Teraisa J. Goldman
Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology took center stage at the Grand Sierra Resort on May 20, illuminating Northern Nevada’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The 18th annual Tech Awards honored Northern Nevada’s brightest innovators, whose ‘aha!’ moments are transforming challenges into technological breakthroughs. As leaders and visionaries mingled, sharing stories and forging connections, the event served as a testament to growth, adaptability, and technology’s profound community impact.
This night celebrated innovators, founders and entrepreneurs whose ideas and actions propel our state in the nation’s tech landscape.
Amidst this atmosphere, a significant transition unfolded; Sarah Johns announced her departure as president and CEO of NCET, introducing Ira M. Gostin as her successor.
Gostin’s plan to invigorate NCET encapsulates the growth and maturity of the Northern Nevada business and tech community. This sentiment speaks to the essence of the evening’s award winners and to NCETs own commitment to continuous evolution in the tech and business world.
Andrew Diss, chief strategy officer for Meruelo Gaming (Parent company of GSR), and the keynote speaker, offered encouragement, emphasizing the shared journey of growth and the promising future of developments such as the GSR expansion.
This commitment to growth and adaptation resonated throughout the award ceremony, serving as a barometer of Northern Nevada’s innovative pulse. From advancements in AI and manufacturing to life-saving inventions, these winners paint a brilliant picture of ingenuity and progress shaping our state’s future.
The ‘Startup of the Year’ award went to SLEKE. In addition to their versatile “phone for real life,” SLEKE’s true genius may be in SchoolSmart, a smartphone specifically designed for educational environments.
Co-founders Austin Boer and Brennan Jordan found inspiration while out of the country. Realizing the pervasive distraction, even while needing to connect for family and work, they reimagined technology and time usage.
This ‘aha!’ moment also created a solution of repurposing devices — balancing Jordan’s observation that today’s tech is “less about invention and more about innovation and adaptability.”
Highlighting Nevada’s growing manufacturing sector, AEONrv was recognized as ‘Manufacturing Company of the Year.” AEONrv’s revolutionary high-tech and meticulously insulated recreational vehicle display drew everyone’s attention.
For CEO Jim Ritchie, entering this market was a strategic leap driven by a clear vision: “The RV market was much bigger than I expected, coming from the high-tech and software space, but it also seemed a bit ‘old school,’ therefore likely ripe for change and innovation.”
Satisfied buyers traveled from the Baja Desert to above the Arctic Circle in Alaska, proving that breaking tradition can pave the way for new experiences and solidify a niche in a deep-rooted industry.
Beyond these technological feats and business moves lies the human element — the heart and driving force behind each breakthrough. Sara Sadrolsadat, government affairs associate at Dragonfly Energy, expands on this ideal: “Success isn’t about individual wins, but rather [it’s] about working as a team and bringing different perspectives to form a strategy that moves the company forward.”
The collaborative ethos NCET aims to cultivate was further expressed through the Tech Star Awards. These awards celebrate human impact. Della Washington was honored as Innovator of the Year.
Her safety equipment invention, HeavyFoot Weight, was born of personal tragedy and an unsecured bounce house. Her mission is already paving the way for integration into future public safety regulations.
Washington says networking and collaboration “has put HeavyFoot in the spotlight.”
As the lights dim on another successful awards gala, NCET stands at a pivotal juncture. Under new leadership, NCET is poised to elevate its presence, aligning with the adaptability it champions in the individuals and businesses it recognizes.
The diversity celebrated at NCET Tech Awards underscores Northern Nevada’s varied needs and potential. NCET will continue to evolve and transform, building on its legacy of growth, education, and connection.
It will continue to be an indispensable catalyst uplifting those who are not just building businesses but shaping the future of Northern Nevada with both innovation and heart.
Additional NCET Tech Award winners:
• Cartwheel Robotics, Best Use of Robotics Company of the Year
• Holland & Hart, Professional Services Organization of the Year
• UNR Latino Research Center, Nonprofit of the Year
• Nevadaworks, Public Sector Innovation Award
• Novo Logistics, Logistics Company of the Year
• PacStates, IT Support/Cybersecurity Support Company of the Year
• Redwood Materials, Sustainability Company of The Year
• Shortie’s Candle Company, Consumer Packaged Goods Company of the Year
• Sierra Medical Center, Medical/Health Services Company of the Year
• Sierra Miles Group, Best Overall Use of AI
• Sigellac, SaaS Company of the Year
• SNC, Most Inspiring Technology Company of the Year
• SR Construction, Construction/Construction Services Company of the Year
• University Center for Economic Development, Lithium Loop Award
• Alax Vong, Technologist of the Year
• Bianca Onyeagolu, Tech Star
• Michael Van Houten, Public Sector Innovation Award
• Pavel Solin, Educator of the Year
• Richard “Dick” Bartholet, Sustainability Leader of the Year
• Ryan Baskharoon, Technology Advocate of the Year