SV x TRENDLEY
Solve today’s secret message
November 4, 2025 (San Francisco)
Moves: 0
Submit your secret message
The Silicon Valley Times’s “Build Board”
The Silicon Valley Times

A* Awards

Recognizing the people, products, and ideas that set the standard for what technology can achieve.

Sponsorships are in early access. Public page launches soon.

Why A*

In computer science, A-star (A*) is a pathfinding algorithm known for being both smart and efficient. We named the A* Awards in that spirit: recognizing the people, products, and ideas that aim for the optimal path toward a better future in technology.

Award Tracks

Innovation & Products

  • AI Product of the Year
  • Hardware Breakthrough
  • Design Excellence in Tech
  • Open-Source Impact

People & Leadership

  • Founder to Watch
  • Tech Visionary of the Year

Impact & Responsibility

  • Sustainability in Tech
  • Community Impact Award
  • Ethical AI Initiative

Future & Education

  • AI Education Impact (Colleges/Universities)
  • Next-Gen Innovator (Student/Young Founder)

Community

  • People’s Choice Award

Timeline

  • Nominations open: Now
  • Shortlist announced: TBA
  • Public voting (People’s Choice): TBA
  • Winners announced (Livestream): TBA

FAQ

Who can nominate?Anyone — founders, teams, customers, community members, and students.
How are winners chosen?A mix of expert jury evaluation and public voting (for the People’s Choice Award).
Eligibility and conflictsIndividuals or teams with material affiliations to current sponsors (employment, direct ownership, or direct funding tied to the nominated work) are not eligible to win. Disclosures are required during shortlisting; the jury may disqualify entries that present conflicts of interest.