PA TECH AWARD CATEGORIES

This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated a prolonged, strong commitment to advancing the growth and development of the technology industry in Pennsylvania.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for the Technology Leader of the Year must have:

• A proven track record of substantial contributions to the technology industry;
• Demonstrated outstanding leadership in advancing the growth and development of technology on a regional, statewide or national basis; and
• A high level of respect from his or her peers in the industry.

This award will be presented to a company that has clearly demonstrated an ability to succeed in the sales and marketing of its technology product or services and that has achieved significant success in the marketplace in the preceding 12 months.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for the Technology Company of the Year must have:

• A product or service that has achieved success in the marketplace in the preceding 12 months;
• A product or service that has enhanced the productivity and experience of its customers;
• Achieved revenue growth and/or job creation in the preceding 12 months;
• Distinguished itself as a leader in Pennsylvania's technology industry; and
• Transformed a particular industry segment or market vertical.

This award will be presented to a public or private sector entity that has improved the operations and productivity of its clients through technology applications, equipment, resources and solutions.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for the Technology Provider of the Year must have:

• Demonstrated a clear ability to enhance the productivity and operations of their clients;
• A proven track record of developing and/or integrating technologies to provide unique client solutions; and
• A strong market presence in Pennsylvania.

This award will be presented to the company that has a unique product or service that is breaking new ground in the technology industry.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for the Innovation Company of the Year must have:

• A unique product or service that is helping to redefine its specific industry segment;
• Demonstrated the ability to utilize its product or service to improve the end-user experience and/or enhance the productivity of its customers; and
• A strong market presence in Pennsylvania.

This award will be presented to a company that has distinguished itself through growth and development in its early stages of commercialization.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for the Start-Up Company of the Year must have:

• Been incorporated for five (5) years or less;
• Spent the majority of their business life in Pennsylvania;
• Unique products or services;
• Demonstrated an ability to grow revenues, create jobs and generally succeed as a viable business entity.

This award will be presented to an individual or organization that has utilized technology to improve the delivery of government services at the federal, state, county or municipal level.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for Public Sector Innovator must have:

• Implemented products or services that improve the efficiency of government operations;
• Integrated technological best practices to improve the operation of a government program; and
• Utilized technology in an innovative manner to improve citizen interaction with government.

Nominees should demonstrate significant growth and potential future growth in revenue, products, services and/or number of employees.

This award will be presented to members of K-12 academia (teachers, administrators or professors) who inspire students to pursue careers in technology.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for Technology Educator of the Year must have:

• Demonstrated a strong commitment to motivating students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM);
• Utilized technology in the classroom to improve the quality of education and inspire students to be better learners; and
• Have a strong record of leadership and respect among his or her peers in the education community.

This award will be presented to members of post-secondary academia (teachers, administrators or professors) who inspire students to pursue careers in technology.

Nomination Criteria: Nominees for Technology Educator of the Year must have:

• Demonstrated a strong commitment to motivating students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM);
• Utilized technology in the classroom to improve the quality of education and inspire students to be better learners; and
• Have a strong record of leadership and respect among his or her peers in the education community.