Brooklyn’s a playground for dreamers, doers, movers and shakers. It’s a borough buzzing with the energy of change, where creativity meets innovation – we’re here to celebrate that.
We’re looking for people creating the future in five categories: Food & Drink Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Music, and Activism. Apply and you could be granted $10,000, a session with your category’s judge, a trip to NYC for our awards ceremony, and your work featured on Brooklyn Brewery’s platforms in 2025.
Whether your space is a kitchen, a workshop, a studio, or the streets of your community, we want to hear about what inspires you every day. With the help of our expert judging panel, we’re choosing a winner in each category to help bring their visions to life. Read on to learn more about their stories, and what they’re looking for.
MEET OUR JUDGES
FOOD AND DRINK INNOVATION
Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery
Garrett Oliver – the James Beard Award-winning, globally celebrated Brewmaster, and founder of The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling, an organization dedicated to funding scholarship awards for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color within the brewing and distilling trades – has shaped the craft beer world for decades. Known for pushing boundaries, he has written acclaimed books, earned numerous awards, and championed American craft beer on a global scale. His recent innovations have received international praise including pioneering the use of zero-input ancient African super-grain Fonio in beer. Garrett will be looking for applicants who are also helping pioneer the future of food and drink. This category seeks individuals developing new, sustainable, and delicious concepts in food and drink that have the potential to shape the menus of the future. From ancient super-grains to alternative proteins and inventive flavors, applicants should have a clear story of their work so far and a vision for their future impact.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Steve Hindy, Co-Founder, Brooklyn Brewery
Steve Hindy, co-founder of Brooklyn Brewery, has been a driving force in turning a small home brewing operation into an internationally recognized brand. Starting Brooklyn Brewery with his partner, Tom Potter, Steve helped transform the company from humble brewhouse sketches into a global name in craft beer. A champion of entrepreneurs and dreamers, Steve has supported countless innovators throughout his career. He will be seeking entrepreneurs creating new products, exciting services, and boundary-busting concepts that have the potential to improve lives. This category is for those who are developing ideas that make people’s lives easier, more satisfying, or more fun, and are ready to take their venture to the next level. Steve will focus on early to mid-stage companies and creators who are beginning to scale their operations and seeking their next step for growth.
ARTS
Lauren Martin, Illustrator
Lauren Martin, a New York City-based illustrator known for her playful and vibrant designs, has captivated audiences around the globe. Drawing inspiration from the humor found in nature and everyday life, Lauren’s work has been showcased in campaigns with major brands such as Uniqlo, Nike, Apple, and Only NY, along with Brooklyn Brewery. Her bright, whimsical creations have earned her a dedicated following and widespread acclaim. Lauren will be looking for artists of all styles who are bringing color to the world and energy to people’s lives. This category celebrates creativity that moves audiences, from large-scale works to intimate pieces. Applicants should be creating brilliant work with a unique perspective and be ready to take their art to bigger, bolder places.
MUSIC
Saidah Blount, Executive Director, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
Music industry veteran Saidah Blount serves as the Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, New York City’s oldest outdoor music festival. With two decades of experience in the music industry, she has cultivated an impressive portfolio, producing sonic projects and platforms for major global brands like NPR Music and Cornerstone/The FADER and created award-winning shows for Sonos Radio. Known for her keen ear and passion for innovation, she will be seeking musicians and bands that are pushing the boundaries of their genre or creating something entirely new. This category welcomes old-school styles, genre-bending compositions, and groundbreaking sounds. Applicants should be making music that turns heads and makes people move, and be ready to share their creations with the world.
ACTIVISM
Stacy Lentz, Co-Founder, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative
Stacy Lentz, co-owner of The Stonewall Inn and CEO and co-founder of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative, has dedicated her life to advancing equality and improving the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. Through her work, Stacy has supported grassroots LGBTQ+ activists globally and played a key role in iconic events such as NYC Pride Week and outreach efforts in underserved areas across the U.S. With her deep commitment to activism, Stacy will be looking for grassroots organizers and community activists working to create a freer, more equitable society. This category is for individuals confronting new challenges or addressing systemic injustices to make a positive impact in their communities. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their cause and be ready to develop their strategies and broaden their reach.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN NOW!
We’re accepting submissions through the end of the year. Applicants must be 21+ and either US citizens or lawful permanent residents to apply – we’re looking for folks across the nation who embody the Brooklyn spirit.
Apply now and show us what’s out there.