Hi there,

As the editor who oversees Next Big Things in Tech, I just wanted to send you one final reminder that the early-rate deadline for the Next Big Things in Tech Awards is this Friday, May 5, at 11:59 p.m. PT. If you have any questions, or need guidance with your entry, just let me know, and I'll get right back to you.

Next Big Things in Tech highlights new technology breakthroughs that help define the future of industries they serve. We're looking for products, services, features, research, and other technological efforts that are on their way to having a positive impact for consumers, businesses, or society at large in the next five years.

Below are some helpful tips to consider when submitting your Next Big Things in Tech application: 

• Saying what it is and why it's a breakthrough - Providing context—such as explaining how what you're doing fits into larger trends, or how an ingredient technology will enable further innovation by others—is essential. So is avoiding buzzwords and hype. 
  
• Tell us a story - At Fast Company, we love behind-the-scenes tales of innovation. That's why we ask you to provide a story relating to your technology, such as a challenge you overcame, a surprise you encountered, or a discovery you made. 
  
• Look to the future - The bottom line for any innovation is a big one: How will it make the world a better place? We ask you to answer that question over the immediate future and the next five years. 

Go to fastcompany.com/apply/nbt to submit online. Remember, you can submit an application now to claim the early rate, and then continue to work on your application until the final deadline of May 26. 

We look forward to reviewing your submission!

Best,
Harry McCracken
Global Technology Editor
Fast Company