Let’s face it, it’s been a chaotic year in the DMV. But not only is work continuing despite mass layoffs, National Guard patrols and a record-breaking government shutdown — these things are actually spurring innovation that makes the region stronger.
That makes this year a great one for our annual awards. Each year, Technical.ly puts forth an impressive collection of nominees making a difference and asks you to choose among them.
From influential leaders and impactful programming to the year’s hottest launches and the newcomer making the most waves. We curate the list from your nominations, along with info from our past reporting. Now it’s time for you to tell us who among them deserves top honors.
Keep scrolling to read about the 2025 finalists, then cast your vote and spread the word. Polls close Nov. 30!
Product of the Year
The technology product, service or upgrade in your ecosystem this year that had the most impact, either locally or globally.
IXcelerator: Local executive and event organizer Andrey Mikhalchuk created this tech happenings calendar and portal for founders and investors to connect about opportunities.
Talentcapital.ai: DC regional leaders launched an agentic portal to get residents connected to job opportunities and skilling courses as mass federal layoffs and a beleaguered government shutdown impacted the DMV.
BeautyPro Funnels: Founded by pro makeup artist Tiyana Robinson, this app allows beauty professionals to book clients, sell products and create their own digital courses.
AI Risk Snapshot: Startup Aymara is developing a tool for companies to assess their AI safety, and launched a report over the summer outlining chatbots still share misinformation and reflect bias.
Programming of the Year
The activation, program or event that made the most difference in the local innovation community this year.
Levy & AI Upskilling Labs: To combat the shrinking federal workforce, local leaders started a cohort and programming to teach job seekers AI skills. The first cohort culminated in a showcase at the annual DC Startup and Tech Week.
District Angels: This volunteer-run angel syndicate is investing in early-stage companies and educating aspiring VCs about the industry. It made its first investment this year in dual use defense startup Cachai and is gearing up for more in 2026.
eWaste Warriors: The sustainability meetup launched this year helps recycle and repair old electronics in addition to networking and workshops.
Johns Hopkins Ward Infinity Impact Accelerator: This 16-week program is specifically for early-stage startups solving health and environmental issues in the DMV. It hosted 15 ventures this year, a record for the accelerator, and participants have raised $5.5 million in follow-on funding over the 6 years it’s been in operation.
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
The newcomer — who started their entrepreneurship journey within the past 2 years — making the biggest splash, whether locally, regionally or globally.
Kathleen Borgueta: After being terminated from USAID this year while on parental leave, Borgueta founded Pivoting Parents, a support network for laid off federal (and government adjacent) parents.
Faridat Ilupeju: The founder of the tiger nut milk brand Kunaya took part in the Johns Hopkins Ward Infinity accelerator this year and is a public health fellow at the same university.
Krystal Erickson: Cofounder and CEO of the AI health insurance fraud detector Lucor launched her company this spring and already took part in a pitch competition hosted by the Agora Initiative and is in the Techstars AI Health Baltimore cohort.
Luke Gilfillan: Catholic University senior Gilfillan started GovRat to streamline government contracting processes and won a $1,000 check at DC Startup and Tech Week this year.
Thought Leader of the Year
The person who changed the most minds, inspired the most conversation or added the most knowledge to your ecosystem this year.
Banjo Obayomi: The AWS generative AI architect regularly hosts workshops for developers across the country, including about vibe coding for agentic and generative AI.
Sheila D. Collins: A two-time founder and former investment banker, much of Collins’ time is spent coaching entrepreneurs as a fund manager at Portfolia and a mentor through several accelerators.
Carlos Bortoni: Leader of the University of Virginia’s recently launched “Tech Hub,” which is working to advance the Darden business school’s tech focus, Bortoni’s central job is to connect students, faculty and industry leaders.
Jonathan Aberman: This seasoned advisor and venture capitalist is the CEO of the AI creativity tool Hupside, which launched this year. Aberman is also working with a university in Rome to teach AI literacy.
Power Move of the Year
The strategic move that made the most difference to the local ecosystem.
Station DC launches: The region’s latest tech incubator officially opened its doors in September for tech and policy players to connect at networking events and curated dinners.
Techstars restarts DC programming: After shuttering its JPMorgan-backed accelerator, Techstars launched a new program this year focused on tackling healthcare challenges.
Virginia Tech opens innovation campus: The new 300,000-square-foot, 11-story facility in Alexandria welcomed students in January and houses a drone cage, several labs and K-12 programming for local students.
DC Startup and Tech Week turns 10: Despite the region’s shaky job market, the annual conference hit record registrations for its 10th anniversary and drew 20% attendees from outside the DMV.
Money Move of the Year
The financial transaction that made the biggest difference in the local ecosystem.
$250k student venture fund launches at American University: Students at the DC university are investing in startups, thanks to donors from alumni, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Students have invested $12,500 thus far.
Trustible raises $4.6 million: The AI governance startup pooled 80% of the seed round from local investors including Lookout Ventures and angels.
ResilienceVC launches a $56M fintech fund: Seasoned VCs Tahira Dosani and Vikas Raj announced the fund focused on startups fostering financial enquiry in February, bucking a trend of limited capital.
Distilled Intelligence 3.0: This multi-day event linking founders and investors returned after more than a decade this fall with $1 million prizes for startups including the at-home tick-testing kit LymeAlert.
This article has been updated to correct the American University student venture fund reserve amount.