The most exciting night in Roanoke Blacksburg’s innovation ecosystem is almost here. TechNite 2026 takes place May 7 at Hotel Roanoke where over 500 members of our community will come out to honor the entrepreneurs, companies, mentors and pioneering work that’s cementing our region as a hub for groundbreaking innovation. 

We’re continually inspired by the members of our innovation ecosystem and the 2026 nominees are no exception. Each of these innovators contribute significantly to their respective fields and are advancing Roanoke and Blacksburg as a hub for innovation. We’re very pleased to announce the nominees for the TechNite 2026 awards!

TechNite 2026 Nominees

Entrepreneur of the Year

This award recognizes someone in the community who exemplifies what it means to be a risk-taker in technology and is blazing a new path.

• Narro Trucks, Inc.: The Dublin, VA based Narro Trucks Inc. a young automotive technology company founded by entrepreneurs Cullen Danilowicz and Maxell Collignon. The company designs and manufactures 100% electric, high-performance utility vehicles for use in municipalities, commerce, and agriculture. Their mission is to reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing strength, reliability, or capability. Last year, they successfully raised capital to industrialize their fully developed EV platform with operations in Pulaski, VA.
• Kim Snyder, Klarivis.com: Klarivis is a local high-growth finTech company reshaping the way community banks do business. It has quickly grown from a small regional startup to a national powerhouse in the backend banking analytics industry. Kim has grown KlariVis from a small local startup into a national name. She is a fearless, persistent, and very definition of successful entrepreneur.
• Urban Reblok’d. Inc: Urban Reblokd is on the leading edge of waste plastics repurposing by taking any type of waste plastic and turning it into high quality, durable building materials. Their innovative process cuts out the need for sorting, saving man hours and removing the possibility of contamination. They are in the process of developing an expansion plan that will employ upt to 300 people and process 15,000-25,000 tons of plastic a month.  
• Webster Santos, S1P Theraputics: Prof. Webster Santos received his BS and PhD from the University of Virginia under Prof. Timothy Macdonald. Following his doctoral studies, he moved to Harvard University as a Ruth Kirschtein NIH fellow with Prof. Gregory Verdine. In 2006, he started as an assistant professor of chemistry at Virginia Tech and was promoted to associate then full professor in 2018. He held a chaired position as the Blackwood Junior Faculty fellow of Life Science, Agnes and Cliff Lilly faculty fellow of drug discovery, and currently a College of Science Faculty Fellow. He received the American Chemical Society Young Investigator Award and Senior Investigator Award from BORAM, an international society of boron chemists. He is a co-founder of four biotech companies and received the Schug Research Award as well as an Innovator’s award at Virginia Tech. He is a fellow of the royal society of chemistry and on the editorial advisory board of current topics in medicinal chemistry, medicinal research reviews as well as boron in the Americas. He is an inventor on more than 23 issued and pending patents.  His current research centers on developing drugs towards obesity, kidney disease, cancer, and immune-related disorders. 
• Jessica Gilbertie, Qentoros: Dr. Jessica Gilbertie is a veterinary translational scientist, and the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Qentoros Inc. Dr. Gilbertie entered the world of equine sports medicine after receiving her BS and MS from Virginia Tech in 2008 and 2010 respectively and her DVM from Iowa State University in 2014. While making the rounds treating athletic horses in the northeast, it didn’t take long for her to identify the lack of treatment options for her equine patients suffering from musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, she left her veterinary truck behind and entered a research fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania pursuing the idea of an “off-the-shelf” biologic that could combat orthopedic disease. This idea blossomed during her PhD and postdoc at North Carolina State University into BIO-PLY™ which comprises a mixture of disease-modifying platelet-derived factors in a convenient shelf-stable biologic. Currently, Dr. Gilbertie is a professor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and is working closely with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine to bring BIO-PLY™ into the veterinary clinic for the treatment of bone and joint ailments in horses and dogs.  In addition, she is working to translate BIO-PLY™ to human medicine with her colleagues at VCOM. 

