PHOENIX - Arizonar -- 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."

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"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

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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.