Ganance Wins Chicago Innovation Award for the Heir: Chicago’s Top Up-and-Coming Startup
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2025
Ganance Named Winner at the 24th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards
Chicago, IL — Ganance, a Chicago-based wearable technology startup, has been named a winner of the 24th annual Chicago Innovation Awards, earning top recognition in the Up-and-Comer Award category. The announcement was made at the 2025 Chicago Innovation Awards ceremony held on November 13th at the UIC Forum.
Ganance was also honored with the Molex Creating Connections for Life Award, presented to one company each year that leverages the power of technology to meaningfully connect people and enhance everyday life.
These awards recognize Ganance’s flagship innovation, the Ganance Heir: a discreet, screenless sensor that attaches to the back of any traditional wristwatch, instantly adding activity tracking, haptic notifications, and tap-based media control without altering the wearer’s personal style. The Heir integrates with iOS and Android through the Ganance app, supporting Apple Health and Health Connect while laying the groundwork for advanced biometrics, sleep tracking, adaptive goals, and intelligent nudges.
By making smartwatch functionality invisible, effortless, and compatible with any timepiece, the Heir eliminates the tradeoff millions of consumers face between the style they love and the functions they need.
Founder, Alex Ocampo remarked while accepting the award:
"I can’t express how incredibly meaningful this is. I moved back home from the Bay Area to build Ganance in Chicago. I’m just a kid from the South Side working to make my city proud. This has truly been a community effort. We wouldn’t be here without the support of incredible groups across the city — mHUB, Josephine Collective, Founder House, just to name a few.
As Chicago historian Dilla often says, everything dope comes from Chicago — and we’re building the future of invisible wearable tech. Big things ahead. Thank you.”
“The Chicago region leads the charge in innovation across many industries,” said Luke Tanen, President and CEO of Chicago Innovation. “The 2025 winners are solving unmet needs and making an impact across healthcare, electronics, consumer goods, energy, and more.”
As a winner, Ganance will participate in several recognition events, including the opportunity to ring the Nasdaq Bell in New York City. This year’s awards saw 315 nominees, representing companies that collectively generated more than $4.2 billion in new revenue and created over 2,300 jobs.
About Ganance
Ganance is redefining wearable technology by empowering individuals to track their health without compromising their personal style. The Ganance Heir seamlessly attaches to any wristwatch, blending timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. Through subtle, screenless interactions and a companion mobile app, Ganance enables users to stay connected, informed, and in tune with their wellbeing — all while wearing the watches they love.
Press Contact
Ganance Media Relations
press@ganance.com
ganance.com
Chicago Innovation Contact
Luke Tanen — luke@chicagoinnovation.com| 312-988-1516
