TechUnited honors 21 at Annual Awards

TechUnited New Jersey honored some of the biggest and best at its 2020 Annual Awards earlier this week. The event took place virtually.

Here is a look at the honorees:

  • Beacon of Light Award (sponsored by KPMG): Apprentice.io. The award is presented to a company that has developed a product or service that has improved health. It was accepted by co-founder and CEO Angelo Stracquatino.
  • Collaboration Award: New Jersey Business & Industry Association. The award is presented to a company for unique collaborative efforts leading to growth of the innovation ecosystem. It was accepted by CEO Michele Siekerka.
  • Technology Development Award (sponsored by New Jersey Institute of Technology): Fulcrum Digital. The award is presented to a company or organization that utilizes or has developed a tech tool, process or service that made a substantial improvement on business metrics. It was accepted by founder and Chairman Rajesh Sinha.
  • Private Company of the Year Award (sponsored by Ernst & Young): CompoSecure. The award is presented to a market leader, unique product/service and possesses a strong financial performance. It was accepted by CEO Jon Wilk.
  • Emerging Company of the Year Award (sponsored by Phone.com): Roar AR: The award is presented to a company that has the strongest potential to become a leader in the tech industry. It was accepted by co-founder and CEO Oksana Sokolovsky.
  • Trailblazer Award (sponsored by EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants): Nuts.com. The award is presented to a company that has developed and/or introduced a novel, nontraditional and innovative way of doing business or creating a culture that produced a significant value and growth for the company. It was accepted by CEO Jeff Braverman.
  • Impact Company of the Year Award (sponsored by PNC): Cross River. The award recognizes a market leader with employment growth, significant impact on the community it serves and strong profit margin. It was accepted by Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Phil Goldfeder.
  • Consumer Product Award (sponsored by Optima Global Solutions): Hello Products. The award is presented to a company that has developed a transformational consumer product. It was accepted by founder Craig Dubitsky.
  • Public Company of the Year Award (sponsored by BDO): MTBC Inc. The award is presented to a company that demonstrates strong operating results, stock price appreciation and sustained growth. It was accepted by Chief Financial Officer Bill Korn.
  • Innovation in Education Award: PeduL. The award is presented to a program that utilizes innovative technology while encouraging students to pursue higher education or training in science, technology, engineering or math. It was accepted by co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Kayla Michele.
  • Innovative Company Award (sponsored by Yorktel): Flow Commerce. The award is presented to a company that, through innovation in products, services or business approach, has grown to become a serious competitor in the marketplace. It was accepted by co-founder and CEO Rob Keve.
  • Legend of Technology Award (sponsored by McCarter & English): Don Katz, founder & executive chairman of Audible. The award is presented to an individual who, over several decades, had a significant impact on the technology industry in the state/region.
  • Martinson-Ballen Technology Supporter Award (sponsored by Tech Council Ventures): Joel Bloom, president of NJIT. The award is presented to an individual, currently active in the tech community, who has demonstrated a significant commitment to the support and advancement of technology and innovation.
  • CleanTech Champion Award (sponsored by Public Service Enterprise Group): Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind. The award is presented to a company or individual who represents the future of the cleantech industry, as well as the equity & opportunity that energy innovation provides. It was accepted by External Affairs Lead Jessica Dealy.
  • HealthTech Champion Award: Hackensack Meridian Health. The award is presented to a company or individual who represents the future of the health care industry, as well as the equity & opportunity that constant collaboration and innovation provides. It was accepted by Vice President of Life Sciences and Innovation Sandra Powell-Elliott.
  • Smart Cities Champion Award: Misfits Market. The award is presented to a company or individual who represents the future of the smart cities industry, as well as the equity & opportunity that constant collaboration and innovation provides. It was accepted by founder and CEO Abhi Ramesh.
  • Technology Company Award (sponsored by RSM): Verizon. The award is presented to a company that has long-term growth and profitability; substantial impact on industry and market within the last 10 years; advancement of industry standards and accomplishments as an outstanding corporate citizen. It was accepted by President of Global Enterprises Sampath Sowmyanarayan.
  • Pandemic Leadership Award (sponsored by Investors Bank): First lady Tammy Murphy. The award is presented to a company or individual who worked tirelessly during the pandemic to provide solutions, support, representation & opportunity for their customers, employees and community.
  • Legislative Champion Award: Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-Midland Park). The award is presented to a leader in the state’s congressional delegation or state government deserving recognition for supporting the tech community. The individual has demonstrated achievements including, but not limited to, taking a leadership role in the development of significant legislation resulting in a positive effect for the New Jersey ecosystem.
  • Changemaker Award: Rick Thigpen, senior vice president of PSEG. The award is presented to an individual who promoted diversity, inclusion and equity in 2020.
  • Founder Award: Sam Caucci, founder & CEO, 1Huddle. The award is presented to an entrepreneur who in 2020 succeeded as much as they failed.