Nominations for the 2025 Tampa Bay Tech Awards Open 7/28
The Tampa Bay Tech Awards celebrate the outstanding people, innovative companies, and game-changing projects that make our region’s tech community shine. This is your chance to spotlight the talent and achievements that keep Tampa Bay’s tech ecosystem thriving — and anyone can nominate! You don’t need to be a Tampa Bay Tech member to get involved.
Every nomination is carefully reviewed based on clear judging criteria and the details you provide. Keep scrolling to discover this year’s award categories, see what information you’ll need to prepare, and get ready to share who inspires you most. When you’re ready, just click the button below to submit your nomination!
Save the Date — Let’s Celebrate Together! There’s no better way to honor our finalists and announce the winners than at the 22nd Annual Tampa Bay Tech Awards Show! Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, 2025, at Armature Works. Enjoy a delicious dinner, refreshing drinks, live music, and unbeatable networking with 450+ industry leaders — all while celebrating the very best of our tech community.
Want to Make an Even Bigger Impact? We’re looking for event sponsors who want to support this iconic community celebration and get their brand in front of Tampa Bay’s top tech talent. Interested? Email us at team@tampabay.tech to learn more!
2025 Award Categories & Criteria
Emerging Tech Company of the Year
The Emerging Tech Company of the Year Award celebrates outstanding achievement and/or innovation by a company headquartered in the Tampa Bay area. This award recognizes a company that has been in business for under 5 years and has shown exceptional commitment to advancing the region’s technology sector. The recipient of this award demonstrates excellence in market disruption through their impactful contributions to the industry, as evidenced by their people, programs, and projects.
When submitting a nomination for this award category, you’ll need to know and provide the following information:
- Year the company was established/founded
- Location of company headquarters
- Company size (# of employees)
- A nomination justification that answers these questions:
1. To what extent has the company introduced technologies or solutions that have made a significant impact on their industry or community? Is the technology or solution considered a market disruptor that has measurable positive impacts on the organization and its stakeholders? Describe the tangible results and benefits derived from this program or project, including its potential for growth and sustainability over time.? If so, how. (min150 to max 300 words)
2. How has the company contributed to advancing the technology ecosystem within the Tampa Bay region? This can include initiatives such as partnerships with local incubators/accelerators, local educational institutions, mentorship programs, or support for tech startups. (min150 to max 300 words)
3. What recognitions or awards have been received from peers, industry organizations or community stakeholders for their contributions to the tech sector in Tampa Bay? If they have not what is evidence of strong leadership and a talented team driving the company’s success and innovation? (min150 to max 300 words)
Emerging Tech Leader of the Year
The Emerging Tech Leader of the Year Award honors a visionary leader under the age of 40 who has made a substantial and transformative impact on their team, organization, and the Tampa Bay tech community. The recipient exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication, driving significant advancements and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. This individual is not only a trailblazer in their professional domain but also a proactive contributor to the broader tech ecosystem, inspiring others and setting new standards for success.
When submitting a nomination for this award category, you’ll need to know and provide the following information:
- Date of birth for the emerging leader
- Location they are based out of
- Their LinkedIn profile link
- A nomination justification that answers these questions:
1. How has this emerging leader demonstrated exceptional ability to inspire and motivate their team, leading by example and fostering a positive work environment, helping to successfully drive technological innovation within the organization, leading to improved processes, products, or services? Have they received any internal recognitions, achievements awards? (min150 to max 300 words)
2. How has this emerging leader shown significant career advancement and professional development in their roles? Provide an example or examples of how they demonstrate visionary thinking helping to create innovative processes or cutting edge technologies? (min150 to max 300 words)
3. In what ways does this emerging leader contribute to the growth and development of the local tech community? (min150 to max 300 words)
Tech Project of the Year
The Tech Project of the Year Award recognizes a groundbreaking technology project developed and led by an in-house team within the greater Tampa Bay area. The project should have been launched during the timeframe of Sept 2024 to Sept 2025 and created a significant impact regionally, nationally, or internationally through industry disruption or transformative effects within the organization. This award honors the ingenuity, dedication, and collaborative effort of the team that spearheaded a project, resulting in substantial advancements and setting new benchmarks in the technology landscape.
