Winners unveiled for tech-focused Governor’s Innovation Awards
The 2024 Governor’s Innovation Awards were unveiled this week at an annual event that honors technology achievements in Arizona.
The awards, sponsored by the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Technology Council, recognize companies and individuals who “exemplify extraordinary progress, vision and dedication, driving Arizona’s reputation as a hub of technological advancement,” according to the awards criteria.
The awards were handed out at a Nov. 13 event held at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Finalists in several categories were announced in October,
“We are honored to partner with the Arizona Technology Council to celebrate Governor’s Celebration of Innovation awards which highlights the incredible innovations taking place here in Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, ACA president and CEO, in a statement. “We’re proud to celebrate this year’s winners that are advancing Arizona’s technology and innovation ecosystem.”
The winners in their respective categories are:
Company Award Winners
- Innovator of the Year – Start-Up Company: iCRx Inc., Tucson
- Innovator of the Year – Small Company: Air2O, Phoenix
- Innovator of the Year – Large Company: Liveops, Scottsdale
- Innovator of the Year – Academia: Valley Fever Center for Excellence, Tucson
- Judges Award: Arizona STEM Acceleration Project, Tempe
Individual Award Winner
- People’s Choice – AccountabilIT
Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
- Kathleen “KJ” Jolivette, vice president/general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift, Mesa
- Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder, Phantom Space, Tucson
Other Awards
- Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Winner: Tech Parks Arizona, The University of Arizona, Tucson
- Transformational Leadership Award: Edwards, Chandler
- Outstanding Technology Senator of the Year: Sen. David Gowan, District 19
- Outstanding Technology Representative of the Year: Rep. David Livingston, District 28
“Arizona’s technology industry has ascended to international prominence, largely thanks to the outstanding achievements of those recognized tonight and throughout the more than two decades of this awards program,” said Steven Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council and SciTech Institute, in a statement. “Every year it’s a privilege to celebrate the transformative contributions of our winners, and I’m incredibly proud of Arizona’s journey to becoming a leading innovation powerhouse.”
The individual and company award winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by a four-person selection committee, independent of the Council: Keith Latchaw, MSS Business Transformation Advisory; Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona, The University of Arizona; Eric Miller, co-founder, PADT Inc., Tempe; Jeff Koenig, board chair, Desert Angels, Tucson.