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.