When submitting a nomination for this award category, you’ll need to know and provide the following information:
- Date the project was launched or deployed
- Location the team is based out of
- A nomination justification that answers these questions:
1. Provide an overview of the project. How has this project demonstrated impact on an industry, community, or organization setting new trend standards? How does the approach to this project stand out from others and solve significant problems or address unmet needs? (min150 to max 300 words)
2. What challenges had to be overcome during this project execution, and how has your in-house team been able to guide the project to successful completion? (min150 to max 300 words)
3. What is the long-term sustainability of the project and its continued impact? Describe the projects scalability to broader applications or potential greater adoption and impact. (min150 to max 300 words)
Tech Leader of the Year
The Tech Leader of the Year Award honors a C-level executive who has made an extraordinary impact on their organization and the broader technology industry. Nominees for this award must hold a C-level title, such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), or a similar executive role. The recipient of this award should have direct oversight of at least 10 team members and demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and strategic vision. This award celebrates their ability to drive transformative change, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to the advancement of the technology sector.
When submitting a nomination for this award category, you’ll need to know and provide the following information:
- Number of employees this leader oversees
- A nomination justification that answers these questions:
1. How has the nominee communicated and executed a clear and strategic vision within the organization? Provide specific examples of their leadership and the resulting impact on the organization. (min150 to max 300 words)
2. Describe a significant innovative technology, process, or strategy implemented by the nominee. How has this innovation enhanced organizational performance or industry standards, and what measurable impact has it had on the organization’s growth, efficiency, or competitive position? (min150 to max 300 words)
3. In what ways has the nominee demonstrated their ability to inspire, lead, and manage a team of at least 10 members? Provide examples of their commitment to the professional development and mentorship of their team, including initiatives to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. (min150 to max 300 words)
Tech Company of the Year
The Tech Company of the Year Award recognizes a Tampa Bay headquartered company with over 5 years in business, dedicated to advancing the region’s technology community. The honored company exemplifies transformational excellence in its people, programs, and projects, making significant contributions to its industry and setting a standard for innovation and community engagement.
When submitting a nomination for this award category, you’ll need to know and provide the following information:
- Year the company was established/founded
- Location of company headquarters
- Company size (# of employees)
- Company’s annual revenue
- A nomination justification that answers these questions:
1. How has the organization shown transformational excellence in projects and industry thought leadership? Provide an example that showcases your company’s innovation and impact within the industry. Discuss the tangible results and benefits, and describe your company’s industry leadership, including awards and recognitions. (min150 to max 300 words)
2. Describe the robust programs the company has implemented for employee training, mentorship, and professional growth. How have these programs created an inclusive, innovative, and supportive workplace environment that attracts and retains top talent? Are there any programs developed by your company that significantly enhanced operational efficiency, product quality, or customer satisfaction, and discuss its measurable positive impacts on the organization and its stakeholders. (min150 to max 300 words)
3. How has the company actively participated in and led local tech events, forums, and organizations to promote the growth of the Tampa Bay tech community? Provide specific examples of contributions to regional technology initiatives, such as educational programs, tech incubators, and partnerships with local organizations. How have these efforts fostered collaboration and networking opportunities within the local tech ecosystem? (min150 to max 300 words)
Tech Educator of the Year
The Tech Educator of the Year Award recognizes an individual in an educational role that made a significant impact on student interest in pursuing a technology-centric career in the region. Additionally, the educator has delivered positive outcomes for technology students in the Tampa Bay region. This award honors the commitment to delivering a quality technology-centric curriculum that is appreciated and practiced by the student population.
When submitting a nomination for this award category, you’ll need to know and provide the following information:
- A nomination justification that answers these questions:
1. Describe a specific instance where the nominee has developed or influenced a well-intentioned technology curriculum. How has this contribution been endorsed by their peers? (min150 to max 300 words)
2. How has the nominee’s enhancements to the technology curriculum been accepted by the governing bodies? Provide examples of students who have pursued further education and professional careers in technology as a result of these enhancements. (min150 to max 300 words)
3. How does the nominee engage with corporate and community partners to deliver effective and emerging technology concepts or lessons? Provide examples of their efforts in securing funding to benefit the curriculum and ensuring equitable access to technology for all students. (min150 to max 300 words)
2024 Award Categories and Winners
Emerging Tech Company of the Year
The Emerging Tech Company of the Year Award celebrates outstanding achievement and/or innovation by a company headquartered in the Tampa Bay area. This award recognizes a company that has been in business for under 5 years and has shown exceptional commitment to advancing the region’s technology sector. The recipient of this award demonstrates excellence in market disruption through their impactful contributions to the industry, as evidenced by their people, programs, and projects.
Emerging Tech Leader of the Year
The Emerging Tech Leader of the Year Award honors a visionary leader under the age of 40 who has made a substantial and transformative impact on their team, organization, and the Tampa Bay tech community. The recipient exemplifies outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication, driving significant advancements and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. This individual is not only a trailblazer in their professional domain but also a proactive contributor to the broader tech ecosystem, inspiring others and setting new standards for success.
