News Summary
The Orange County Business Journal will honor 74 innovators at the upcoming Innovator of the Year Awards ceremony. The event recognizes visionary leaders who have contributed to economic growth and transformation in various industries. Set to take place at the Irvine Marriott, attendees can expect networking and inspiring stories from the nominees. Supported by local sponsors, this event emphasizes the importance of innovation in enhancing community well-being and driving forward the Orange County economy.
Irvine, California – The Orange County Business Journal is set to honor 74 innovators during the 2025 Innovator of the Year Awards, celebrating groundbreaking achievements across various industries. The awards highlight nominees who are not only visionary leaders but also instrumental in shaping the future of Orange County through their innovative products, services, and business models.
The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Irvine Marriott. Networking activities begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the awards program at noon. This event marks an important occasion to recognize transformative ideas that drive economic growth and create a lasting global impact.
Among the 74 nominees, each has demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership in tackling real-world challenges while exploiting new opportunities. A special section in the awards program will showcase their inspiring stories to attendees and readers alike.
Sponsors of the Event
The 2025 Innovator of the Year Awards are made possible through the generous support of various sponsors. The list includes:
- Banc of California
- Falcon
- Rappaport & Berkman LLP
- Infinity Bank
- Katz, Ruby & Carle
- Stradling
- UCI Health
- Irvine Company
- Capital One Business
- RJI CPAs
Highlighting Orange County’s Economic Landscape
The awards serve as a vital platform to honor the creativity within the business community, emphasizing the significance of ideas that transform industries and enhance community well-being. The presidency and commendation of innovative individuals not only uplift their respective sectors but also stimulate the broader economy of Orange County.
Related Events: Leadership Forum and Innovation Awards
In a related event, the Association of California Cities – Orange County (ACC-OC) hosted the 2025 Leadership Forum and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards on June 11. This forum convened over 250 leaders, including prominent figures such as the Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman and the President of California State University, Fullerton. The event also featured a tribute honoring first responders and veterans through the Valor Award.
The Golden Hub of Innovation Awards recognized several outstanding projects, notably in sectors like environmental sustainability, community safety, and effective governance. Award categories included the City Manager of the Year and the ACC-OC Innovator of the Year Legacy Award.
Upcoming Events in Innovation
Another significant upcoming event, the Clean Show 2025, will be held from August 23 – 26, 2025, in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center. The Clean Show will feature Innovation Awards across various categories, including Best New Application, Best New Product, Best New Technology for Sustainability, and Best New Technology for Automation. This event aims to showcase advancements in the laundering, dry cleaning, and textile care industries, fostering dialogue and innovation.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the 2025 Innovator of the Year Awards, individuals may reach out to the Orange County Business Journal at 18500 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 150, Irvine, Calif., 92612, or contact them by phone at 949-833-8373.
Overall, the Innovator of the Year Awards and related events serve as a testament to the vibrant business ecosystem in Orange County, showcasing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to thrive in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orange County Business Journal: 2025 Innovator of the Year Awards
- Google Search: Innovator of the Year Awards
- Public CEO: ACC-OC Celebrates Innovation
- Wikipedia: Innovation
- Laundry Ledger: Clean 25 Innovation Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Innovation
- Newport Beach Indy: Safety Innovation Award
- Google News: Innovation Awards

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.