INNOVATOR
AWARDS
Celebrating the drive, passion, and spirit of innovators in our community while inspiring those who are just starting their journey.
ABOUT THE
AWARDS.
Innovation in Action: Highlights from the 2025 Innovator Awards Luncheon
The Innovator Awards Luncheon celebrates the drive, passion, and spirit of innovators in our community while inspiring those who are just starting their journey.
For 25 years, the Innovator Awards have celebrated the people, ideas, and organizations shaping the future of North Central Washington. This annual event recognizes the drive, passion, creativity, and community spirit of innovators across the region—while inspiring the next generation of leaders just beginning their journey.
During the luncheon, NCW Tech Alliance will present five Innovator Awards live on stage, honoring students, educators, entrepreneurs, technology leaders, and community champions who are making a meaningful impact through innovation.
Save the Date and Nominate for 25th Annual 2026 Innovator Awards!
Join us for the 2026 Innovator Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
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K-12 FUTURE TECHNOLOGY LEADER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
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Future Technology Leader of the Year recognizes K-12 students whose innovative technology projects demonstrate leadership, learning, and hands-on experience
Torrin Stone
Eastmont High School junior Torrin Stone developed an AI-powered website agent concept for Eastmont Lanes through NCW Tech Alliance’s AI Youth Corps. By applying conversational AI to common customer questions about hours, pricing, lane availability, and events, he explored how emerging technology can improve the customer experience while reducing repetitive tasks for a local small business.
Elliot Tiegel
Cascade High School junior Elliot Tiegel invented OhmLife Insoles, an energy-harvesting shoe insole designed to turn the pressure and motion of walking into usable power for electronic devices. Combining outdoor safety, sustainability, product design, and entrepreneurship, he pitched his invention at the inaugural Flywheel Student Pitch Competition, where he earned the Fan Favorite award and $500 to continue developing his idea.
Brooklyn Averill
Quincy High School junior Brooklyn Averill helped develop a fully bilingual AI booking agent for a local business through the NCW Tech AI Youth Corps, combining technical skills, problem-solving, and real-world client collaboration. A leader in her school’s computer science program and Bows and Bots Tech Expo, she’s helping inspire more young women to see themselves in technology while continually challenging herself to grow as an innovator and leader.
STEM COLLEGE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR WINNER
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STEM College Student Innovator of the Year highlights post-secondary students who exhibit creativity, critical thinking, and leadership through innovative projects addressing real-world challenges.
Dillon Cornelius & Juan Martinez
Wenatchee Valley College students Dillon Cornelius and Juan Martinez designed an electromechanical control system for Dryden Dam in collaboration with Chelan PUD engineers. Through 3D modeling, prototyping, and a presentation to commissioners, their student-led innovation is strengthening local infrastructure and supporting agriculture and salmon research.
STEM COLLEGE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR FINALIST VIDEO
Student Innovators Solving Real-World Challenges: 2025 STEM College Finalists
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STEM COLLEGE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR WINNER
STEM CHAMPION OF THE YEAR WINNER
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STEM Champion of the Year recognizes educators and community members dedicated to fostering STEM learning experiences and promoting STEM pathways for students.
Lindsay Groce
As a Professor of Chemistry at Big Bend Community College, Lindsay Groce bridges classrooms and communities through mentorship, outreach, and partnership. A founder of the STEMinists Club for Women and the STEMPosium and leader of cross-institutional initiatives, she expands STEM access and identity for rural and transfer students while integrating storytelling and the humanities into science education.
STEM CHAMPION OF THE YEAR FINALIST VIDEO
Inspiring the Next Generation: 2025 STEM Champion of the Year Finalists
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STEM CHAMPION OF THE YEAR WINNER
NEWCOMER IN TECHNOLOGY WINNER
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Newcomer in Technology / Innovative Use of Technology in Business celebrates organizations that have embraced technology innovation, transforming the work environment or developing technologies that advance production and efficiency, or differentiate their product or service.
Bigfoot Communications, a social purpose enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, is expanding broadband access and digital sovereignty across tribal lands. By operating and managing network infrastructure, Bigfoot connects households, schools, health services, and tribal enterprises while ensuring communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet close to home.
NEWCOMER IN TECHNOLOGY FINALIST VIDEO
Expanding Digital Access and Opportunity: 2025 Newcomer in Technology Finalists
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NEWCOMER IN TECHNOLOGY WINNER
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR WINNER
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Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes entrepreneurs who have displayed exceptional vision and leadership in building a new company, developing a new product or service, or creatively delivering an existing product or service to the marketplace.
Edwin Eaton
Edwin Eaton, founder of iPro Building Services, transformed a local janitorial business into a multi-state enterprise—expanding his impact through BluePrint Consulting and Cinch Software. By developing tools that streamline operations and mentoring others in the industry, he’s elevating standards, empowering entrepreneurs, and redefining what’s possible in service-based business.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR FINALIST VIDEO
Building Business with Purpose: 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR WINNER