The Chesapeake Regional Tech Council (CRTC) has announced the finalists for the upcoming 10th annual TechAwards 2015: Connect with Confidence, honoring the region’s rising tech companies, outstanding innovators and all-around top “geeks.”

For the six award categories, the CRTC received more than 60 submissions from a variety of accomplished technology businesses and individuals throughout the Annapolis-Washington-Baltimore region. A 13-member selection committee examined the nominations and voted on the top contenders.

Nominated categories and finalists are listed below and winners will be announced at the TechAwards event on the evening of March 26, at the Hilton Baltimore.

“We are proud to bring the10th Anniversary TechAwards to Baltimore,” said CRTC President Jason Silva, CEO of Sidus Data. “With finalists spanning Beltsville to Baltimore, Columbia to Washington D.C., and points between, the program has matured into a truly regional, not-to-be-missed celebration of technology achievement.”

In addition to the nominated categories, the Selection Committee has elected to honor an exceptional company and individual with the following 2015 Legend’s Circle Awards:

  • The Legend’s Circle Company will be awarded to Under Armour in recognition of its innovation, leadership and success in the tech community in Maryland, and most recently its advancement in wearables and connected fitness.
  • The Legend’s Circle Individual will be awarded to Scott Ferber, founder of Advertising.com and chairman and CEO of Videology, in recognition of his leadership and impact on the Maryland tech ecosystem.

The TechAwards 2015 finalists and categories include the following:

  • The Tech Company of the Year Award is awarded to a regional tech company that has proven its dedication, vision and ability to make things happen by working with a sustained, strategic business plan that has enabled it to steadily grow into a player in the area’s tech industry. Finalists include 2U, Landover; Cision, Beltsville; Tenable, Columbia.
  • The Innovator Award is given to a tech company that best exemplifies the entrepreneurship and innovative style it takes to keep the technology industry cutting-edge and forward moving. Finalists include BTS Software Solutions, Columbia; OpiaTalk, Baltimore; and Vheda Health, Columbia.
  • The Rising Star Award recognizes a fast growing high achiever in the regional technology community. Rising Star companies are likely on their way to Tech Company of the Year. They have hot technology, they are innovative and fast growing and typically sport an awesome team. Finalists include Fiscal Note, Washington, D.C.; Harpoon Medical, Baltimore; and VersaTech, Columbia.
  • The Best Place to Work Award recognizes a technology company that fosters a spirit of innovation and creativity in its employees, provides benefits that encourage employee work/life balance and works to inspire greatness in its employees. Finalists include Groove, Baltimore; Mindgrub, Baltimore; and 2U, Landover.
  • The Women in Tech (WIT) Award honors an individual who best exemplifies the outstanding contributions made by women in advancing technology in industry, business and society. Finalists include Angela Brown, Victory Global Solutions, Columbia; Anne Balduzzi, SameGrain, Baltimore; and Jacky Kimmel, InfoTeK, Hanover.
  • The Future Innovator Award promotes excellence in technology advancement by a regional high school student. This award is open to students in grades 9–12. The CRTC provides the winner of the Future Innovator Award with the Steven W. Oxman STEM Scholarship Award of $1,000. Finalists include Clayton Cobb, South River High School (Anne Arundel County); Sierra Seabrease, Digital Harbor High School (Baltimore City); and Connor Wenck, Towson High School (Baltimore County).

Event Details

The TechAwards 2015, featuring Title Sponsor and 2014 Rising Star Award Winner ZeroFOX, will offer a plethora of business development opportunities. Attendees will enjoy flexible seating, generous food and drink and plenty of time to connect with the region’s best during this lively, fast-paced event.

TechAwards will be held March 26, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Baltimore. The theme for the 10th annual program is Connect with Confidence #sociallysecure.

Tickets

Tickets are $135 for CRTC members and $165 for non-members until March 24, when registration closes. Tickets purchased at the door will be $180 as available. Tables of 10 are available for $1,100. Limited sponsorship opportunities remain available starting at $550. Registration, sponsorship information and additional details are available at www.chesapeaketech.org/techawards.