TOA Awards 2026
Award categories
9 major award groups and 60 awards recognizing achievement across business, science, culture, sport, technology and public service.
Category A: Business & Entrepreneurship Excellence
Honoring visionary founders and business executives driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Recognizes outstanding achievements in building successful enterprises and advancing U.S.–Türkiye commerce.
Awards in this category
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Innovation & Technology Leadership
- Venture Capital & Investment Impact
- Small Business Excellence
- Sustainable Business & ESG Leadership
- Social Impact Enterprise Award
- Startup / Scale-Up of the Year
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Job creation and organizational growth
- Capital raised, expansion into new markets
- Strategic innovation and business model transformation
- Contribution to U.S.–Türkiye economic relations
Evidence: Financial metrics, investment records, press coverage, patents, revenue growth, industry awards
Category B: Professional Excellence
Celebrating top-tier professionals who demonstrate remarkable leadership and influence in their fields — finance, law, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, and public administration — shaping high-impact organizations.
Awards in this category
- Finance & Banking Leadership
- Law & Legal Services
- Healthcare & Medicine
- Real Estate Leadership
- Hospitality & Tourism Leadership
- Policy, Government & Public Administration Leadership
- Law Enforcement & Public Safety Recognition
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Leadership role and influence within the organization
- Reputation and sector-wide recognition
- Contributions to major initiatives or key projects
Evidence: Promotions, peer recognition, certifications, client/industry impact
Category C: Science, Research & Academia
Recognizing distinguished scholars and researchers whose scientific discoveries, academic leadership, and intellectual contributions advance knowledge and strengthen global innovation.
Awards in this category
- Outstanding Academic Achievement
- Scientific Research Excellence
- STEM Innovation Award
- Young Scholar (Under 35) Award
- Global Health & Public Health Award
- Environmental & Climate Science Award
- Social Sciences & Policy Research Award
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Peer-reviewed publications and citation impact (H-index, etc.)
- Scientific discoveries, patents, major grants/funding
- Contribution to scientific collaboration between U.S. and Türkiye
Evidence: Research output, awards, teaching impact, presentations
Category D: Arts, Culture & Media
Highlighting artists, creators, and cultural leaders who elevate Turkish-American presence through visual and performing arts, literature, journalism, film, and digital media.
Awards in this category
- Visual Arts Achievement
- Performing Arts
- Literature & Publishing
- Film, TV & Digital Media
- Cultural Heritage Preservation
- Digital Creators & New Media Influence
- Journalism & Documentary Impact
- Cultural Entrepreneurship
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Cultural influence and national/international visibility
- Positive representation of Turkish identity and heritage
- Audience reach, engagement and creative innovation
Evidence: Film/TV credits, exhibitions, distribution/viewership, media metrics, critical reviews
Category E: Community Leadership & Public Service
Awarded to individuals and organizations committed to empowering communities, advancing social justice, and serving the public good through advocacy, civic engagement, and philanthropy.
Awards in this category
- Nonprofit & Philanthropy Leadership
- Civic Engagement Excellence
- Youth Empowerment & Mentorship Award
- Diaspora Leadership & Immigrant Advocacy
- Intercultural & Interfaith Dialogue Award
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Community empowerment and advocacy initiatives
- Public diplomacy, civic leadership and diaspora engagement
- Youth mentorship and volunteering outcomes
Evidence: Program impact, fundraising achievements, stakeholder testimonials
Category F: Sports & Athletic Achievement
Honoring elite athletes, coaches, and sports leaders whose excellence and dedication enhance international representation and inspire future generations.
Awards in this category
- Athlete of the Year
- Coaching Excellence
- Sports Promotion & Community Impact
- Fitness & Wellness Entrepreneurship
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Professional achievements in national/international sports
- Representation of Turkish-American presence in athletics
- Youth mentorship and sports community development
Evidence: Statistics, championship history, coaching impact
Category G: Technology & Future Industries
Celebrating innovators shaping tomorrow — from AI and cybersecurity to SpaceTech, CleanTech, BioTech and advanced digital transformation — redefining the future of technology and humanity.
Awards in this category
- AI & Machine Learning Innovation
- Cybersecurity Leadership
- Software Engineering & Digital Infrastructure
- Digital Transformation Leadership
- HealthTech / BioTech Innovation
- CleanTech & Green Innovation
- Space & Aerospace Technologies
- Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Disruptive innovation in fields such as AI, SpaceTech, CleanTech, HealthTech, Cybersecurity
- Patents, commercial launches and product adoption
- Funding success and global influence
Evidence: IP portfolio, R&D deliverables, user adoption, strategic partnerships
Category H: Women of Impact
Recognizing exceptional women who break barriers, lead with purpose, and drive progress in business, science, public service, and the arts while advancing gender equality.
Awards in this category
- Women in Business
- Women in STEM
- Women in Public Service
- Women in Culture & Arts
- Rising Women Leaders (Under 40)
- Women Empowerment Advocacy
What the Jury considers
Evaluators may consider:
- Breaking gender barriers and increasing representation
- Impact on women’s empowerment in their field
- Advocacy for gender equality and social inclusion
Evidence: Programs, leadership roles, community influence
Category I: Special Distinction Awards
Honoring extraordinary individuals whose impact transcends traditional categories — lifetime legacy builders, global changemakers, immigrant role models, and exceptional emerging leaders reshaping the future.
Awards in this category
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Outstanding Immigrant Story
- Cross-Cultural Impact
- NextGen Leadership (Under 30)
- Global Impact Award
- Diaspora Achievement of the Year
- Legacy Builder / Lifetime Mentor Award
- Partnership & Bilateral Relations Builder
What the Jury considers
Award-specific factors apply:
- Lifetime Achievement: 20+ years of sustained excellence & legacy
- Outstanding Immigrant Story: inspirational personal journey
- Cross-Cultural Impact: strengthening U.S.–Türkiye relations
- NextGen Leadership (Under 30): high future-impact potential
- Global Impact Award: international-scale success
- Legacy Builder / Mentor Award: long-term investment in developing others
- Partnership & Bilateral Relations Builder: collaborations fostering economic/cultural bridges
Every nominee is also scored on the five universal criteria. Read the evaluation framework.
Recognize those shaping the future.
Nominations for the 2026 edition closed on March 31, 2026. For questions about the program, contact the TOA Awards team.
Contact the Team