WENATCHEE – Nominations are being accepted for the North Central Washington Tech Alliance Innovator Awards, according to an announcement from the NCW Tech Alliance, which has offices around the Columbia Basin, including Moses Lake.
The Innovator Awards Luncheon will celebrate the drive, passion and spirit of the innovators in our community while inspiring those who are just beginning their journey, the announcement said.
Nominations are possible in five categories, the announcement states.
STEM College Innovator of the Year: Students are recognized for innovative projects that address real-world problems. Preference is given to student-led projects, but faculty-led initiatives will also be considered if the student project is innovative and unique. Students must demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills. All design, data recording, and summarization must have been done by the students themselves.
Future Technology Leader of the Year: K-12 students are recognized for innovative projects in the field of technology. The project does not have to be exclusively focused on technology – but technology should play a dominant role. Student-led projects are preferred, but teacher-led initiatives will be considered if the technology project is innovative and unique and students have participated in a hands-on, experiential way. The winner will demonstrate potential for success through leadership, learning and technology competencies.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Entrepreneurs are people with vision and the ability to identify and meet a need. They have the courage to make changes and the perseverance to see results. This person has demonstrated exceptional vision, leadership and innovation in building a new business, developing a new product or service, or creatively developing a way to bring an existing product or service to market.
STEM Champion of the Year: This award recognizes educators and community members who pursue innovative approaches to learning through STEM experiences. The winner demonstrates passion for STEM education and is viewed by their peers and the community as an advocate for promoting STEM learning pathways for students.
Newcomer in Technology: Successful companies are those that are not afraid of change and are proactive in embracing technological innovation. A candidate for the Newcomer in Technology award is an organization, company or department that has used technology to transform the work environment. These nominees should use or develop technology in a way that advances production, improves efficiency or differentiates their product or service to gain a competitive advantage.
Since 2001, more than 100 innovators have been recognized for their innovations in entrepreneurship, technology and STEM education, according to the announcement. Nominations close Aug. 31, and winners will be honored at the Innovator Awards Luncheon Nov. 5 in Wenatchee.
For more information or to nominate, visit www.ncwtech.org/innovators.