Innovator of the Year

Given to those whose research or innovation represents a significant technological breakthrough in their field, it can be awarded to a person, team, or organization.

• Connor Hale, Carilion Clinic: Connor is an electrical engineer with a passion for improving patient lives through medical innovation. He consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare technology with a systems approach that improves patient outcomes and reduces costs. Beyond his technical expertise and innovative contributions, his character and impact on colleagues set him apart. He is a trusted and respected member of the team that elevates the work of everyone he engages with. His ability to balance innovation with humility and teamwork makes him an integral part of the organization and a driving force behind our collective success. 
• Empo Health: Empo Health has created a remote, in-home digital imaging device to address daily diabetic foot checks to identify neuropathy before it becomes a serious condition. The company has received the backing of VTC Ventures and is currently in a clinical trial in Carilion Clinic’s Institute for Orthopaedics and Neurosciences.  
• Huginn Sono: Huginn Sono is an early-stage medical device company distinguishing itself through its unique focus on proactive bladder care through a wearable, noninvasive measurement device. The technology allows for continuous, real-time monitoring and has the potential to reduce urinary retention, infections, and catheter-associated complications significantly. Founded by Dr. Lana Wahid, MD, MBA and Ross Baker, MBA, Hugin Sono’s culture is defined by a deep commitment to solving meaningful problems to improve patient care and outcomes. 
• Drew Bratton, P1 Technologies: CEO of P1 Technologies, Drew Bratton is an approachable and engaged leader willing to speak in the community, share insight, and help others better understand the role advanced manufacturing plays in the region’s economy. He’s a strong partner of Roanoke County Economic Development, hosting and participating in events that help students and educators gain firsthand exposure to modern manufacturing environments, technical career pathways and local opportunities.  He is the kind of leader who contributes not only to the success of his company, but to the success of the region.
• Tiny Cargo Co.: Tiny Cargo Co. is the very definition of a trailblazer. The company has developed the world’s largest milk exosome production facility in Roanoke, VA and are single-handedly defining a market in exosome production. 
• Eli Vlaisavljevich, Virginia Tech: Eli’s IP led to the formation of Helix Acoustics, a RAMP company. He is currently developing a second company based on work from his lab that leverages focused ultrasound to deliver cancer treatments to dogs and cats. Thanks to his scholarly reptuation, ability to develop new tech, and his work in Malawi bringing innovative surgical approaches to new patient populations, he has become an international leader in the focused ultrasound field.
• Bryan Hsu, Virginia Tech: Dr. Bryan Hsu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. His research interests include characterizing the influence of phages in bacterial consortia, the genetic engineering phages to introduce new functions to microbiomes, and investigating the physiological significance of gut phages for the mammalian host.

Large Leading Tech Company

Designed to honor those advancing our region’s tech community, the Leading Tech Company award honors a large company demonstrating excellence in their people, programs, and projects within their industry.

• Integer: For 80 years, Integer has been a leader in advanced medical device outsourcing through industry-changing innovations and exemplary manufacturing. In 2025 they announced plans to expand operations and create 83 new high-quality jobs in the region. Beyond its economic impact, Integer is a strong community partner supporting workforce development initiatives, education, and training programs to strengthen the future talent pipeline.  
• Klarivis
• TechLab: TechLab designs, develops, and manufactures enteric diagnostics that are disbributed worldwide. They are an execptional industry partner in our region, helping develop clear career pathways and expand access to biotechnology careers for area students. Their engagement reflects a genuine partnership rooted in opportunity, mentorship, and collaboration. 
• Novonesis: Novonesis is a leading global biosolutions company based in Salem, VA exemplifying cutting-edge innovation in biotech and deep-rooted commitment to the Salem region. In 2025, they announced a $5M investment to expand local operations and play a critical role in advancing biosolutions that support agriculture, animal health, water treatment, and environmental sustainability on a global scale. 
• QualiChem: Founded in 1989, QulaiChem is a leading manufacturer of advanced mentalworking fluids and water treatment chemicals in Salem, VA. In 2025, the company announced a $9M investment to expand into a new modern headquarters and world-class lab design for collaboration and talent attraction. With a long history of growth, QualiChem demonstrates a sustained commitment to innovation, workforce development and the local community. 
• Carilion Clinic: Carilion physicians, nurses and staff make unique discoveries through their research, and continuous improvements to the care they provide our communities. Some of these discoveries are innovations with commercial potential. First and foremost, they can benefit patients in our community. When inventions are brought to market by an Industry partner or spun out as a startup, patients across the country and globe may benefit from our employees’ curiosity and commitment to innovation. Carilion Innovation is a catalytic agent and resource for our innovators.

