THE 2021 BEST WORKPLACES FOR INNOVATORS
This year, in addition to the overall list, Best Workplaces for Innovators will introduce category-specific lists for companies to be considered by their region, size, and status (nonprofits judged separately). We’ll also recognize teams and individual leaders who inspire excellence in innovation at their workplaces.
Accenture provides research to help Fast Company editors evaluate the role innovation plays in company culture and operations.
For full application details, see the FAQs.
Why Apply
Every submission for the 2021 Best Workplaces for Innovators list will be individually evaluated by Fast Company’s editorial staff. Finalists will be reviewed by a research team at Accenture as well as a group of judges consisting of Fast Company’s editor-in-chief, Accenture’s chief technology and innovation officer, renowned business leaders, and notable innovators.
Companies chosen for the Best Workplaces for Innovators, and the new category lists, will appear in the September 2021 issue of Fast Company magazine and on fastcompany.com.
Categories
For the first time ever, we’re introducing categories offering additional chances for recognition. While every application submitted will be considered for the annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, you may also chose to apply to any of these new categories, increasing your odds of being recognized by Fast Company. Multiple honorees will be named in each category.
Past Judges
Ana Bakshi, director, Oxford Foundry; Laszlo Bock, cofounder and CEO, Humu; Susan Chambers, president, Chambers Consulting and former chief human resources officer, Walmart; Saikat Chaudhuri, executive director, Mack Institute for Innovation Management, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; Ken Chenault, chairman and managing director, General Catalyst; Paul Daugherty, group chief executive of technology and CTO, Accenture; Frances Frei, professor, Harvard Business School; Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief, Fast Company; Jana Rich, founder, Rich Talent Group; Jeff Sanders, vice chairman and co-managing partner, global CEO and board practice, Heidrick & Struggles; Reshma Saujani, founder, Girls Who Code; Bill Taylor, cofounder, Fast Company.