Award Category Descriptions & Eligibility Criteria
BioPharma Product of the Year
This award celebrates the unwavering pursuit of groundbreaking advancements in biotech and pharmaceutical products that significantly contribute to the California life sciences sector. It honors innovations that exemplify persistence, creativity, and dedication to creating a better tomorrow by improving patient outcomes and addressing unmet medical needs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A biotech or pharmaceutical company headquartered in California, or with a significant presence in California.
- Nominated for a product launched or advanced between June 2024 and the present.
- FDA Approval Status: The product must have achieved FDA approval or reached a significant regulatory milestone during the eligibility period.
- Impact on Patient Populations: Evidence of how the product addresses unmet medical needs, improves patient outcomes, or otherwise advances public health.
Submission Requirements:
- Inventiveness: A clear description of the innovation involved in creating the product, including unique mechanisms of action, novel delivery methods, groundbreaking scientific approaches, or features that enhance ease of adoption, application, or use by patients.
- Forward-Looking Impact: How the product sets the stage for future advancements, contributes to sustainability, or exemplifies the vision of building a better tomorrow.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the product’s overall impact, innovative attributes, and contributions to the California life sciences ecosystem.
Convergent Technology of the Year
MedTech, Digital, or Diagnostic Product
This award honors the steadfast commitment to innovative medical devices, digital health, or diagnostic products that have made significant contributions to the California life sciences sector. It recognizes innovations that reflect resilience, ingenuity, and a dedication to transforming healthcare and improving lives for a better future.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A medical device, digital health, or diagnostic company headquartered in California, or with a significant presence in California.
- Nominated for a product launched or advanced between June 2024 and the present.
- Regulatory Milestones: The product must have achieved a key regulatory milestone, such as FDA clearance or approval during the eligibility period.
- Impact on Patient Care: Evidence of how the product improves diagnostic accuracy, accessibility, or outcomes, or enhances patient care.
Submission Requirements:
- Innovative Design and Usability: A clear description of the product’s innovative features, such as novel technological approaches, user-friendly interfaces, or integration into existing healthcare systems.
- Forward-Looking Impact: How the product lays the groundwork for future innovation, supports sustainability, or reflects the overarching vision of advancing healthcare for a better tomorrow.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the product’s overall impact, innovative attributes, and contributions to the California life sciences ecosystem.
Breakthrough Discovery of the Year
From Academia, Medical Center, or Research Institute
This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of academic institutions, non-profits, and research organizations that have driven breakthrough innovations significantly contributing to the California life sciences sector. It honors initiatives that embody resilience, ingenuity, and a commitment to creating a better future through scientific discovery and impactful research.
Eligibility Criteria:
- An academic institution, non-profit organization, or research institute based in California
- Nominated for a breakthrough innovation or initiative advanced between June 2024 and the present.
Submission Requirements:
- Breakthrough Discovery or Advancement: A description of the innovation or initiative, highlighting its significance and novelty within the life sciences field.
- Impact on Science and Society: Evidence of how the breakthrough contributes to advancing scientific knowledge, addressing critical societal challenges, or improving public health outcomes.
- Collaborative Efforts: Examples of partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, or community engagement that played a critical role in achieving the breakthrough.
- Forward-Looking Potential: Explanation of how this innovation lays a foundation for future research, development, or practical application, supporting sustained progress and innovation aligned with building a better tomorrow.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the initiative’s scientific significance, innovative nature, collaborative strength, and potential for long-term impact on the California life sciences ecosystem.
Emerging Innovator of the Year
This award celebrates emerging life sciences companies headquartered in California that are paving the way for the future of the industry through groundbreaking science and innovative ideas. It highlights early-stage companies whose achievements and forward-thinking approaches hold strong potential to transform the life sciences sector and build a better tomorrow.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A life sciences company founded within the last ten (10) years and headquartered in California.
- Nominated for scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, or innovative milestones achieved between June 2024 and the present.
Submission Requirements:
- Scientific Innovation: A description of the company’s core scientific advancement or innovation, emphasizing creativity and originality.
- Potential Impact: How the emerging company could address critical needs, improve patient outcomes, or drive meaningful progress in the life sciences.
- Noteworthy Achievements: Key accomplishments over the eligibility period, such as securing proof-of-concept data, forming strategic partnerships, or demonstrating market potential.
- Vision for Growth: The company’s aspirations for scaling its innovation and its alignment with the goal of creating a better future for life sciences and society.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the company’s scientific excellence, potential for impact, and alignment with the vision of unwavering innovation.
Elizabeth Schar Inspiring Future Leaders
Named in honor of Elizabeth Schar, a champion for equitable science education, this award recognizes non-profit or community-based organizations that have made exceptional contributions to inspiring the next generation of life sciences innovators. The award highlights initiatives, programs, or organizations dedicated to STEM education for students, fostering curiosity, empowerment, and inclusion to cultivate a strong pipeline of future leaders.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A non-profit or community-based organization or program based in California.
