2026 Digital Equity Champion Awards

Do you know someone who should be recognized for their work in digital equity? Or someone who has brought a fresh, innovative perspective to the field? We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Digital Equity Champion Awards! Named for Charles Benton, the founder of Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, NDIA created the awards to recognize leadership and dedication in advancing digital equity: from promoting the ideal of accessible and affordable communications technology for all Americans to crafting programs and policies that make it a reality. Nominations (and self-nominations!) are being accepted for two awards:

• Digital Equity Champion Award: recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding impact in the field of digital equity.

• Emerging Leader Champion Award: acknowledging an up-and-coming digital inclusion practitioner.

Winners will be announced at the Net Inclusion conference February 3-5 in Chicago (IL). The deadline to submit nominations is November 21, 2025.