The energy surrounding technology and innovation in the region is electric. From small startups to mighty technology and biotechnology companies, revolutionary innovation is happening from right here in our region. The RBTC’s annual awards celebration TechNite 2023 will be a night to remember as we spotlight the region’s best companies, innovators, researchers, IT professionals and projects that continue to elevate the success of Roanoke and New River Valleys on a globalscale.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations and entertainment will kick off the evening followed by an exciting awards ceremony showcasing the entrepreneurs, professionals, founders, and companies fueling the region’s thriving ecosystem. Following true TechNite tradition, the evening will transform into an After Party further celebrating the 2023 winners.
With awards for all areas of technology and innovation, these honors are designed to help celebrate the leaders shaping our community. We’re very excited to announce the nominees for the TechNite 2023 awards!
Entrepreneur Award
- John “Dr. Bob” Robertson, Virginia Tech Professor and CEO Rametrix Technologies
- Kim Snyder, KlariVis
- Alex Hyler, CytoRecovery
- Henry Bass, Automation Creations, Inc.
- Jon Hagmeier, Veracity
Innovator Award
- Britney Conrad, Lobo Learning
- Feng Lin, Fermi Energy
- Bill Fizer, Lodging Technology
- Webster Santos, Virginia Tech
- Dr. Eli Vlaisavljevich, Virginia Tech Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics Department (BEAM)
- David Raymond, Virginia Cyber Range
- Chad Burchett, Trova Commercial Vehicles
- Aileen Helsel, Carilion Innovation
- Luke Allison, MOVA Technologies, Inc.
Leading Tech Company
Regional Leadership
- Angela Pope Dickerson, Bullish & RBTC’s DEI Committee/Blacks In Technology
- David Salzberg, Carilion Clinic
- Dr. Brett Malone, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center
- Harvey Brookins, National Bank of Blacksburg & RBTC’s DEI Committee/Blacks In Technology
- Jonathan Sweet, Pulaski County
- Matt McHugh, Exelaration
- Nick Conte, Carilion Clinic
- Marianne McAfee, ecosystem supporter and RBTC founder
- Marc Nelson, City of Roanoke Economic Development
Rising Star Award
- John “Dr. Bob” Robertson, Virginia Tech Professor and CEO Rametrix Technologies
- Britney Conrad, Lobo Learning
- Kim Snyder, KlariVis
- Jessica Gilbertie, Qentoros
- Alex Hyler, CytoRecovery
- Feng Lin & Zhengrui “Ray” Xu, Fermi Energy
- Dayal Bhagat, CMIT Solutions
- Chad Burchett, Trova Commercial Vehicles
STEM-H Educator Award
- Dr. Amy White, Virginia Western Community College
- Dr. Heather Lindberg, Virginia Western Community College
- Veronica Spradlin, Blacksburg High School
- Dr. Chris Arena, Virginia Tech Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics Department (BEAM)
- Geoff Boyer, Craig County Public Schools
- Laura Townsend, Virginia Tech Living-Learning Community
- James Harder, CS Root
Winners of all categories will be announced at TechNite on Thursday, May 18, at the German Club Manor in Blacksburg. Get your tickets today!
See the TechNite 2022 award winners.