Individual Winners and Company Finalists for GCOI 2024 Announced by the Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority
Company Award Winners Will be Announced Live on Stage at GCOI on November 13 at Chateau Luxe
PHOENIX, October 11, 2024 — Honoring the leaders, innovators and Arizona technology community standouts, the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority have announced the individual winners and company award finalists for the 2024 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation (GCOI). The individual winners will be celebrated on stage while company award winners will be announced live during the event which takes place from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix.
“The tech industry in Arizona is thriving, expanding its reach and leading global advancements across numerous vital sectors,” remarked Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute. “With this remarkable progress, selecting our individual and company award winners becomes increasingly challenging each year. Each candidate truly merits recognition, and it’s a privilege to celebrate their achievements at GCOI annually.”
“The individual winners and company finalists showcase why Arizona continues to be a leading hub for next-generation technologies,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem supports individuals and startups developing and launching new innovations here in Arizona, alongside industry leaders committed to prioritizing innovation. Congratulations to the 2024 winners and finalists!”
Technology and business leaders from across the state will gather to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and organizations during GCOI, which will include an elegant gala-style evening of networking, dining and entertainment, and be capped off with the awards ceremony hosted by Emmy Award-winning news personality Carey Peña. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/2024-governors-celebration-of-innovation-awards/.
Winners
People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
- Kathleen “KJ” Jolivette, vice president/general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift
- Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder, Phantom Space
Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Winner:
- Tech Parks Arizona, University of Arizona – Tucson
Innovator of the Year Large Company:
- LiveOps – Scottsdale
Innovator of the Year Academia:
- Valley Fever Center for Excellence – Tucson
Transformational Leadership Award:
- Edwards – Chandler
Finalists to be announced at GCOI
Innovator of the Year Small Company:
- Air2O – Phoenix
- Nikola Corporation – Phoenix
- Phantom Space Corporation – Tucson
Innovator of the Year Start-Up:
- Blackstar Orbital Technology – Sierra Vista
- iCRx Inc. – Tucson
- Swift Coat – Phoenix
The individual/company award winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by the following selection committee of experts independent of the Arizona Technology Council:
- Keith Latchaw, MSS Business Transformation Advisory
- Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona, The University of Arizona
- Eric Miller, PADT, Inc.
- Jeff Koenig, Desert Angels
The Future Innovators of the Year award winners, honoring students who represent the future innovators of Arizona’s technology industry, as well as the teachers who inspire them, were announced in a separate press release on September 19. The announcement can be found here.
About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council (AZTC) is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies. Recognized as comprising a diverse professional business community, Council members work towards furthering the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education, legislation and social action. The Council offers numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring together leaders, visionaries, and community members to make an impact on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the Council’s culture of growing member businesses and transforming technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org and follow AZTC on Twitter at @aztechcouncil.
About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create — attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.