Small Leading Tech Company

Similarly, the Small Leading Tech Company recognizes a small and mighty company demonstrating excellence in their people, programs, and projects within their industry.

• LymphaVibe: LymphaVibe is a wearable, at-home therapy device designed to support people living with lymphedema—a chronic, incurable but treatable condition that can cause swelling, pain, and secondary problems. The device delivers targeted, customizable vibration patters that mimic manual lymphatic drainage techniques. Developed by Tara Newberry, LymphaVibe is improving the health of our community through collaboration and curiosity.
• Narro Trucks, Inc.
• QlutchQMS: Roanoke based Qlutch, Inc. is an innovative, disruptive player in the compliance software industry. Their software is designed to make quality compliance management simple and scalable. Their innovative product takes something essential yet time-consuming and makes it effortless and accurate.
• Advanced Machining Solutions
• Tight Technologies: Tight Technologies specializes in aligning technology plans with business goals, proactively managing networks to prevent downtime, and developing comprehensive IT business plans. They create detailed documentation and standards for organizations while focusing on security to protect business data.

Regional Leadership Award

Leading by example is worth elevating. This award recognizes a person whose mentorship, thought leadership, or advocacy is advancing the region and innovation community.

• Drew Bratton, P1 Technologies
• Jonathan Hagmaier, Veracity: Jon is a superman in the local business ecosystem. He consistently reaches out, offers mentorship, shares enthusiasm, and is doing all he can to help startups in our ecosystem find the success he has enjoyed. 
• Don Halliwill, Carilion Clinic: Don services as Executive Vice President and CFO for Carilion Clinic. He’s an epitome of a healthcare leader, steering the non-profit health system’s finances and being an instrumental part of Carilion’s academic health center partnerships. A visionary leader, Don has been at the forefront of Carilion’s investments in biotechnology and life sciences while championing improved patient access. He exemplifies the ideal that innovation and financial stewardship can—and should—go hand-in-hand with compassion. 
• Emily Reburn, QlutchQMS: Emily is the head of Growth & Engagement of QlutchQMS where she is helping grow one of the region’s highest potential new tech companies. She’s been an individual driver of many significant regional economic growth journeys like Rackspace, Ticket Spicket, and now Qlutch while supporting programs that help build up this community like Hospitality House and RBIA. Her legacy is one of ambition, gratitude, and empathy. She’s an inspiration and true local leader that deserves recognition. 
• Kevin Byrd, New River Valley Regional Commission: Kevin has over 20 years of community development experience and has served as Executive Director of the New River Valley Regional Commission since 2009. A past president of the National Association of Development Organizations, he currently serves on the boards of Carilion Clinic-NRV and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, among others. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and has been recognized with Distinguished Business Leader of the Year honors from the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Under his collaborative leadership, the New River Valley Regional Commission has been recognized as a Best Place to Work.
• Chris Williams, Virginia Tech: Dr. Christopher Williams is the L.S. Randolph Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. He is the Founding Director of Virginia Tech MADE – Virginia Tech’s interdisciplinary center for advanced manufacturing. His Design, Research, and Education for Additive Manufacturing Systems (DREAMS) Laboratory, which was named the “2023 Academic Research Team of the Year” by 3D Printing Industry, has published over 150 journal articles on topics spanning innovations in additive manufacturing processes and materials, Design for Additive Manufacturing methodologies, and cyber-physical security for AM.  Chris has been involved in over $40M of externally funded research. He is a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2013) and the 2012 International Outstanding Young Researcher in Freeform and Additive Manufacturing Award.
• Dr. Ken Nicely, Roanoke County Public Schools: Dr. Ken Nicely has served Roanoke County Public Schools since 1993, rising from Spanish teacher to Superintendent, a role he has held since 2018. Under his leadership, he developed the C-Change Framework, a comprehensive vision centered on deeper learning and preparing students to be Opportunity Ready. He has served as president of the Virginia Middle School Association, chairman of the Virginia School Consortium for Learning, and is a recipient of the 2019 Virginia ASCD Leadership Award. Most recently, Dr. Nicely was honored as the 2025 Virginia Region VI Superintendent of the Year.

