The Arizona Technology Council, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, have announced the winners of the 2024 Governor’s Innovation Awards to recognize Arizona’s most inspired technology achievements. This annual celebration honors companies and individuals who exemplify extraordinary progress, vision and dedication, driving Arizona’s reputation as a hub of technological advancement. This year’s awardees were recognized during a vibrant gala held at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.
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“Arizona’s technology industry has ascended to international prominence, largely thanks to the outstanding achievements of those recognized tonight and throughout the more than two decades of this awards program,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute. “Every year it’s a privilege to celebrate the transformative contributions of our winners, and I’m incredibly proud of Arizona’s journey to becoming a leading innovation powerhouse.”
“We are honored to partner with the Arizona Technology Council to celebrate Governor’s Celebration of Innovation awards which highlights the incredible innovations taking place here in Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We’re proud to celebrate this year’s winners that are advancing Arizona’s technology and innovation ecosystem alongside the Arizona Technology Council.”
The winners in their respective categories are:
Company Award Winners
- Innovator of the Year – Start-Up Company: iCRx, Inc. – Tucson
- Innovator of the Year – Small Company: Air2O – Phoenix
- Innovator of the Year – Large Company: Liveops – Scottsdale
- Innovator of the Year – Academia: Valley Fever Center for Excellence – Tucson
- Judges Award: Arizona STEM Acceleration Project – Tempe
Individual Award Winners
- People’s Choice AccountabilIT Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
- Kathleen “KJ” Jolivette, vice president/general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift – Mesa
- Jim Cantrell, CEO and co-founder, Phantom Space – Tucson
- Ed Denison Business Leader of the Year Winner: Tech Parks Arizona, The University of Arizona – Tucson
- Transformational Leadership Award: Edwards – Chandler
Outstanding Technology Senator of the Year: Sen. David Gowan, District 19
Outstanding Technology Representative of the Year: Rep. David Livingston, District 28
Tech 10 Legislators:
Senators:
- Sen. Ken Bennett, District 1
- Sen. Priya Sundareshan, District 18
- Sen. Brian Fernandez, District 23
- Sen. Flavio Bravo, District 26
- Sen. Frank Carroll, District 28
Representatives:
- Rep. Justin Wilmeth, District 2
- Rep. David Marshall Sr., District 7
- Rep. Seth Blattman, District 9
- Rep. Alma Hernandez, District 20
- Rep. Michael Carbone, District 25
Future Innovators of the Year Award Winners:
- Rishabh Sreepathy, Grade 10, Desert Mountain High School – Scottsdale
- Aditya Lakshminarasimhan, Grade 11, BASIS Scottsdale
- Brad Wu, Grade 10, Arizona College Prep High School – Chandler
- Vinesh Kothari, Grade 12, BASIS Mesa
Future Innovators of the Year Honorable Mentions:
- Iraj Shroff, Grade 9, BASIS Chandler
- Sohini Mallick, Grade 12, University High School – Tucson
Teacher of the Year Award Winner:
- Michelle Landreville, CREST-Paradise Valley High School – Phoenix
Teacher Honorable Mention:
- Pradip Misra, Bagdad High School
The individual/company award winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by the following selection committee of experts independent of the Council:
- Keith Latchaw, MSS Business Transformation Advisory
- Doug Hockstad, Tech Launch Arizona, The University of Arizona
- Eric Miller, PADT, Inc.
- Jeff Koenig, Desert Angels
In addition, the Council recognized and thanked the Arizona Council of Engineering and Scientific Associations (ACESA) for its participation in selecting the Future Innovators and Teacher of the Year Award winners and honorable mentions.
