Submit your 50 on Fire nomination here!
Recognizing innovators, disrupters, luminaries and newsmakers, 50 on Fire celebrates visionary individuals and companies across the District’s hottest industries. It’s the hottest event of the year, and it’s back this December.
This is your chance to nominate the biggest innovators in the DMV and join us for an unforgettable celebration of the people and organizations driving innovation in D.C. and beyond.
Curious about which category the game changers in your life fit into? Here’s a breakdown of the nine categories:
Civic (Smart City): This new category is designed to recognize change-makers in civic reform who are helping D.C. to grow faster and smarter.
Ex: Is there a local reporter whose coverage exposes tough truths and drives change? Are you building an app to revolutionize public transportation? These are just a few examples of the many innovators who fit into this new category.
Design: From awe-inspiring architecture, to innovative public gathering spaces, to 3D printing and digital design, this category honors individuals and organizations that are designing a better future for our city and its residents.
Ex: Last year, iStrategyLabs was honored for their impressive ability to produce everything from apps to festivals. The digital agency’s “Dorothy” app allows users to hail an Uber or order pizza all with the click of their heels. [See more: 50 on Fire Design Winners Brought the Heat]
Education: D.C., Maryland and Virginia are filled with top universities and the city’s ed-tech community is booming, proving that there’s as much innovation happening inside the classroom as outside of it.
Ex: 2014 winner EverFi is the fastest-growing eduction technology company and the U.S. and was recognized for establishing many notable partnerships with Pharrell Willams, the NHL, the NBA, and even the White House. [See more: Check Out the Smarties Who Clinches a 50 on Fire Win in Education]
Government & Advocacy: Our nation’s capital is known around the world for being politically focused. Each year we recognize the gamechangers that are shaking things up and innovating in a notoriously slow-to-change environment.
Ex: Phone2Action took home a 50 on Fire award last year for leading several successful campaigns with their software platform that helps clients like the American Heart Association, CEA and Lyft mobilize supporters. [See more: Check Out the 50 on Fire Winners in Government & Advocacy]
Healthcare & Medicine: Healthcare is a growing industry everywhere, and it’s no different around the District. Our city is home to top medical facilities, groundbreaking medical research and innovative treatments.
Ex: Kit Check, a 2014 winner, offers a cloud-based software and RFID tags to track and process medications. Kit Check passed the 100 hospital customer mark last year and now tracks over two million medications. [See more: See The Fantastic 50 on Fire Winners in Healthcare & Medicine]
Investment: New category alert! From early stage to exit, these are the dealmakers putting up capital to fuel the innovation fire in the D.C.-area startup community.
Ex: Who are the Venture Capitalists and Corporate VC’s, Angels and Syndicates pushing change in D.C.? We want to hear about them!
Lifestyle: This new category brings together a few former categories and buzz-worthy D.C. industries including food, fashion, fitness and more. If you know someone who sets all the trends, or challenges them, nominate them now.
Ex: We’re looking for innovators that are creating a new food app, launching an e-commerce site, or changing the way you work out. All of these and more lifestyle influencers and more will be recognized.
Marketing & Advertising: D.C. marketing and advertising agencies are pulling ahead of this rapidly transforming industry. From local clients to nationally reaching campaigns, these companies changing the way companies will market in the age of the constantly-connected, empowered consumer.
Ex: Erik Muendel of Brightline Interactive went home a 50 on Fire winner because of the company’s interactive “brand experiences” with top corporations from the NFL and NCAA to Verizon and Toyota. Last year they also launched their “Digital Exchange” studio for staging and events. [See more: The Amazing 50 on Fire Winners in Marketing & Advertising]
Technology: The D.C.-area tech scene is undoubtedly one of the hottest in the U.S. as local B2C and B2B brands continue to redefine our business community and city.
Ex: Zvi Band of Contactually, was one of the 2014 winners, honored for his leadership as the company raised another $2 million in seed funding last year and grew both their team and revenue substantially. [See more: Take a Look at the 50 on Fire Winners in Tech]
Know a company or individual setting fire to their scene? Submit a nomination now.
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