Innovation helps solve problems and create solutions in Wisconsin every day—and each year, the Wisconsin Innovation Awards celebrate some of these achievements. If you have an innovative idea you want to showcase, now is the time to apply for this year’s awards cycle.

Nominations and applications are being accepted through June 1 to honor the development of groundbreaking and transformational ideas in an array of business sectors, such as agriculture, biotech, manufacturing, life sciences, education, nonprofits and health care.

“This award spurred us on to aim even higher, and I hope it does for other nominees and winners alike,” said Katie Hensel, founder and executive director of Tri 4 Schools, a 2017 Wisconsin Innovation Award winner in the nonprofit category. “I think recognizing innovation is about recognizing that we are all capable of greatness, and that there is reason to hope and be optimistic about our future. …I left last year’s event feeling inspired, grateful and hopeful that our state has everything it needs to continue to thrive, as long as we’re willing to roll up our sleeves.”

Other 2017 honorees include Midwestern BioAg, VibeTech Inc., Fix Development LLC, the UW Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic, DotCom Therapy, WholeTrees LLC, DynaTrap, Zendesk and PATHOGENOMICA.

Founded by Madison entrepreneurs Matt Younkle and Joe Boucher, the contest enlists a panel of experts from around Wisconsin to select the winners from hundreds of nominations received each year.

Winners will be announced Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the Wisconsin Memorial Union in Madison. The evening starts with a reception where attendees can network with finalists, past winners and other Wisconsin entrepreneurs to help cultivate creative innovation in Wisconsin. The awards ceremony will follow.

Apply or submit a nomination and buy tickets for the event at www.wisconsininnovationawards.com.