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Meet the Finalists

Explore the innovators, organizations, and leaders recognized at the 2026 Mira Awards. Browse the finalists by category below to learn more about the work, ideas, and impact helping shape Indiana’s digital future.

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winners

Learn more about the winners from the 2026 Mira Awards in our official press release.

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Resilience Award

Finalists

Alicia Mckoy was nominated for turning personal and systemic challenges into a mission to make preventative mental health care more accessible. Through Peak Mind, she has built resilience-focused digital health work that combines research, innovation, mentorship, and support for people facing chronic stress and limited access to care.

Mercy Anawe was nominated for overcoming severe financial hardship as a first-generation student while relentlessly pursuing opportunities in STEM. Her story reflects determination, academic excellence, and a refusal to let poverty define her future, turning repeated setbacks into momentum for scientific growth, mentorship, and leadership.

Akilah Darden was nominated for breaking barriers as a Black woman in construction leadership while creating measurable opportunity for minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses. Her leadership combines industry success, mentorship, training, and community impact, turning systemic inequities into pathways for others.

Matthew Griffin was nominated for transforming a life shaped by poverty and years of undiagnosed disability into one of technical leadership and service. His journey from relying on a wheelchair as a child to leading major cloud modernization efforts reflects resilience, ingenuity, and a commitment to helping others facing similar barriers.

Sabrina Konecky was nominated for showing extraordinary courage and perseverance while battling an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis in 2024. Despite chemotherapy, complications, and ongoing health challenges, she maintained a positive spirit and continued working through treatment, inspiring those around her with strength and faith.

Quinton Pedrick was nominated for transforming multiple personal tragedies into a path of mentorship and service. After family illness, educational interruption, loss, and career pivots, he returned to finish a computer science degree and now uses those experiences to guide future STEM leaders and support overdose awareness efforts.

Geng Wang was nominated for leading Civic Champs through repeated financial and operational crises while staying committed to its nonprofit mission. He secured critical funding, navigated painful downsizing, and ultimately helped the company reach cashflow breakeven, turning adversity into long-term momentum and impact.

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Nextech CS Teacher of the Year

Finalists

Carissa Domrase was nominated for building hands-on computer science programs that combine technical rigor with leadership, collaboration, and real-world application. Her students tackle client-style projects, use AI tools, and gain exposure to advanced pathways, while her leadership helps expand access and support for diverse learners.

Amanda Moore was nominated for helping lead STEM and computer science instruction across eight elementary schools, supporting teachers, designing curriculum, and integrating AI and hands-on learning. Her work helps students make real-world connections early and strengthens district-wide computer science access.

Beth Smith was nominated for championing STEM learning through mobile education, curriculum leadership, and statewide computer science advocacy. Her work connects science, technology, and experiential learning while helping expand student access to high-quality STEM experiences.

Nick Fishel was nominated for long-term leadership in computer science education, teaching advanced CS, cybersecurity, networking, and web development while also training educators nationwide. His classroom and professional development work help strengthen both student outcomes and the broader computer science teaching community.

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Emerging Tech Leader

Finalists

Jonathon Brack was nominated for driving advanced defense and aerospace innovation at V2X while helping grow Indiana’s role in mission-critical technology. His leadership has supported major contract wins, local engineering growth, and development of tactical systems with real national security impact.

Derrick Cash was nominated for leading responsible AI and modernization work across healthcare, government, education, and utilities. His AI readiness framework, delivery leadership, and mentorship efforts have helped organizations adopt technology more safely while strengthening talent and community impact.

Robert Cochrane II was nominated for reframing governance as a practical enabler of data and AI innovation. His minimally invasive governance approach has helped organizations reduce risk, improve trust, and accelerate responsible AI and data adoption across sectors.

Jeff Davis was nominated for building Lucas Oil’s revenue operations and business development functions from the ground up. His work unified reporting, improved forecasting, automated lead flow, and introduced AI-enabled Salesforce tools that strengthened visibility, process discipline, and revenue performance.

Sarah Day was nominated for shaping Zylo’s product experience through leadership in design systems, research, and next-generation product vision. She is recognized for combining user-centered design with strong cross-functional collaboration and for contributing to a culture of excellence within Indiana tech.

