Celebrating Seattle’s Bold Visionaries: The 2025 Uncommon Thinkers Awards
The Seattle area is home to countless innovators whose brilliant minds are reshaping our world in remarkable ways. For the third consecutive year, GeekWire and Greater Seattle Partners are joining forces to recognize these exceptional individuals through the Uncommon Thinkers Awards. This prestigious program celebrates those rare individuals who challenge conventional wisdom, pioneer groundbreaking solutions, and make meaningful contributions to society through their innovative work and visionary leadership.
Last year’s awards ceremony at the GeekWire Gala showcased some of Seattle’s most extraordinary talents. The 2023 honorees included luminaries such as Shwetak Patel, Dr. Elizabeth Hansen, Poppy MacDonald, and Xiao Wang—each representing the remarkable diversity of innovation happening in the Pacific Northwest. These individuals epitomize what it means to be an Uncommon Thinker: someone who doesn’t just participate in their field but transforms it through bold ideas and decisive action. Their recognition on stage, alongside Greater Seattle Partners COO Rebecca Lovell and GeekWire co-founder John Cook, highlighted the region’s commitment to celebrating intellectual courage and breakthrough thinking.
The search is now underway for the next cohort of extraordinary minds deserving recognition in 2025. Nominations remain open until September 19, giving community members ample opportunity to spotlight deserving individuals who might otherwise go unrecognized. The nomination process is designed to cast a wide net across the Seattle area’s rich ecosystem of inventors, scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs who are making notable impacts in their respective fields. Following the nomination period, a distinguished panel of judges will carefully evaluate each candidate based on specific criteria that emphasize both innovation and positive social impact.
What exactly defines an Uncommon Thinker? The selection criteria focus on several key attributes that truly exceptional innovators possess. First and foremost is a demonstrated capacity for groundbreaking innovation and creativity—individuals who consistently introduce novel ideas, technologies, or solutions that challenge established norms and push boundaries. Equally important is the tangible impact of their work, with nominees expected to show measurable contributions to their fields or industries that ultimately benefit society. Leadership qualities also play a crucial role, as these individuals often inspire others and create pathways for continued innovation beyond their immediate work.
The celebration of these remarkable individuals will culminate at the annual GeekWire Gala, scheduled for December 11 at Showbox SoDo in Seattle. During a special VIP reception, honorees will be recognized on stage, providing a platform to share their stories and inspirations with Seattle’s technology and business community. This recognition not only celebrates individual achievement but also reinforces Seattle’s position as a hub of forward-thinking innovation across multiple disciplines and industries. The Gala, with First Tech Federal Credit Union serving as the title sponsor, promises to be a memorable evening honoring the region’s brightest minds.
Do you know someone who fits the profile of an Uncommon Thinker? Perhaps a colleague developing revolutionary technology, a researcher pursuing groundbreaking scientific discoveries, or an entrepreneur solving complex problems in unique ways? The nomination process is straightforward and accessible to anyone who wishes to highlight deserving individuals within the Seattle community. By taking a moment to nominate these exceptional innovators, you’re helping to ensure that truly transformative work receives the recognition it deserves and inspiring others to pursue similarly bold paths of innovation and positive change. GeekWire encourages all community members to consider submitting nominations before the September 19 deadline.
