#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.

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.