Tech Project of the Year
The Tech Project of the Year Award recognizes a groundbreaking technology project developed and led by an in-house team within the greater Tampa Bay area. The project should have been launched during the timeframe of Sept 2023 to Sept 2024 and created a significant impact regionally, nationally, or internationally through industry disruption or transformative effects within the organization. This award honors the ingenuity, dedication, and collaborative effort of the team that spearheaded a project, resulting in substantial advancements and setting new benchmarks in the technology landscape.
Tech Educator of the Year
The Tech Educator of the Year Award recognizes an individual in an educational role that made a significant impact on student interest in pursuing a technology-centric career in the region. Additionally, the educator has delivered positive outcomes for technology students in the Tampa Bay region. This award honors the commitment to delivering a quality technology-centric curriculum that is appreciated and practiced by the student population.
Tech Leader of the Year
The Tech Leader of the Year Award honors a C-level executive who has made an extraordinary impact on their organization and the broader technology industry. Nominees for this award must hold a C-level title, such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), or a similar executive role. The recipient of this award should have direct oversight of at least 10 team members and demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and strategic vision. This award celebrates their ability to drive transformative change, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to the advancement of the technology sector.
Tech Company of the Year
The Tech Company of the Year Award recognizes a Tampa Bay headquartered company with over 5 years in business, dedicated to advancing the region’s technology community. The honored company exemplifies transformational excellence in its people, programs, and projects, making significant contributions to its industry and setting a standard for innovation and community engagement.
Community Dedication & Leadership Award
Past Award Categories and Winners
Emerging Tech Company of the Year
A Tampa Bay headquartered company, in business for under 5 years, committed to advancing our region’s technology community and able to demonstrate excellence in innovation in their people, programs and projects within their industry.
2023 Finalists
- WINNER: Lazarillo
- Maya AI
- BŪP
2022 Finalists
- WINNER: Blackstraw
- Ballast Services
- Smart Edge Technologies
- Spontivly
Emerging Tech Leader of the Year
A leader, under 40 years of age, who has made a significant impact on their team, organization and/or in the Tampa Bay tech community.
2023 Finalists
- WINNER: Samantha Ramos - Founder & CEO at Tampa Bay Techies
- Aaron White - CEO & Co-Founder at Outbound.com
- Amit Agrawal - Director, Investor Relations & Platform Operations at Tampa Bay Wave
2022 Finalists
- WINNER: Marissa Huggins - COO & Founder at Spontivly
- Eddie Austin - Sr. Marketing Manager at Jabil
- David Labadie - Director of Digital Workplace Technology at Raymond James
- Shama Rathi - COO at LunaJoy Health
- Abbas Rehmani - Product Manager at Masonite
Tech Project of the Year
A technology project, developed and led by an in-house team in Tampa Bay, that created regional, national and/or international impact through industry disruption or a transformative effect within the organization.
2023 Finalists
- WINNER: The Dream Tapestry by The Dalí Museum
- PikMyKid's 911 Alert
- The Children's Trust's Integrated Data Repository & Visualization by System Soft Technologies
2022 Finalists
- WINNER: Edgility - Hospital-at-Home Project
- Geographic Solutions - Country’s First Completely Integrated Unemployment Insurance Benefits Solution
- Greenway Health - Adding Clinical Quality Measures (CQM)
- OPSWAT - OPSWAT CyberTrailer
Tech Leader of the Year
A C-level executive who has made a significant impact on their organization and the tech industry. (Nominees must hold a C-level title, such as CIO, CTO, CISO, CMO, etc. and have direct oversight of at least 10 team members)
2023 Finalists
- WINNER: Andrew McIntyre - SVP, Technology & Innovation at Vinik Sports Group | Tampa Bay Lightning
- Paul Maglionico - Vice President, Software Engineering & Tampa Development Center Leader at Penske Truck Leasing
- Stephen Gorham - Chief Operating Officer at OPSWAT
2022 Finalists
- WINNER: Kali Durgampudi - CTO at Zelis
- Jason Carney - CIO at Certified Collectibles Group
- Andrei Girenkov - Sr Managing Directorof Enterprise Technology at Greystar
Tech Company of the Year
A Tampa Bay headquartered company committed to advancing our region’s technology community and able to demonstrate transformational excellence in their people, programs and/or projects within their industry.
2023 Finalists
- WINNER: Abacode Cybersecurity & Compliance
- Geographic Solutions
- BlueCloud
2022 Finalists
- WINNER: A-LIGN
- 3D Cloud by Marxent
- Chargebacks911
- MasGlobal
Community Dedication and Leadership Award
2023 Honoree
Michelle Bauer
Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
2022 Honoree
In Memory of George Gordon