Press Release: Innovation Research Interchange Celebrates Annual Award Recipients

Boston, Mass. – The Innovation Research Interchange, a division of the National Association of Manufacturers that helps companies customize, implement and scale impactful innovation for bottom-line results and top-line growth, recognized the winners of the 2024 IRI Excellence Awards and the IRI Innovation Leadership Award. These awards recognize exceptional achievements and leadership in the manufacturing industry.

“We’re excited to recognize the achievements of our members who have worked diligently to improve the innovation pipeline, advance sustainability and create a future-ready workforce,” said Yat Ming Ooi, editor-in-chief of Research-Technology Management. “Not only will their ongoing work have a lasting impact on our industry, but it will also set an example for business leaders globally.”

Award Recipients:

Individual Awards

IRI Innovation Leadership Award

The IRI Innovation Leadership Award celebrates visionary leaders whose exceptional contributions and transformative influence have advanced the landscape of innovation significantly.  

• Winner: Edward F. Rakiewicz – PPG

• Winner: Omkaram Nalamasu – Applied Materials
   

IRI Promising Young Innovation Professional Award

The IRI Promising Young Innovation Professional Award recognizes individuals 35 and under at the time of nomination who have already begun to make an impact in the field of innovation in their organization, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. 

• Winner: Rebecca Siegelman – DuPont. Accepting on Rebecca’s behalf is Peiwen Zheng.

Company Awards

IRI Excellence Award for Innovation in Sustainability

The IRI Excellence Award for Innovation in Sustainability is designed to recognize recent outstanding achievement and projects that have made a meaningful impact and significant contribution to sustainability efforts in their organization or industry. 

• Winner: Global Paper Products, Sonoco. Accepting the award on behalf of the division is Scott Hartley.
   

IRI Excellence Award for Outstanding Innovative Culture

The IRI Excellence Award for Outstanding Innovative Culture recognizes organizations that foster inclusive, diverse, equitable and psychologically safe workplaces—cultivating an environment where innovation thrives. It honors companies championing upskilling and professional development to ensure their teams’ adaptability and success in a rapidly changing world.  

• Winner: Orsted
   

IRI Excellence Award for Digital and Technological Innovation

The IRI Excellence Award for Digital and Technological Innovation recognizes outstanding achievements in the development or application of digital and technological solutions. The award seeks to inspire innovation and encourage organizations and teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible in their respective industries.

• Winner: Dow Inc. The award is being accepted by Dow’s Global TS&D Director Dan Wu.

To learn more about the winners, click here.

-IRI-

 The Innovation Research Interchange—a division of the National Association of Manufacturers—is an influential organization dedicated to the advancement of technological innovation and research. Since its establishment in 1938, IRI has fostered collaboration among industry leaders, facilitating knowledge sharing and promoting excellence in research and development. For more information, please visit www.iriweb.org