Josh Hurst was nominated for leading a major platform transformation at Your Money Line, helping rebuild the product, introduce AI-powered personalization, and strengthen security and reliability. His engineering leadership has directly supported revenue growth and product scalability.

Claire Kelley was nominated for using strategic design to help launch and strengthen startups across the High Alpha ecosystem. Her work gives emerging companies a stronger market presence and multiplies her impact across Indiana’s startup community.

Michael Marchese was nominated for leading innovation in content, analytics, and AI-driven marketing technology. His work at Tempesta Media reflects strong execution, product vision, and an ability to turn emerging technology into scalable client value.

Dr. Pengyi Shi was nominated for helping build an AI-enabled platform that improves healthcare workforce management and staffing coordination. Her leadership bridges academic expertise and startup execution in a way that advances both care quality and operational performance.

Michael Welling was nominated for leading technology development at Bereave with a mix of technical rigor and human-centered design. His work shows how compassionate technology can support people and organizations during difficult life moments while advancing Indiana’s innovation landscape.

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Conexus Manufacturing Innovation Award

Finalists

MSP Manufacturing produces precision-machined components for aerospace, defense, and commercial customers, combining long-term craftsmanship with modern manufacturing systems.

MSP was nominated for combining digital modernization with workforce innovation. Investments in ERP, AI-integrated process management, automation, and a homegrown talent pipeline helped position the company as a modern manufacturing model.

DoorBlockade makes rapid-deployment interior door security hardware designed for fast use, simple egress, and code-conscious safety.

DoorBlockade was nominated for reengineering a safety device to be easier to manufacture, standardize, quality-check, and scale. Its design-for-manufacturing approach supports safer deployment and stronger Indiana-made production impact.

Major Tool & Machine is an Indianapolis contract manufacturer specializing in complex machining, welding, assembly, and engineered manufacturing solutions.

MTM was nominated for implementing Siemens adaptive control and monitoring across CNC operations. The effort improved cycle times, tooling costs, machine capacity, and data-driven decision-making without requiring new machines.

SMC Corporation of America is a major automation and pneumatics manufacturer operating one of the industry’s largest and most advanced facilities in Indiana.

SMC was nominated for deploying intelligent autonomous mobile robots to improve material flow, safety, labor efficiency, and data visibility. The project showed practical Industry 4.0 gains in a high-mix manufacturing environment.

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Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award

Finalists

Lilly

Ivy Tech

Purdue

This partnership between is building a statewide pharmaceutical manufacturing talent pipeline through scholarships, internships, labs, credentials, and employer-connected education pathways.

The collaboration created a large-scale talent ecosystem for biopharma careers, combining major scholarship investments, paid work-based learning, new labs, high school pathways, and stackable credentials that expand access and meet workforce demand.

Awesome People Leaders delivers decision intelligence and real-time coaching to strengthen leadership, communication, and collaboration at work.

The company uses neuroscience and AI to embed emotional intelligence development into daily work. Its platform helps organizations improve communication, performance, and retention while making talent development continuous and scalable.

Indiana Cyber Network is a higher-education-led coalition building statewide pathways into cybersecurity careers through collaboration, apprenticeships, and employer engagement.

ICN created a coordinated, statewide cyber talent model that links K–12, higher education, employers, and government. Its work expands access, supports apprenticeships, and helps Indiana grow and retain cybersecurity talent.

Interns for Indiana connects Purdue students with Indiana startups and small businesses through paid internships tied to entrepreneurship and innovation.

The program has funded internships, expanded startup participation, and increased real-world exposure across sectors. It helps students build careers in Indiana while giving emerging companies affordable access to high-impact talent.

Marian University’s Saint Joseph’s College combines academic study with work experience through an Earn and Learn model built for access, readiness, and career momentum.

Marian University’s Saint Joseph’s College linked its Earn and Learn model with Ascend Indiana’s network and mentoring support, strengthening the path from education to employment. Strong retention, employer engagement, and student work participation reinforced its talent innovation impact.

Per Scholas provides tuition-free technology training in fields like IT support, cybersecurity, and cloud computing and connects graduates with employers.

