NCET Tech Awards Categories and Criteria
NCET‘s Technology Hall of Fame
Recognizes companies and/or people who have demonstrated leadership in, and made significant contributions to, Nevada’s economy and technology community. This company or individual has made a significant community impact. The Hall of Fame Award is an optional category, and is not guaranteed to be presented annually. The award is bestowed upon individuals or entities based solely on the discretion of the judging committee and the quality of the nominees received within the given nomination period.
COMPANIES / ORGANIZATIONS
Nominated companies or organizations must have a physical location in Northern Nevada and employ Northern Nevadans.
Most Inspiring Technology Company of the Year
Presented to the technology company which has an inspiring effect on the area’s technology industry. The Most Inspiring Technology Company of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates the innovative prowess, transformative impact, and exemplary leadership of a technology company that has significantly influenced the landscape of its industry and beyond. Special consideration will be given to companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievements in harnessing technology to drive positive change, foster societal progress, and inspire others through their vision, dedication, and ingenuity.
Sustainability Company of the Year
Presented to the environmentally aware company that demonstrates consideration of their impact in the environment and our community. The Sustainability Company of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates the exceptional commitment, innovation, and impact of a company that is leading the way in sustainability practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Special consideration will be given to organizations that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing sustainable business practices, reducing environmental footprint, and educating present and future generations.
NEW: Lithium Loop Award
The Lithium Loop Award is a prestigious recognition dedicated to honoring entities that demonstrate exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership in advancing Nevada's strategic lithium economy. This award celebrates organizations, projects, or initiatives that play a pivotal role in promoting the development, sustainability, and growth of Nevada's lithium resources and the broader lithium loop economy. Overall, the Lithium Loop Award seeks to honor entities that exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership in furthering Nevada's strategic lithium economy. By recognizing and celebrating their contributions, this award aims to inspire continued collaboration, investment, and advancement in Nevada's lithium loop economy for the benefit of the state, its communities, and the broader global economy.
Startup of the Year
The Startup of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates the most promising startup company that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and positive impact within the region. Special consideration will be given to startups that have exhibited remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, achieved significant milestones, and made substantial contributions to the economic and social development of the community.
NEW: Best Overall Use of AI Company of the Year
The Best Overall Use of AI Company of the Year Award will be presented to the company that demonstrates innovation in the use of Artificial Intelligence as a benefit to the company’s core promise. Special consideration will be given to companies that have leveraged AI in a holistic and impactful manner, demonstrating excellence in AI strategy, implementation, and outcomes. Those nominating a company may choose to provide an example of AI use to be mentioned publicly in an awards ceremony and press release.
NEW: Best Overall Use of Robotics Innovation Company of the Year
The Best Overall Use of Robotics Innovation Company of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates the exemplary achievements, transformative impact, and visionary leadership of a company that has demonstrated exceptional utilization of robotics technology to drive innovation, solve complex challenges, and create substantial value across various industries and applications. Those nominating a company may choose to provide an example of these intelligent machines and how they are used to be mentioned publicly in an awards ceremony and press release.
IT Support / Cybersecurity Company of the Year
The IT Support/Cybersecurity Company of the Year Awards will be presented to the company that demonstrates technological innovation in information technology and/or cybersecurity services. Special consideration will be given to companies that have demonstrated excellence in delivering reliable IT support services, safeguarding against cyber threats, and ensuring the security and resilience of digital infrastructures. Those nominating a company may choose to provide an example of services to be mentioned publicly in an awards ceremony and press release.
Manufacturing Company of the Year
The Manufacturing Company of the Year Award celebrates the outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership of a manufacturing company that has demonstrated excellence in driving forward the manufacturing industry. Special consideration will be given to companies that excelled in areas such as product quality, operational efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation, as well as active participation in industry practices such as standards setting, advocacy and education.
Medical / Health Services Company of the Year
The Medical/Health Services Company of the Year Award celebrates the exceptional achievements and pioneering advancements of a medical or health services company that has demonstrated outstanding utilization of technological innovation to revolutionize patient care, improve health outcomes, and advance the practice of medicine. Special consideration will be given to companies that Havel harnessed cutting-edge technologies to address critical challenges in healthcare delivery, enhance patient experiences, and drive positive impact across the healthcare ecosystem.
