NCW Tech Alliance announces finalists for 2024 Innovator Awards

WENATCHEE—The NCW Tech Alliance has announced the fifteen finalists for its 23rd Annual Innovator Awards Luncheon, which will be held on November 5 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The event, presented by the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority, recognizes innovation in North Central Washington across various fields.

David Mabee, Marketing Director at NCW Tech Alliance, said, "The Innovator Awards Luncheon has become a hallmark event in our region, showcasing the individuals and companies who are driving innovation and making a significant impact on and in our communities."

The finalists, selected by a volunteer committee of business and education leaders, are competing in five categories:

Entrepreneur of the Year:

• Dr. Gautam Nayak, Coltrain (Wenatchee)
• Kellie Davies, Welcome Home Care (Okanogan)
• Terry Ward, Ward Media (Wenatchee)

Newcomer in Technology:

• FieldClock (East Wenatchee)
• Fiopin (Wenatchee)
• Sila (Moses Lake)

STEM Champion of the Year:

• Carrie Nordberg, Samaritan Healthcare (Moses Lake)
• Eric Tiegel, Beaver Valley School (Plain)
• Scott Sandberg, Ephrata High School (Ephrata)

STEM College Student Innovator of the Year:

• Nathan Holterhoff, University of Washington (Wenatchee)
• Odin Finsen, Gonzaga University (Oroville)
• Paulinne Anaya, University of Washington (Leavenworth)

Future Technology Leader of the Year (K-12):

• AEM Energy Champions, Wenatchee High School (Wenatchee): Aaden Juarez, Gael Nunez Sanchez, Isabella Garcia, Marisol Nava Araujo, Nathan Vargas, Sloane Eppich Talbot, Stephanie Salgado Ontiveros, and Ximena Guerra Carillo
• Elise Mann, Nominated by Pinnacles Prep Charter School (Wenatchee)
• Maya Cavazos, Quincy High School (Quincy)

Winners in the business categories will receive complimentary NCW Tech Alliance memberships and a year of community promotion. Education category winners will be awarded scholarships to support their educational or classroom initiatives.

The event is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with an exhibitor viewing starting at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are available at www.ncwtech.org/innovators, priced at $40 for NCW Tech Alliance members and $55 for non-members.

Organizations supporting the event include Larson Gross, Peoples Bank, Microsoft, Confluence Health, Native Network, JP Portrait Studio, LocalTel, Winton MFG Compost Works, GTC Technical Support, the Apple STEM Network, JBe Marketing, North Central Educational Service District, Van Doren Sales, and Emerson

Mabee added, "This year's finalists represent the diverse and dynamic spirit of innovation, education, and entrepreneurship that defines North Central Washington."

The winners will be announced live on stage during the luncheon.

For more information on tickets or sponsorship opportunities, interested parties can contact Sarah Sanford at info@ncwtech.org.