{"id":9317,"date":"2025-10-18T03:46:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-18T03:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/9317\/"},"modified":"2025-10-18T03:46:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T03:46:07","slug":"tampa-bay-tech-reveals-awards-finalists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/9317\/","title":{"rendered":"Tampa Bay Tech reveals awards finalists"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tampa Bay Tech has named finalists for its 22nd annual awards show, set for Friday, Nov. 7 at Armature Works in Tampa. The event coincides with the council\u2019s 25th anniversary and is expected to draw hundreds from across the region\u2019s tech community.<\/p>\n

The Emerging Tech Company of the Year shortlist features three young firms headquartered in Tampa Bay. NEXI Biotech<\/a> focuses on integrated in-vitro technologies. Blitz AI<\/a> builds AI plan review tools for permit compliance. Cloud partner TROFEO<\/a> delivers Microsoft Azure strategy and implementation.<\/p>\n

Finalists for Emerging Tech Leader of the Year are each under 40. Connor Tumbleson<\/a> is director of engineering at Sourcetoad. David Sawyer<\/a> is founder and CEO at TSOLife. Riley Walker<\/a> is founder and CEO at ryco.io.<\/p>\n

Tech Company of the Year recognizes established firms headquartered in the region. 3D Cloud<\/a> provides 3D product visualization tools for retailers. NIX<\/a> is a software engineering company with a U.S. base in Tampa. PeopleGuru<\/a> offers HCM software.<\/p>\n

Tech Project of the Year honors in-house projects launched between September 2024 and September 2025. SkyTL<\/a> is nominated for WindTL, a decision intelligence tool for weather-driven threats. Lightspeed Voice<\/a> is recognized for NOVA, an AI assistant for business communications. Barterfy<\/a> advances a trade-credit marketplace for businesses.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Paul Toomey<\/p>\n

Tech Leader of the Year highlights C-suite executives. Paul Toomey<\/a> is president and CEO at Geographic Solutions. Dwayne L. Allen<\/a> is SVP and CTO at Unisys. Andrew B. Shipton<\/a> is president and CTO at JMXi.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dwayne Allen<\/p>\n

Tech Educator of the Year recognizes educators who move students toward technology careers. Marlee Strawn<\/a> is co-founder at Scholar Education. Suzanne Ricci<\/a> leads Computer Coach. Chad Mairn<\/a> teaches at St. Petersburg College and runs the college\u2019s Innovation Lab.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Andrew Shipton<\/p>\n

The program begins at 8 p.m. following a 6 p.m. reception and 7:15 p.m. dinner. An after-party runs to 11 p.m. Smart casual or cocktail attire is suggested.<\/p>\n

A separate Community Dedication & Leadership Award will be selected by past chairs and award recipients. The recognition spotlights sustained service to Tampa Bay Tech and long-term impact on the broader community.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Tech\u00a0 said in a prepared statement that \u201cThe night is less about pageantry and more about a status check. Which products shipped. Which teams scaled. Which educators moved students closer to tech careers. With finalists spanning startups, enterprises and classrooms, the show offers a clear snapshot of where the region stands right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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