PYA announces the launch of its 2025 PYA Ballard Innovation Award. The application period is Feb. 24 through midnight, March 21.
In its fifth year, the PYA Ballard Innovation Award is the largest gift of cash and in-kind services available to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the East Tennessee region. The first-place winner receives a $50,000 package of monetary support and in-kind tax, accounting, strategy, and video services from PYA. Second and third places receive $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
“When we announce this year’s winners of the PYA Ballard Innovation Award, we will have provided $325,000 over five years to more than a dozen worthy start-ups,” said President and CEO Marty Brown. “We know a healthy entrepreneurial community brings innovation, jobs, and growth, so we’re honored to invigorate our economy by helping new companies thrive.”
The PYA Ballard Innovation Award competition is open to any early-stage company in the East Tennessee area that has established a proof of concept with accompanying revenue and financial resources of at least $200,000; a business plan to optimize business operations; evidence of an innovative spirit; and a vision to empower the consumer.
Winners of the 2025 award will be announced during an event on April 16, where finalists will pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of judges comprising East Tennessee business and community leaders. Learn about the 2025 judges.
The PYA Ballard Innovation Award is named in honor of PYA’s Chief Alliance Officer Tom Ballard, who has spent decades creating relationships and supporting the East Tennessee region’s entrepreneurial community. He is also the publisher of PYA’s Teknovation.biz, which focuses on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Winners of the 2024 PYA Ballard Innovation Award include Safire Technology Group, Statheros, and Whisper Aero. Read about all past winners.