Per Scholas was nominated for expanding access to high-quality tech training for underrepresented learners. Its no-cost model helps more Indianapolis residents earn credentials, launch careers, and strengthen Indiana’s tech talent pipeline.

Purdue University Online offers flexible, high-quality online degrees, certificates, and AI-focused credentials for working professionals and graduate learners.

Purdue University Online built an interdisciplinary AI portfolio with stackable credentials and a fast-growing online master’s program. Its model helps working professionals gain applied AI skills without leaving jobs or relocating.

Regional Opportunity Initiatives advances economic and workforce development across Indiana’s Uplands through education, industry alignment, and regional collaboration.

ROI launched the Indiana Uplands Microelectronics Training Hub and ME Academy to connect rural students with advanced technology pathways. The model links schools, industry, and defense priorities to create a scalable microelectronics talent pipeline.

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Trailblazer Award

Winner

Mung Chiang

President, Purdue University

President Chiang was selected as this year’s Trailblazer for advancing Indiana’s leadership in hard tech and AI by connecting talent, research, innovation, and real-world economic impact. 

Read Full Press Release

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Rising Entrepreneur of the Year

Finalists

Kyle Armstrong was nominated for building RefReps into a fast-growing edtech company modernizing officiating education. Under his leadership, RefReps became the NFHS officiating education partner, expanded nationally, and is helping address the shortage of sports officials.

Jason Beutler was nominated for transforming Robosource from a services business into a product-led AI company with the launch of ProcessCoach.ai. His vision and early traction show strong momentum in workflow automation and applied AI.

Ray Biederman was nominated for scaling Proteus Discovery Group through acquisition, geographic expansion, and security compliance while building a trusted legaltech brand. His nomination emphasizes innovation, responsible growth, and leadership in legal technology.

Akilah Darden was nominated for building a nationally recognized construction management and consulting firm while expanding opportunity for minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses. Her work combines business growth, workforce development, training, and measurable equity impact.

Rob Eyler was nominated for pivoting a traditional photography business into a technology-enabled company after COVID wiped out event revenue. He helped create the virtual headshot category and scale Capturely past $1 million within a year of launch.

Johnny Goode was nominated for helping transform MSP Manufacturing through modernization, growth, and workforce stability after leaving a law enforcement career. He also co-founded Mobile Mulligans Golf, showing entrepreneurial range across manufacturing and entertainment.

Alicia Mckoy was nominated for building Peak Mind at the intersection of technology, mental health, and resilience. Her work blends innovation, research, and community impact while expanding access to preventative digital health tools and support.

Eli Serrano was nominated for mentoring student founders, helping build Bloomington’s startup ecosystem, and creating V Codinator to help non-technical founders use AI to build MVPs. The nomination emphasizes venture leadership, teaching, and startup accessibility.

Dalton Thieneman was nominated for turning underserved sports coverage into a scalable media company. His nomination highlights rapid growth, creative entrepreneurship, and a mission-driven approach to expanding visibility and opportunity in overlooked athletic spaces.

Jay Townsend was nominated for generating early traction with Motion Sports in a crowded market. The nomination points to strong leadership, a credible founding team, investor support, and a product positioned as a leaner alternative to bloated legacy platforms.

Darius Willis was nominated for turning his experience as an athlete and coach into ScoutSync, a platform improving recruiting and athlete discovery. His global perspective and commitment to making sports recruiting more accessible have helped grow Indiana’s sports innovation ecosystem.

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AnalytiXIN AI Adoption Award

Finalists

Indiana University is a major public research university serving students, researchers, and communities across Indiana and beyond.

IU launched one of the largest ChatGPT Edu rollouts anywhere, paired with AI literacy training, governance, and a centralized tools hub. The effort reached students, faculty, and staff at scale and made AI a practical part of learning and work.

The City-County Information Services Agency modernizes digital services and enterprise technology for Indianapolis and Marion County government.

ISA’s AI in Indy initiative brought production-grade generative AI into local government through enterprise rollout, training, governance, and transparency. The program emphasized ethical adoption, workforce enablement, and measurable employee engagement.

CNO Financial provides insurance, annuities, financial services, and workforce benefits focused on middle-income Americans.

