Jim Koch Recognized by Forbes Innovators 250: America’s Greatest Innovators List

The Boston Beer Company is proud to announce that Founder and Brewer Jim Koch has been recognized by Forbes in its Innovators 250: America’s Greatest Innovators list, an honor celebrating leaders whose creativity, disruption, and entrepreneurial excellence are shaping the future of American history.

Forbes’ inaugural Innovators 250 list highlights individuals who not only invest, but successfully bring transformative ideas to market, “the grease in the economic engine,” as Forbes describes innovation. The ranking began with nearly 1,000 nominees, evaluated by a distinguished panel and was finalized using artificial intelligence tools and a final review by Forbes editors to assess candidates over five categories:

• Creativity: How novel their innovation was.
• Breadth: How many ways they innovated.
• Engagement: How they changed their industry.
• Disruption: How hands-on they were in bringing their ideas to life.
• Impact: How this person affected the economy and people’s daily lives.

For more than four decades, Koch has championed the American craft beer movement — from brewing the first batches of Samuel Adams Boston Lager in his kitchen to helping ignite a nationwide renaissance in quality, flavor, and brewing creativity. His pioneering approach transformed not only how beer is made, but how consumers and retailers think about full‑flavored beverages and independent American craft.

Koch’s inclusion on this year’s Innovators 250 list highlights his role as a visionary entrepreneur who reshaped an entire category through relentless experimentation, deep respect for brewing tradition, and a commitment to quality that continues to inspire the next generation of brewers.

Forbes introduced the Innovators 250 as part of its multi‑part editorial series marking America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, honoring those whose work embodies the nation’s inventive spirit. Jim Koch’s recognition is especially meaningful in this historic year, underscoring his decades‑long role in revitalizing American brewing culture and championing the craft independence that has come to define the industry.

To see the full Forbes Innovators 250 list and learn more about the methodology visit: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2026/02/11/forbes-250-americas-greatest-innovators/