Belden to Recognize Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award Finalists at Annual Innovation Summit

Key Terms

machine learning technical

Machine learning is a set of computer programs that learn patterns from large amounts of data and improve their predictions or decisions over time, like a recipe that gets better each time it’s adjusted based on taste tests. For investors it matters because these systems can speed up analysis, spot trends or risks humans might miss, automate routine work, and potentially create competitive advantages or cost savings that affect a company’s performance.

microgravity medical

Microgravity is a condition where objects experience almost no net weight because they are in continuous free-fall, such as aboard orbiting spacecraft; think of passengers feeling weightless in a smoothly falling elevator. For investors, microgravity matters because it enables scientific experiments and manufacturing processes that behave very differently than on Earth, potentially creating novel drugs, materials, or technologies, changing development timelines, costs, market opportunities and regulatory considerations.

ai-native technical

A company or product described as ai-native is built from the ground up around artificial intelligence rather than having AI added on later; its core processes, user experience and decision-making rely on machine learning models and data pipelines. Like a house designed for wheelchair access versus one retrofitted, ai-native firms can move faster, scale more cheaply and offer unique products or cost advantages—information investors use to judge future growth potential and risk exposure to model, data or regulatory failures.

industry 4.0 technical

Industry 4.0 is the next phase of manufacturing and business processes that emphasizes the use of advanced digital technology, such as automation, data exchange, and smart systems, to improve efficiency and flexibility. It is like upgrading a factory from manual tools to a highly interconnected, intelligent network that can adapt quickly to changes. For investors, embracing Industry 4.0 signals potential opportunities in innovative companies and sectors leading this technological transformation.

iot technical

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of everyday devices—such as appliances, vehicles, and equipment—that are connected to the internet and can share data automatically. For investors, IoT represents a growing trend that can drive efficiency and innovation across many industries, potentially creating new opportunities for growth and value. Its expansion influences how companies operate and compete in a digitally connected world.

plm technical

Product lifecycle management (PLM) is the system and processes a company uses to plan, develop, manufacture and retire a product, like a roadmap that guides a car model from design to end of sales. For investors, PLM matters because it affects how quickly a company brings new products to market, controls costs and maintains quality—factors that influence revenue growth, profit margins and long-term competitiveness.

erp technical

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, is a comprehensive software system that helps organizations manage and integrate core business processes such as finance, supply chain, and human resources in one unified platform. For investors, ERP systems can indicate how efficiently a company operates; strong and well-integrated systems often suggest good management and potential for sustainable growth.

The winner of the 3^rd annual award will be announced on July 28

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a leading global provider of complete connection solutions is pleased to announce that three companies have been selected as finalists for the 3^rd annual Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award.

The three finalists were selected from a highly competitive field of submissions by a panel of industry expert judges. This year’s entries were evaluated on how effectively they enable IT/OT convergence. The three finalists are united by a common focus: bridging IT and OT to capitalize on technological advances, unlock data-driven efficiencies, and drive greater agility and profitability across diverse applications. Fellow innovators and thought leaders will explore the disruptive trends that are shaping the industry while honoring the 2026 Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award finalists and winner at the Belden Innovation Summit in July.

The finalists are:

• G-SPACE: The company submitted G-SPACE, a machine learning platform for microgravity product design. G-SPACE turns complex experiment data into actionable insights for R&D and manufacturing teams, enabling faster analytics, optimization and prediction. Standardized workflows help scale microgravity experiments into repeatable processes, accelerating space-made products with lower risk.
• PROLIM: The company submitted PROMIS, an AI-native Digital Manufacturing Platform for Industry 4.0. PROMIS integrates AI, IoT and automation to deliver real-time visibility, predictive insights and operational excellence. Seamlessly connected with PLM, ERP and MES systems like Siemens and SAP, PROMIS optimizes performance, quality and compliance across global manufacturing.
• Thread: The company submitted Thread, an AI-powered workflow platform that automates the handoff from sales to delivery for network infrastructure projects helping bridge IT requirements and field/operational execution. For telco and ISP cabling deployments, Thread captures scope, site details and partner requirements, standardizes implementation milestones and coordinates internal teams and installers, reducing delays, rework and time-to-service.

The Summit will be hosted by Jeff Winter, Belden's Vice President of Commercial Strategy and one of the most recognized voices in industrial automation and Industry 4.0. Ranked the #1 global thought leader for Industry 4.0 by Onalytica and the #1 global influencer in manufacturing by Manufacturing Digital Magazine, Winter has over two decades of experience spanning automation, controls and digital transformation — making him the ideal guide for a conversation at the intersection of innovation, IT/OT convergence and the future of manufacturing.

The award is named after Belden’s founder, Joseph C. Belden. 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of Joe Belden’s birth, and this year’s summit commemorates this milestone while celebrating the innovative spirit that has shaped Belden from the start. His patents and ingenuity helped the company become an early telecommunications leader, laying the foundation for modern-day Belden’s portfolio of network and data solutions. The Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award shines a spotlight on innovations that power the future in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and telecommunications.

To learn more about the Joseph C. Belden Innovation Award, visit our website: https://www.belden.com/About/Joseph-C-Belden-Innovation-Award

About Belden

Belden Inc. delivers complete connection solutions that unlock untold possibilities for our customers, their customers and the world. We advance ideas and technologies that enable a safer, smarter and more prosperous future. Throughout our 120+ year history we have evolved as a company, but our purpose remains – making connections. By connecting people, information and ideas, we make it possible. We are headquartered in St. Louis and have manufacturing capabilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X/Twitter.

Belden and the Belden logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Belden Inc. or its affiliated companies in the United States and other jurisdictions. Belden and other parties may also have trademark rights in other terms used herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260505075921/en/

For more information, contact:
Scott R. Todd
Manager, Public Relations and Thought Leadership
+1.317.316.6473
scott.todd@belden.com

 

Source: Belden Inc.