The 2026 Class of Winners will be celebrated during a reception on May 13 at the Durham Armory, (The reception will held in conjunction with TechFest, being held May 13-14).
NC TECH, in partnership with Business North Carolina, launched the NEXT TECH Awards to showcase and celebrate North Carolina’s rising tech stars. NEXT TECH Awards will honor a selection of individuals who are critical and exceptional performers helping to grow our state’s tech and tech-enabled companies and organizations, but who — not being a CEO/Founder or CIO/CISO — don’t often get recognized publicly. Individual winners will be celebrated during a reception on May 13 at the Durham Armory held in a conjunction with TechFest.
The awards looks to honor contributors who go the extra mile, build products, grow revenue, support operations, and manage projects that propel businesses forward. What all these individuals have in common is their exceptional business impact, positive energy and attitude, and community engagement.
Meet the 2025 Winners Meet the 2024 Winners Meet the 2023 Winners
Individuals must be nominated by their management team (executives, supervisor, etc.) with nominees representing a wide range of roles within tech and tech-enabled companies and organizations, under one of three main role categories.
Winner Recognition
Award Categories
TECH + INNOVATION
Example job titles and disciplines: Software Development/Engineering/Architecture, Security Operations, Product Management, Technical Support, UI/UX Design/Development, Data Science & Analytics
TECH SALES + MARKETING
Example job titles and disciplines: Sales, Business Development, Revenue & Growth Management, Customer/Client Success, Communications, Marketing, Content Marketing, Events, Engagement
TECH PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Example job titles and disciplines: Human Resources, Finance, Audit & Risk Management, Operations, Project Management, Solutions Consulting, Strategic Planning
Nominations Are Open
THINGS TO NOTE
- You have the option to ‘Save & Resume’ your nomination, though be sure to keep the link provided for access at a later date.
- Nominees MUST be based (work + live) in North Carolina.
- A company, organization or institutions CAN nominate more than 1 nominee.
- A company, organization or institution that is not an NC TECH member CAN submit a nomination.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Nominations Go Live: February 10, 2026
- Nominations Deadline: March 6, 2026
- Winner Notification: Mid-Late March
Questions
Questions about the Awards? Reach out to Michelle Calton.
For sponsorship information, reach out to Tracy Sternberg
Thank You Sponsors
Presenting
Category
Rising Star Supporter
