Manufacturing Innovation Award
Spotlighting Innovation within Indiana’s Industrial Economy
The Conexus Indiana Manufacturing Innovation Award recognizes industrial firms that have taken an exceptional leap into the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) through cutting-edge technology adoption.
See the 2024 Award PresentationPartners and History
Conexus Indiana has partnered with TechPoint to present the Manufacturing Innovation Award at the annual Mira Awards gala, which are Indiana’s largest and most prestigious technology awards. Over the years, 276 people, products, companies, and places have been honored with Mira Awards, recognizing their contributions to the tech industry in the state.
Submit an Application TodayWhat We Are Looking For
The Conexus Manufacturing Innovation Award recognizes industrial firms that have taken an exceptional leap into the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). Companies must provide evidence of a cutting-edge technology adoption project within an established manufacturing process. Projects could include the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies like robotics, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), industrial internet of things, machine vision and much more.
Past Manufacturing Innovation Award Winners
Learn about past Manufacturing Innovation Award winners and explore their stories.
Smoker Craft, Inc.
2024 WINNER
Conexus Indiana, in partnership with TechPoint, named Smoker Craft Inc. of New Paris, Ind. as the inaugural Manufacturing Innovation Award winner. The award was announced at the 25th annual Mira Awards program presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Salesforce and a host of the state’s most innovative companies, universities and organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The application portal will open in early September 2024 and close in early October 2024.
Submissions must come from an Indiana-based manufacturer with a production facility located in the state.
There is no size limitation for applicants, but small- and medium-sized manufacturers are favored. The project must be successfully implemented by the time the application is submitted and must have taken place within the last 2 years.
Innovation projects should directly affect manufacturing processes and focus on cutting-edge technology adoption. Applications should offer a detailed description on how the company undertook a project that was transformative and a bold step into the future of advanced manufacturing. Project examples could include implementation of industrial internet of things (IIoT), sensor technology, COBOTS, additive manufacturing (3D printing), big data and analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), digital twin, advanced modeling, blockchain, autonomous robotics or vehicles, augmented, virtual, or mixed reality, cloud computing, and more.
Applications must be submitted through this portal when it opens in early September 2024. Once an application is submitted, the applications will be judged via a scoring rubric by a committee of volunteers. Each application is judged by multiple members. The scores are then aggregated together into a composite result to determine 6 to 10 finalists, and eventually, a winner. Conexus will notify finalists by December 15, 2024.
Applications are seen by Conexus Indiana staff, TechPoint, and the committee of volunteers who judge the submissions. The committee is comprised of a diverse, statewide, multi-sector and distinguished group of manufacturing professionals. They are subject matter experts on technology deployment within manufacturing environments. Please do not share any information that is confidential or proprietary in your submission.