Rising Star Award                                

This award recognizes a local biotechnology company poised for success and emphasizes the importance of small firms to our region’s technology economy.

• Dr. Jenny Munson, Cairina: Dr. Munson is a professor and director of the Cancer Research Center at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. She has patented innovations that apply fluid dynamic, tissue engineering, biomedical imaging, and computational modeling to develop diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cancer and other diseases. She was recently accepted into the National Academy of Inventors as a Senior Member and has founded two biotech companies based in the region. 
• Mova Technologies: The Pulaski, VA based company’s patented air filtration system captures airborne contaminants like ammonia, CO_2, and VOCs and turns them into commodities. Designed for application across industries like poultry production, agriculture, and manufacturing, their advanced gas capture platform turns air quality problems into revenue growth and cost efficiency. The innovative company is quickly gaining momentum and poised for high growth in the next year.
• Dr. Eric Pauley, Terrace Networks: Terrace Networks is a cutting-edge AI threat detection platform that offers a new layer of real-time protection from previous unkown vulnerabilities. Dr. Eric Pauley began developing Terrace Networks while finishing his PhD at the University of Wisconsin. His technology is groundbreaking and has tremendous growth potential.
• Dr. Spencer Marsh, Tiny Cargo Co.: Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Spencer Marsh is the leading expert in milk-derived exosomes for therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical delivery and under his scientific leadership has established Tiny Cargo Co as a global leader in milk exosome manufacturing, functional application into products, and the loading of exosomes with therapeutic cargoes.
• Carilion Clinic Usability Works: Usability Works at Carilion Clinic is an externally facing usability engineering service housed within Carilion. It supports regional medtech innovators by using high-fidelity simulation environments and clinician expertise at Carilion’s Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety to evaluate real-world use, reduce risk, and support regulatory requirements such as FDA human-centered design expectations. The organization embodies Carilion’s mission of improving health through innovating better care for patients in our region and beyond.
• Leah Thomas, Virginia Western Community College: Leah has been an active member of the tech ecosystem throughout graduate school and now as a Project VITAL outreach specialist at VWCC. She is a gifted educator and has undertaken biotech outreach with over 400 elementary school students at RCPS and the BEACON program at the YMCA as well as planned a STEM Day. Leah motivates and inspires everyone around her and has impacted literally thousands of learners in the Roanoke Blacksburg region.

STEM-H Educator (Higher Ed)

This award recognizes higher education STEM educators in the Roanoke Blacksburg region for their creativity and mentorship of future tech leaders.

