The international NextWave Awards (NWA) has revealed its 2026 shortlist of finalists, featuring projects and professionals from across the globe. Their work demonstrates measurable impact, sets new global benchmarks, and serves as a reference point for experts worldwide.
The NextWave Awards 2026 finalists include:
- Aleksandr Oleinik and Serhii Levchenko in the “Sustainable Business Model” category;
- Kateryna Kirsei and Pavlo Yevtushenko in the “Choreographer of the Year” category;
- Andrey Rodionov and Ivan Petrov in the “Data Analytics and Trustworthy Experimentation” category;
- Rauf Bakhshiev and Rebecca Surtay in the “Digital Marketer of the Year” category;
- Olga Bondarenko and Bakhytgul Ulukmanova in the “Architect of the Year” category;
- Anastasiia Milchakova and Tatiana Dyakova in the “International Project Legal Support” category;
- Andrei Skorseze and Semyon Kalachyov in the “Concept Artist of the Year” category;
- Iuliia Shmeleva and Anna Chapek in the “Innovative Event Producer” category;
- Madina Batyzheva and Nikita Berezutski in the “Scale-up of the Year” category;
- Mikhail Kashurin and Sergei Berezovka in the “Fintech Revolution” category;
- Iurii Genov and Pranay Raj Kanakala in the “Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning” category.
The NextWave Awards is an independent international initiative established in 2024. The competition was created as a global mark of excellence for professionals whose solutions have already reshaped their industries. The primary evaluation criterion is measurable impact that enables a new approach to complex or unconventional challenges. This year’s expert council includes recognized authorities from Mexico, the United States, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, the UAE, Israel, India, and other countries.
Key dates for NWA 2026:
The application campaign closed on May 29.
The shortlist was finalized on June 5.
On June 8–9, participants will present their projects during online defense sessions.
Final voting by the expert council will continue through June 12.
A total of 765 applications were submitted for the 2026 awards. The selection process is designed to be максимально transparent, featuring standardized application forms, a publicly disclosed jury, an announced shortlist, and a multi-stage voting procedure.