- Focused on STEM-related education, mentorship, or professional development initiatives for students from early childhood through high school or early career stages.
Submission Requirements:
- Program Overview: A description of the nominated program or initiative, its goals, and the population it serves.
- Impact and Outcomes: Evidence of the program’s success, such as student participation, testimonials, or measurable achievements in STEM education or career development.
- Legacy and Vision: How the program reflects Elizabeth Schar’s legacy of addressing inequities in education and sets a foundation for lasting impact in the life sciences.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the program’s effectiveness, inclusivity, and alignment with the vision of inspiring the next generation of leaders.
AI Catalyst for Health
This award recognizes life sciences organizations that have harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to drive transformative advancements in healthcare, research, or operations. It honors innovations leveraging AI to address complex challenges, accelerate discovery, and create a more efficient and effective future for the life sciences sector.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A life sciences organization headquartered in California, or with a significant presence in California.
- Nominated for an AI-driven innovation that is addressing complex challenges and/or accelerating discovery
Submission Requirements:
- AI-Driven Breakthrough: A description of the innovation, including how AI was used to address specific challenges, achieve breakthroughs, or enhance processes.
- Impact on the Sector: Evidence of how the innovation has improved outcomes, accelerated discovery, or created value for patients, researchers, or industry stakeholders.
- Innovative Application of AI: Highlights of the novel or unique ways AI technology was applied, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving.
- Vision for Future Impact: How the innovation lays the groundwork for future applications, supports sustainability, or exemplifies the goal of building a better tomorrow.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the innovation’s impact, ingenuity, and contribution to the life sciences ecosystem.
Leadership
This award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the California life sciences sector. It celebrates those who have significantly shaped the industry through their achievements, mentorship, and enduring contributions. This award recognizes a legacy of impact and innovation, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.
Eligibility Criteria:
- An individual (working or retired) from the life sciences industry, supportive service industries, government, or academic/research institutions.
- Recognized for a career of significant and lasting contributions to the California life sciences sector.
- Demonstrative of leadership excellence through vision, mentorship, and impactful initiatives.
Submission Requirements:
- Career Milestones: A summary of the nominee’s most significant achievements and their impact on the life sciences industry.
- Leadership and Vision: Examples of how the nominee demonstrated visionary leadership, inspired teams, and influenced the industry’s direction.
- Mentorship Legacy: Evidence of the nominee’s role in nurturing and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
- Impactful Contributions: Descriptions of initiatives or projects championed by the nominee that have advanced the field or improved patient care.
Nominations will be evaluated based on the nominee’s career-long contributions, leadership qualities, and alignment with the vision of building a better tomorrow.
Important Dates:
- June 26: Nominations open
- July 31: Nominations close
- November 6: Winners announced at the 22nd Annual Pantheon Awards dinner
Nominations:
Award nominations will begin at 9 a.m. Pacific Time on June 26th 2025 and end at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on July 31st. Entries must be received within the entry period to be eligible. Any nominations received outside of those dates will not be considered. California Life Sciences may, in its sole discretion, extend the nominations end date for a reasonable period. Winners will be announced on November 6, 2025. Event attendance is required to be eligible to win.
Individuals and organizations can be self-nominated, as well as nominated by a peer, colleague or partner. You can apply to as many categories as you would like. However, each submission must be completed separately. All submissions will be evaluated individually. Award winners from the previous year are not eligible to win in the same category for a minimum of three (3) years, however, they are eligible to be nominated and win in a different award category. Prior year award finalists are eligible to be nominated and/or win in any category.
Submissions can be disqualified if the submission either subjects the submitter, CLS, or Pantheon to legal jeopardy or compromises CLS members’ good will and/or reputation, intellectual property, or trade secret interests.
Judging and Finalist Selection:
The shortlist of finalists will be chosen by the 2025 Pantheon Advisory Committee who will select one to five finalists in each award category. These finalists may be subject to public voting.
If the category goes to a vote, the finalist with the most votes at the end of the voting period is subject to a final review by the Pantheon Advisory Committee, who may take into account the overall nominations and justifications. The 2025 Pantheon Advisory Committee, in collaboration with CLS, will have ultimate selection authority for the 2025 Pantheon slate of finalists and winners. Decisions by the Pantheon Advisory Committee are final.
Consent:
By submitting an entry, you hereby agree and approve for use by California Life Sciences for marketing purposes the content you submit on the award application form and any modification, derivative form, display, performance and other use thereof in connection with the Pantheon Awards and general marketing. You and your communications team will also have many opportunities to co-market your Pantheon award placement and/or success story which – at a minimum — will include a spotlight profile repurposed from information in your entry.
Eligibility:
The Pantheon Awards (contest), which recognizes the most innovative companies in California on November 6, 2025, is open to California-based companies (headquartered or with operations in the state). Event attendance is required to be eligible to win.