CNO embedded AI across the business with secure internal tools, Copilot adoption, AI-powered lead qualification, investment research, enrollment automation, and document intelligence. The company paired speed and measurable value with strong risk and compliance controls.

E-gineering builds custom software and data solutions and advises clients on practical technology strategy and delivery.

E-gineering invested heavily in AI training, internal enablement, AI engineering workshops, and client education. It also used AI in real delivery work, policy support, and product development to move beyond experimentation into applied value.

Eli Lilly and Company is a global medicine company developing therapies across major disease areas and advancing health innovation from Indiana.

Lilly scaled AI enterprise-wide through Copilot, internal AI tools, workforce engagement, and centralized training resources. Its broad adoption, governance, and daily operational use made AI a core part of how the company works.

INNOPOWER led the Hoosier AI 1000 initiative to expand community-based AI education and workforce readiness across Indiana.

The Hoosier AI 1000 program trained community members and master trainers in AI literacy and prompt engineering, creating a peer-led model for accessible, affordable AI adoption with measurable outcomes across multiple Indiana communities.

Murray Mentor provides AI-powered, voice- and text-based guidance that helps frontline workers access expertise while on the job.

Murray Mentor captures tacit knowledge from experienced workers and redeploys it in real time to newer employees. The platform addresses manufacturing knowledge loss, improves training speed, and supports productivity, quality, and retention.

Robosource builds automation solutions and launched ProcessCoach.ai, an AI-native platform for workflow design, knowledge capture, and process automation.

ProcessCoach.ai brought production-ready AI workflow automation to small and midsized businesses. Rapid customer adoption and live operational use showed that Robosource moved quickly from concept to real, measurable business application.

SalesAi offers AI agents that automate sales outreach, qualification, meeting booking, and customer engagement across channels.

SalesAi was nominated for building AI agents that automate support, sales, and revenue workflows. Its platform helps businesses scale conversations, qualify leads faster, and reduce repetitive work for human teams.

Versante builds AI-driven public health tools focused on outreach, screening, case management, and inclusive care navigation.

Versante applies AI to public health challenges with a strong emphasis on ethics, accessibility, and community co-design. Its work connects people to screening, education, and care while reducing stigma and improving trust.

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Startup of the Year

Finalists

Ekkobar uses AI and social decision intelligence to help sports and entertainment brands understand audience perception, engagement, and risk.

Ekkobar was nominated for using AI, emotion analysis, and contextual modeling to turn complex audience data into decision-ready insight, with strong traction including major partnerships and accelerator recognition.

Capturely delivers virtual headshots through a smartphone-guided experience that helps distributed teams get professional, consistent imagery quickly and at scale.

Capturely was nominated for creating the virtual headshot category and showing strong early traction, surpassing $1 million in ARR within a year of launching the product.

Founder’s College is Butler University’s workforce-focused two-year college designed to expand affordability, student support, and career readiness.

Founder’s College was nominated for rethinking higher education through a barrier-reducing model that combines affordability, wraparound support, and direct workforce alignment for students often underserved by traditional systems.

Motion Sports is a mobile platform built for college athletics, supporting operations, compliance, and NIL management in one system.

Motion Sports was nominated for gaining early traction in a competitive market with a focused product, strong founding team, and investor support.

Oaken helps agribusinesses digitize contracts and payments to improve compliance, productivity, continuity, and audit readiness.

Oaken was nominated for modernizing agribusiness contract management and earning strong early market validation, including support from major Indiana ecosystem partners.

QwynAI automates quality processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing to help medicine get made more safely and efficiently.

QwynAI was nominated for applying intelligent automation to pharmaceutical quality workflows, with early proof-of-concept results, a recent pre-seed raise, and active commercial momentum.

Vibe Check is an Indiana AI consulting startup focused on synthetic insights, predictive simulations, and ethical AI applications for complex business challenges.

Vibe Check was nominated for rapidly building a consulting model around advanced AI simulations and decision support, with early revenue, repeat customers, and cross-industry use cases in its first year.

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Deal of the Year

Finalists

BiomEdit is an animal health biotechnology company using the microbiome and synthetic biology to develop next-generation solutions for livestock and pet health.

