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Welcome to the nc tech awards application site

#NCTECHAwards

Welcome to the 2026 NC TECH Awards Application Page

NC TECH, in partnership with Presenting Sponsor Cherry Bekaert, is excited to open the application process for the 2026 NC TECH Awards. This page provides details on award categories, eligibility criteria, and the application link. We invite you to view the webinar recording below to learn more about the awards application process and the event. The deadline to apply is June 30.

Awards are presented across three primary categories:

  • Company Performance – Honoring technology companies that are scaling quickly, launching innovative products, expanding their market presence, creating jobs, and making significant contributions to North Carolina’s tech ecosystem.
  • Core Innovation – Recognizing companies and organizations that are leveraging technologies to address complex challenges, disrupt industries, and deliver measurable impact.
  • Individual – Celebrating leaders whose achievements and influence have shaped the tech sector in North Carolina.

As NC TECH’s premier annual event, the Awards program convenes leaders from the tech industry, business community, academia, and government to celebrate innovation, growth, and leadership. The 2026 NC TECH Awards will take place on November 16 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, with more than 500 attendees expected. The evening includes a networking reception, seated dinner, and the awards ceremony.

Awards Info

TECH Award Webinars

Join our informational webinars to learn about the submission process and sponsorship for the 2026 NC TECH Awards.

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Stay tuned for webinars dates in May and June of 2026!

Corporate + Individual Applications

Shine a spotlight on your company!

Visit the links below to apply for our prestigious awards—choose from both corporate and individual categories.

Want to increase your chances? Submit in multiple categories and amplify your recognition!

Nominate an Individual or Organization

Know a company, organization or leader who should be considered for an award? Send your nominations to Michelle Calton and include a company name, contact person with email address and an award category.  

NC TECH will alert your nominee that they’ve been nominated and encourage them to apply. The nominee must apply to be considered.

Award Categories

Company Performance Awards

The Company Performance Awards recognize tech companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievement, growth, and impact over the past year. These awards spotlight companies that are scaling rapidly, launching innovative products, expanding market reach, creating jobs, and making meaningful contributions to the state’s tech ecosystem.  Applicants must be a tech company and should be headquartered or have a significant presence in the state.

  • IT Services Company
  • Software Solutions Company
  • Tech Company of the Year
  • Top Tech Startups to Watch (10 winners)

Core Innovation Awards

The Core Innovation Awards celebrate the most transformative and forward-thinking technology solutions emerging from North Carolina’s dynamic tech ecosystem. These awards recognize companies and organizations that are harnessing cutting-edge technologies to solve complex challenges, disrupt industries, and drive measurable impact.  Applicants should be headquartered or have a significant presence in the state.

  • AI, ML + Data 
  • BioTech / HealthTech 
  • Culture + People in Tech
  • Cyber Security 
  • FinTech / InsurTech 
  • Public Sector 
  • Purpose Driven 
  • Sustainable Tech 
  • Tech-Driven Business Transformation

Individual Awards

The Individual Awards recognize leaders for their accomplishments and impact. Applicants must be based in and have made a positive impact in NC and their employer should be headquartered or have a significant presence in the state.

  • Beacon Award (Outstanding Achievement)
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO) (Private + Public Sector)
  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) 
  • Public Leader 
  • Tech CEO 
  • Tech Difference Maker 
  • Tech Woman

View Your Application

Apply Now - Corporate Awards
Apply Now - Individual Awards

Review + Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed in a two-stage review process, led by Cherry Bekaert, in partnership with an independent selection committee. Finalists will be notified mid September and winners will be announced at the NC TECH Awards on November 16th.

Presenting Partners Cherry Bekaert will conduct a thorough review of all applications and will provide data points to an independent Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is comprised of leaders from across the state representing industry and entrepreneurial non-profits, economic development organizations, venture firms, higher education institutions and media. A Selection Committee meeting will take place to determine the slate of finalists and winners. The Selection Committee roster will be released soon.

Questions

Questions about the application process? Reach out to Michelle Calton.Michelle-Calton-Website-Footer.jpeg

Questions about the NC TECH Awards and sponsorship? Reach out to Tracy SternbergTracy-Sternberg-Website-Footer.jpeg