PHOENIX - Arizonar -- Honoring Arizona's leading innovators, entrepreneurs and business champions, the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority today announced the winners and award finalists for the 2025 Governor's Celebration of Innovation (GCOI). The winners will be celebrated on stage during the event, which will take place from 4:45 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix.

"The pace of innovation in Arizona continues to accelerate, driving growth and global leadership in technology sectors that are reshaping the future," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute. "Recognizing these individuals and organizations is always a highlight of the year, and we're proud to showcase their incredible achievements at GCOI 2025."

"This year's individual winners and company finalists exemplify why Arizona remains a national leader in next-generation technologies," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. "Our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem empowers innovators—from startups to industry leaders—to develop and launch cutting-edge innovations right here in Arizona. Congratulations to the 2025 winners and finalists!"

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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 GCOI awards ceremony. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/2025-governors-celebration-of-innovation-awards/

Winners

Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Winner:

• Per Scholas Phoenix

Innovator of the Year – Large Company:

• Aligned Data Centers

Judges Award:

• Flinn Foundation

People's Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award:

• James Currier, President and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies

Finalists to be announced at GCOI

MSS Business Transformation Leader of the Year – Finalists:

• Jeff Benck, Benchmark
• Sandeep Uthra, OneAZ Credit Union
• Tami Bohannon, AllThrive 365

Innovator of the Year – Startup – Finalists:

• JACE Sciences/RokPaper Packaging
• Blackstar Orbital Technologies
• Branch Therapeutics, Inc.
• LifeSpan Digital Health, Inc.

Innovator of the Year – Small Company – Finalists:

• Optical Support, Inc.
• EnKoat
• Crystal Sonic, Inc.

Innovator of the Year – Academia – Finalists:

• New Frontiers of Sound Science & Technology Center
• Arizona State University's Dreamscape Learn

The individual and company award winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by the following selection committee of experts independent of the Council:

• Bob DeLean, Arizona Tech Investors
• Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona, The University of Arizona
• Eric Miller, PADT, Inc.
• Keith Latchaw, MSS Business Transformation Advisory

An earlier announcement named winners of the Future Innovators of the Year award honoring students who represent the potential leaders of Arizona's technology industry, as well as the teachers who inspire them. The Sept. 17 press release can be found here.

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