• Dr. Peter Apel: Dr. Peter Apel is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity care and surgery. In 2024, he was named the VTC School of Medicine Research Mentor of the Year by students. His lab has grown to nine full-time research staff members and consistently attracts medical students to pursue their VTCSOM mandatory research projects.  
• Dr. Tabitha James, Virginia Tech: Dr. Tabitha James is the R.B. Pamplin Professor in the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Her work focuses on the phycological impacts associated with the use of emerging technologies, including AI, and on how people and organizations make privacy and security decisions in the internet era. She has played a critical role in developing the curriculum for the popular BIT major—cybersecurity management and analytics (CMA). 
• Dr. Jamie Lau, Radford University: Dr. Jamie Lau is an associate professor of biology at Radford University, where she serves as the chair of the biology department. She was the driving force behind the university’s creation of the BS degree in applied biotechnology. She personally worked with the biology faculty, administration, and local biotech companies to craft the curriculum and ensured a seamless transition between the VWCC biotech degree to the Radford program.
• Tom Martin, Virginia Tech: Tom Martins serves as the executive director of the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology at Virginia Tech. Tom has an decades-long track record of research, teaching, and interdisciplinary work at VT and within ICAT. He is passionate about the intersection of arts and technology and advancing ICTA’s mission. 
• Leah Thomas, Virginia Western Community College
• Dr. David Salzberg, Carilion Clinic: Dr. David Salzberg is a Carilion Clinic general surgeon specializing in minimally invasive procedures using the latest robotic technology, including transplants. He’s also an associate professor of general surgery at the VTC School of Medicine. He was a leading voice in the campaign to apply for a certificate of public need to create a kidney transplant program at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and is a leader in robotic surgery.
• Center for Educational Networks and Impacts, Virginia Tech: CENI builds and commits to long-term relationships with regional schools, museums, and programs for reciprocal learning and positive collaborative change. Their “Hokie for a Day” has served approximately 5,000 fifth graders since 2021. VT Science Festival has impacted thousands of students and families with a celebration of science as a way of thinking. 

STEM-H Educator (K-12)

This award recognizes K-12 STEM educators in the Roanoke Blacksburg region for their creativity and mentorship of future tech leaders.

• Danielle Williams-Agee, Narrows High School: Danielle Williams-Agee teaches earth science and astronomy at Narrows High School, leads the science club and coaches the Science MACC, an academic competition team. In her free time, she works for the Virginia Space Grant Consortium as a NASA Academy Master Teacher. She was named Teach of the Year at Narrows High School—a testament to her dedication and excellence. She is a smart, responsible and creative educator who is passionate about STEM and helping her students reach their full potential. 
• Jason Suhr, Roanoke County Public Schools: Jason Suhr is one of the most important leaders shaping STEM-H and career-connected education in our region. He serves as the director of career and technical education for Roanoke County Public Schools where he has been central to the development of the career & Technology Center, work-based learning, and GO TEC efforts. He consistently demonstrates leadership that is strategic and student-centered. 
• Kim Bradshaw, Roanoke County Public Schools: Kim Bradshaw is an outstanding education professional known for her sustained leadership, commitment to innovation, and ability to create meaningful STEM learning opportunities for both students and educators. She is active in several professional organizations and personally writes and secures grants to provide hands-on engineering, coding, robotics, and problem-solving experiences to elementary school students across Roanoke County. 
• Branden Wells, Salem City Public Schools: Branden Wells provides computer science instruction at both West Salem and G.W. Carver schools to students pk-5^th grade. He consistently delivers highly engaging and effective lessons that span a wide range of topics including computer coding and programming while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Mr. Wells is truly committed to his work, his schools, his community and creating future scientists. 
• Zach DeMoss, North Cross School: Zach DeMoss is the tech director and middle school robotics coach at North Cross School. In his capacity as coach, he launched both the Kid Wind and Solar team, leading them to win the world championship. He is dedicated to teaching students how to tackle real-world issues and he does so with inspiring enthusiasm. 

Get Your TechNite Tickets Now

Winners of all categories will be announced at TechNite on May 7 at Hotel Roanoke in the heart of Roanoke, VA. It’s an unforgettable evening celebrating all things innovation—you won’t want to miss it! Get your tickets today.