BiomEdit was nominated for securing a significant Series B round that reflects strong investor confidence in Indiana life sciences and supports continued growth in animal health innovation.

Archway provides integrated technology solutions for private wealth management firms serving ultra-high-net-worth clients.

This transaction was nominated for its strategic significance in wealth-tech and its role in advancing a notable Indiana-connected technology platform through a new ownership chapter.

Fiber Global transforms abundant waste streams into scalable, sustainable building materials.

Fiber Global was nominated for a major Series A raise that supports manufacturing expansion and highlights investor conviction in sustainable materials innovation emerging from Indiana.

GeoH provides practice management software and services for home care agencies.

GeoH was nominated for a growth equity transaction that underscores market demand for healthcare operations technology and reflects durable value creation in Indiana health tech.

MetroNet is a broadband provider whose network deployment and engineering capabilities made it a major player in fiber connectivity.

This deal was nominated for its scale and strategic importance, with T-Mobile’s multibillion-dollar investment signaling strong long-term confidence in broadband infrastructure and market expansion.

Sortera Technologies uses AI, advanced sensors, and data analytics to upcycle aluminum and other metals from waste streams.

Sortera was nominated for a major growth round that supports new facility expansion and strengthens Indiana’s position in advanced recycling, domestic materials supply, and industrial innovation.

Springbuk is a health data and analytics company serving employers and benefits-focused organizations.

Springbuk was nominated for a notable exit that reflects the strength of Indiana-built health analytics and the continued value of data-driven solutions in the healthcare market.

TRS Group provides thermal remediation technologies for removing organic contaminants from soil, bedrock, and groundwater.

TRS Group was nominated for an all-cash acquisition that highlights the market value of Indiana-based environmental technology and the company’s international reach in remediation solutions.

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AgriNovus Indiana Agbioscience Innovation Award

Finalists

FiberX turns corn stover into sustainable materials and ingredients that reduce reliance on petroleum in chemicals and manufacturing.

FiberX is creating high-performance biocomposites and lignin-based adhesives from agricultural residue. Its Purdue-derived process opens new revenue streams for farmers, reduces fossil-feedstock dependence, and positions Indiana at the forefront of circular agritech.

BioBond develops plant-based, petroleum-free adhesives and coatings that deliver high performance while reducing plastic waste and harmful VOCs.

BioBond is advancing sustainable materials with biodegradable, microplastics-free formulations that can replace petrochemical products. Its Indiana-based manufacturing, R&D, and university licensing model also strengthens the state’s rural bioeconomy.

Verility develops AI-powered fertility analysis tools that help livestock producers assess sperm quality and ovulation at the point of care.

Verility’s Fertile-Eyez platform brings real-time, mobile fertility analysis directly to farms. Validation results and new funding show strong market readiness and clear potential to improve breeding efficiency and livestock productivity.

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TechPoint Tech Innovation of the Year

Finalists

Flexware Innovation is an engineering and systems integration firm whose LIFT platform helps manufacturers coordinate material movement across facilities.

Flexware was nominated for LIFT, which orchestrates vehicles, software, and plant systems to improve material flow and visibility. Its selection for Hitachi Rail’s smart factory underscored strong real-world innovation value.

Ekkobar uses AI and social decision intelligence to help sports and entertainment organizations turn complex audience data into decision-ready insight.

Ekkobar was nominated for applying AI, emotion analysis, and contextual modeling to help brands protect reputation, grow engagement, and make faster, better-informed decisions in sports and media.

Intrepid Finance uses an AI-powered platform to simplify business financing through data connectivity, lender matching, and deal management.

Intrepid was nominated for transforming commercial lending with a secure, AI-powered funding platform. The system reduces friction, speeds access to capital, and helps small businesses find better-fit growth financing.

Knauf Insulation is a global manufacturer of fiberglass insulation products headquartered in Shelbyville, Indiana.

Knauf was nominated for its immersive virtual reality training program, which gives installers a practical, interactive way to learn product installation. The program improves skill development and modernizes industry education.

RefReps provides online officiating education tools, including immersive point-of-view video training and turnkey referee learning programs.

