• Importance of the problem being solved
• Significance of impact on the industry, individuals, and society
• Uniqueness of the approach
• Overall success and performance metrics (ex - improved profitability, reputation, employee morale, efficiency, etc.)

• The innovation made a direct impact on the regional manufacturing industry
• The innovation has a technology readiness level of 4-7
• The innovation can advance multiple products and technologies
• Technologies or processes are considered, not products

Process

• Applications are submitted and a judging committee selects the winner