Awarded to a project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of data science.

Awarded to a cloud computing project that showcases breakthrough innovation and creativity in the practice and application of cloud computing.

This achievement is awarded to a company, team, or person that shows exemplary creativity in their technology practice through one or more of the following ways: 

• Creating a new technology, application or product -Applying an existing technology in new, creative, or non-traditional ways 

• Establishing a new team or initiative to specifically approach problems in new and creative ways (e.g. special ops) 

• Designing a unique brand, marketing, or promotional initiative for a technology application or product 

• Unique leadership achievements, approaches or systems in a c-suite or management role 

• Partnership among multiple companies/organizations to tackle a problem in a creative and multidisciplinary way 

• Doing something different, unexpected, or disruptive in technology or the technology ecosystem 

Criteria: 

• Degree of uniqueness and differentiation in the technology, product, approach, or system 

• Degree of disruption, impact and/or success of the technology, product, approach, or system 

• Degree that submission amplifies Richmond’s brand platform as Tech’s Most Creative City

Awarded to two or more companies (in a non-consultative arrangement) that have exemplified the collaborative spirit necessary to achieve breakthrough innovations in technology.

Awarded to an individual or team from a nonprofit or civic organization in central Virginia that displays the most innovative use(s) of technology to deliver services, advance their mission, or impact our community. Criteria This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to deliver services, advance their mission, transform their industry, or impact the community. Nominee must showcase a demonstrable impact on their community and the technology ecosystem in Richmond through their work

Awarded to an individual or team whose leadership and creative use of existing or development of new technology has benefited the environment for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the Richmond metropolitan area or the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Criteria: 

• This individual/group has used technology in an innovative and creative way to enrich the environment for equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion either in the Richmond metro area or throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

• Nominee(s) must demonstrate how they have employed existing or new technology to provide a more affirming environment and sustain support for historically underrepresented groups. 

• Nominee(s) must demonstrate intent to be a catalyst for change in the areas of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Awarded to a technologist (under 40) who has demonstrated a meaningful impact on the technology ecosystem in Richmond. Criteria Awarded for a demonstrable impact, product, or program that advances the technology ecosystem within Richmond Award winner will be selected based on excellence within an “above and beyond” initiative that took place beyond the standard expectations of the individual’s professional role

Awarded to a startup technology or product company that has demonstrated an innovative solution that is transforming their industry and creating broad geographic and economic impact. Criteria: Nominee should demonstrate a unique or innovative offering that provides real value to a current need or creates a new need in the marketplace Nominee should demonstrate recognizable success through market impact and/or revenue growth Nominee should have achieved success through the specific and innovative use of technology and/or manufacturing

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit. 

Criteria: 

• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation 

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation 

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market. 

• Must showcase distinct, game-changing advantages over any alternatives. 

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace. 

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace. 

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Awarded to a company whose creative use of existing or development of new technology enhances processes, methodologies and/or services for their own or others' benefit. 

Criteria: 

• Awarded for excellence and innovation on a project, process, or business transformation 

• Must demonstrate how discovery, collaboration, iteration, prototyping, etc. contributed to the conception and development of the innovation 

• Must demonstrate how the innovation satisfies an existing need or creates a new need that is not currently available in the market. 

• Must showcase distinct, game-changing advantages over any alternatives. 

• The innovation must showcase compelling ways in which it was communicated, how users were engaged, and how it was delivered to the marketplace. 

• The value proposition must be clearly achieved, fulfilled and validated in the marketplace. 

• The project should have a long-term impact and be an inspiration for future innovation and innovators

Awarded to a local technology company delivering technology solutions and/or services to external clients that build capacity and increase operational efficiency. 

Criteria: 

• Intended for the vendor and consultant community that specialize in providing technology solutions for client companies 

• Must showcase a strategic and innovative solution that changes business process or procedure 

• Must provide tangible financial or business value and increase operational efficiency for a client

Awarded to a legislator(s) who have made a positive impact on the technology sector in the previous year.

Awarded to the popular vote through social media leading up to the event.

Awarded to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on the growth of technology in this region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.