Community Corner
Diveheart Named Among Top 100 Finalists for Chicago Innovation Awards
The Downers Grove-based scuba diving organization was nominated for its collaboration with Midwestern University.
Out of a record-breaking 562 nominees, the Downers Grove-based non-profit Diveheart has been selected as one of the Top 100 finalists still in the running for the 12th annual Chicago Innovation Awards.
The awards celebrate the most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region across all organization sizes, sectors and industries. About 1,500 business and civic leaders will come together to honor the winners when they are announced Oct. 30 at Chicago's Harris Theater.
The innovation nominated is a collaboration between Diveheart—an organization that provides scuba diving opportunities for children, adults and veterans with disabilities—and Downers Grove's Midwestern University, verifying the positive impact that scuba diving has on children with autism.
“We are honored but not surprised to be among the top innovations in the Chicago area,” said Jim Elliott, president and founder of Diveheart. “This verifies what we know to be true—that Diveheart is changing the world for individuals with disabilities. We are very proud of the work that we do, and very excited to be recognized.
As one of the Top 100 Finalists, Diveheart will receive a $2,500 scholarship to attend the Practical Innovator, a day-long executive education course led by top faculty who teach innovation at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Each of the Top 100 Finalists is also in the running for the annual “People’s Choice Award,” selected through online balloting at www.chicagoinnovationawards.com.
Out of the Top 100 Finalists, the judges will select 10 winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards, as well as winners of the Up-and-Comer Awards, which represent innovation in the start-up community. The Social Innovator Award and the Collaboration Award will also be presented.
The winners will be invited to ring the NASDAQ Bell in New York City, and will also be invited to attend separate meetings with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn to discuss their innovation. They will also be profiled in Crain’s Chicago Business.
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