RefReps was nominated for modernizing officiating education through its NFHS partnership and scalable video-based training. Its platform is helping recruit and prepare the next generation of sports officials.

Zylo helps enterprises manage SaaS software, spending, and usage through data, insights, and prescriptive SaaS management tools.

Zylo was nominated for building new consumption-based SaaS cost visibility tools as pricing models shift beyond seat-based subscriptions. The innovation gives enterprises better forecasting, governance, and control over volatile software spend.

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Community Impact Award

Finalists

P30 is a coworking and entrepreneurial support organization focused on business growth, creativity, and mission-driven community impact.

P30 was nominated for supporting entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers through affordable space, mentoring, partnerships, and community programming. Its work ties business growth to social responsibility and neighborhood impact.

16 Tech is a downtown Indianapolis innovation district connecting entrepreneurs, talent, and community resources to support growth and inclusive economic development.

16 Tech reinvests district growth into surrounding neighborhoods through its community investment fund, student programming, founder support, and public-space development. Its work ties innovation directly to local opportunity and shared community benefit.

Butler Entrepreneurship turns student ideas into real ventures through hands-on programs, community partnerships, mentoring, and startup support.

The program was nominated for pairing student venture-building with strong community impact. It supports local entrepreneurs, nonprofit causes, and inclusive business growth while helping students launch real businesses and develop practical leadership skills.

Ivy Tech is Indiana’s statewide community college, providing accessible education, credentials, and workforce-aligned training across a broad range of fields.

Ivy Tech was nominated for overhauling its IT pathways, dual-credit opportunities, and applied AI offerings to better serve students, adult learners, and employers. The effort broadens access and strengthens Indiana’s digital workforce pipeline.

IU Ventures invests capital, mentorship, and network support to help Indiana University founders and startups create long-term economic and social impact.

IU Ventures was nominated for channeling investment, mentorship, and alumni connections into IU-affiliated startups. Its work has helped attract capital, support inclusive entrepreneurship, and strengthen Indiana’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

MatchBOX Studios is a Lafayette-based coworking and entrepreneurial support hub offering workspace, maker resources, acceleration programs, and community-focused founder services.

MatchBOX was nominated for more than a decade of founder support, especially for first-time and underserved entrepreneurs. Its accelerator model, maker resources, and new pop-up retail strategy have generated broad economic and community impact.

Orr Fellowship connects high-achieving graduates with Indiana employers through early-career roles, leadership development, and long-term community engagement.

The Orr Fellowship expanded statewide reach and used AI tools to improve recruitment, storytelling, and candidate matching. The result was stronger talent retention, broader visibility, and more efficient pathways connecting emerging leaders with Indiana companies.

Plug and Play connects corporations and startups through accelerator programs, venture activity, and global innovation partnerships.

Plug and Play Indiana was nominated for quickly building innovation momentum in Warsaw and beyond, especially in MedTech. Its work attracted startups, supported new investment, and helped raise Indiana’s profile as a destination for innovation.

Republic Airways is a major regional airline headquartered in Indianapolis with large-scale aviation operations, workforce programs, and training initiatives.

Republic was nominated for broad community impact through aviation training, apprenticeships, youth exposure programs, and fundraising. Its work expands access to aviation careers while reinforcing Indiana’s role as a hub for talent and innovation.

SportsTech HQ is a nonprofit building Indiana’s sports technology ecosystem by attracting companies, partnerships, and startup activity.

SportsTech HQ was nominated for rapidly building a statewide sports tech network and using major events to spotlight Indiana innovation. Its partnerships are helping attract companies, investors, and new opportunities to the state.

Startup South Bend-Elkhart supports regional entrepreneurship through ecosystem building, founder storytelling, grants, and community programming.

Startup SBE was nominated for acting as both convener and builder across its regional ecosystem. Its work on IDEA Week, founder storytelling, proof-of-concept grants, and entrepreneurial coordination has strengthened local startup infrastructure.

Syra Health delivers healthcare solutions spanning clinical staffing, training, population health, analytics, and technology-enabled services.

