, vision, and influence to make a positive impact on talent development.
Evidence the nominee or team has identified a unique approach or an opportunity to use new ideas, vision, and influence to make a positive impact on talent development.
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Evidence the work has a measurable impact, moves the industry forward, is sustainable, and is replicable.
Evidence the work has a measurable impact, moves the industry forward, is sustainable, and is replicable.
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Past Innovation Award Winners
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This award has been presented to:
This award has been presented to:
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ITRI College of Industrial Technology Research Institute
ITRI College of Industrial Technology Research Institute
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Turkcell
Turkcell
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Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems
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Tyson Food, Inc.
Tyson Food, Inc.
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Denver Zoological Foundation
Denver Zoological Foundation
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Institute for Information Industry
Institute for Information Industry
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Tata Consultancy Services
Tata Consultancy Services
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Tencent Holdings
Tencent Holdings
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University Health
University Health
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