Monday, December 2, 2024
WENATCHEE — The NCW Tech Alliance celebrated innovation and technological advancement in North Central Washington during its 23rd Annual Innovator Awards Luncheon, drawing more than 320 attendees to the Wenatchee Convention Center on November 5.
The sold-out event honored regional leaders in technology and innovation, while announcing INVEST NCW, a new initiative launching in 2025 to align resources and support for entrepreneurship across the region.
Dr. Gautam Nayak, co-founder of Coltrain and recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, highlighted healthcare disparities in his acceptance speech. "If you live in rural America, you have a 43% higher chance of dying than your urban counterpart," Dr. Nayak said. "The best clinicians are those who advocate for you, and that is what Coltrain is trying to embody."
Among the honorees were the AEM Energy Champions from Wenatchee High School, a team of eight students recognized for their work in energy conservation at commercial buildings. Their project has successfully reduced costs and CO2 emissions at facilities including JCPenney.
FieldClock of East Wenatchee received the Newcomer in Technology Award for their agricultural labor-tracking software, which now supports over 60,000 farm employees and manages $650 million in annual payroll.
Carrie Nordberg from Samaritan Healthcare in Moses Lake was named STEM Champion of the Year for her work connecting students with healthcare experiences. "Our youth need us more than ever, and an organization such as this can change their lives in a profound way," Nordberg said during her acceptance speech.
University of Washington graduate student Nathan Holterhoff received the STEM College Innovator of the Year Award for his research on sensor networks and energy efficiency. "I want to thank all of the past educators who have inspired me. I wouldn't be here without them," Holterhoff said.
"This year's awardees represent the incredible talent and innovation coming out of North Central Washington, inspiring and shaping a brighter future for all of us," said David Mabee, Marketing Director of NCW Tech Alliance.
The event was supported by several major sponsors, including the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority, Microsoft, Native Network, Apple STEM Network, and Confluence Health.
NCW Tech Alliance, established in 1999, operates as a 501(c)3 organization focused on supporting entrepreneurs, STEM education, and technology adoption in North Central Washington.
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