SaaS Company of the Year
The SaaS Company of the Year Award is presented to the company that has demonstrated excellence in delivering transformative solutions to customers. Special consideration will be given to companies that have excelled in providing solutions that empower businesses and drive their digital transformation.
Professional Services Organization of the Year
The Professional Services Organization of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates the exceptional achievements, expertise, and impact of a professional services organization that has demonstrated excellence in delivering high-quality services and exceeding client expectations. Special consideration will be given to organizations across various sectors, including marketing/PR, financial services, legal, accounting, governmental relations, and more, that have excelled in providing strategic guidance, expertise, and support to Northern Nevada’s technology community, contributing to their success and advancement.
Nonprofit of the Year
The Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to the nonprofit organization (a) that has best used technology or innovation to better achieve its non-profit mission or (b) whose programs, events and educational activities make technology more accessible, affordable, secure, and simpler for people in Northern Nevada: or which creatively and effectively uses technology to deliver its services to stakeholders.
NEW: Public Sector Innovation Award (municipality or team)
The Public Sector Innovation Award celebrates the exemplary achievements and visionary leadership of a municipality, department, or team within the public sector that serves as an exemplary model of government innovation. Special consideration will be given to entities that demonstrate measurable impact on public wellbeing through their technology-driven initiatives which improve access to essential services, enhance the quality of life for citizens and advance public wellbeing through technology. (For a single nominee, see “Public Sector Innovation Award (individual)”
Construction / Construction Services Company of the Year
Presented to the company or firm that demonstrates technological innovation with tools, machinery, modifications, software, etc. used during the design or construction phase of a project; and/or presented to the company or firm that constructs an innovative end-project which could be considered a prototype for the region.
INDIVIDUALS
Nominated individuals must reside, work and be employed by, or own, a company located in Northern Nevada.
Technologist of the Year
Presented to the technologist who, individually or through leadership of a team has best used technology to improve the performance of their organization or the products or services it provides. Special consideration will be given to individuals who demonstrate industry leadership through involvement in industry trade organizations, legislative activities pertinent to the technology industry, or other civic or community involvement.
NEW: Sustainability Leader of the Year
Presented to the person who, individually or through leadership of a team has best devised ways to create a more sustainable future. Special consideration will be given to individuals who demonstrate industry leadership through delivering sustainable growth and influence in industry trade organizations, legislative activities pertinent to sustainability, or other civic or community involvement.
Technology Advocate of the Year
Presented to a practitioner of professional services such as marketing/PR, content creation, law, accounting, governmental relations, market research or analysis, etc., who has successfully advocated for and supported Northern Nevada’s technology community and has demonstrated leadership and innovation in their field. This person may be employed by a technology company or organization which provides support to technology companies.
Innovator of the Year
Presented to an individual (or business team) who has shown outstanding performance as an innovative business leader or team of leaders. This person will exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit, prove to be passionate about not only their business endeavor but the Northern Nevada community as well. Special consideration will be given to individuals who demonstrate industry leadership through involvement in industry trade organizations, legislative activities pertinent to the technology industry, or other civic or community involvement.
NEW: Public Sector Innovation Award (individual)
The Public Sector Innovation Award (Individual) recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions and exemplary leadership of a government employee who has demonstrated exceptional innovation, creativity, and dedication in advancing public wellbeing through technology and creative government initiatives. The award acknowledges individuals whose tech initiatives have had a significant and measurable impact on public wellbeing, quality of life, and citizen satisfaction.
Tech Star Award
Companies and organizations are invited to recognize one of your very special front-line employees, contractors or team members who works in the tech industry or who works with technology, and who has made a remarkable contribution and played an invaluable role in fulfilling the mission of your organization in the past year. During the Award Dinner, NCET Tech Star honorees will be recognized in the audience and receive a certificate commemorating this honor. Honoree(s) and at least one representative from your organization must be present at the Awards Dinner.