Syra Health was nominated for helping Indiana FSSA launch standardized training for Home and Community Support Professionals. The program improved consistency, accountability, access, and public trust for care delivered to older and disabled Hoosiers.

VentureVets is an accelerator and capital-access program supporting veteran, military spouse, and first responder entrepreneurs.

VentureVets was nominated for helping underserved founders access accelerator support, investors, and entrepreneurial networks. Its work is translating military and service experience into Indiana startup growth, job creation, and economic impact.

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Innovation Service Partner of the Year

Finalists

Purdue Innovates unifies technology commercialization, startup support, and venture development into one system for Purdue founders and innovators.

Purdue Innovates was nominated for creating a streamlined path from discovery to market. Its integrated model supports licensing, venture growth, funding readiness, and IP development at a scale that strengthens Indiana’s innovation economy.

Blackink IT is an Indianapolis managed services and cybersecurity firm delivering proactive IT support, consulting, and human-centered technology solutions.

Blackink was nominated for pairing proactive cybersecurity, strategic IT guidance, and human-centered service delivery. Its model emphasizes innovation in daily practice, helping clients stay secure, productive, and adaptable in a rapidly changing technology environment.

The Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) is a nonprofit educational service organization helping schools improve instruction, operations, and innovation across central Indiana and beyond.

CIESC was nominated for helping Indiana schools adopt generative AI responsibly through strategy, training, policy support, and district partnerships. Its work is creating a scalable model for ethical AI integration in K–12 education.

CleanSlate Technology Group is a cloud-native consulting firm that helps enterprises modernize applications, data platforms, cloud environments, and AI capabilities.

CleanSlate was nominated for delivering large-scale modernization and AI solutions across sectors while expanding major AWS, IBM, and Databricks partnerships. Its work combines strong technical execution with measurable client outcomes.

EXOS provides managed IT, cybersecurity, talent, and AI services for public- and private-sector organizations across Indiana.

EXOS was nominated for helping Indiana municipalities modernize operations, improve cybersecurity, and build stronger digital infrastructure. Its work spans public safety, utilities, communications, and statewide service delivery with measurable operational impact.

Havarti Risk is a healthcare actuarial and strategic advisory firm helping startups, investors, and health plans validate value and unlock growth.

Havarti Risk was nominated for helping healthtech startups and payors quantify ROI, improve market readiness, and accelerate sales. Its actuarial expertise bridges a critical gap between innovation and real-world healthcare adoption.

Milestone provides integrated accounting, CFO, HR, and payroll services built for high-growth businesses and nonprofits.

Milestone was nominated for unifying finance and people operations into one strategic service model. Its approach gives growing organizations access to executive-level support without the cost of multiple full-time leaders.

The IDEA Center is Notre Dame’s innovation hub for commercialization, startup creation, entrepreneurial education, and ecosystem development.

The IDEA Center was nominated for turning research and ideas into scalable ventures through seed funding, mentorship, workspace, and commercialization support. It helps connect university innovation to broader statewide economic impact.

Resultant helps organizations solve complex problems through data, technology, strategy, and human-centered consulting.

Resultant was nominated for delivering advanced analytics and AI solutions with direct public impact, including workforce recommendations for Indiana jobseekers and data strategy work that improved nonprofit funding and accountability.

SalesAi builds AI voice and text agents that help businesses qualify leads, handle support, and scale customer engagement.

SalesAi was nominated for helping businesses deploy AI agents that improve response speed, conversion, and customer experience. Its platform combines automation with a human-centered approach to sales and support interactions.

Syra Health is a healthcare solutions company combining clinical expertise, training, analytics, and technology to improve outcomes across multiple care settings.

Syra Health was nominated for leading a large statewide training initiative for Indiana home and community support professionals. Its work blends curriculum, platform delivery, analytics, and transparency to improve care quality at scale.

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Tech Company of the Year

Finalists

V2X delivers integrated defense, aerospace, logistics, training, and technology solutions supporting national security and mission-critical operations.

V2X was nominated for rapid innovation and major growth in Indianapolis through advanced tactical-edge systems, AI-enabled defense capabilities, and accelerated product development. Its work is expanding Indiana’s role in national security technology.

Braden Business Systems provides managed IT, print, cybersecurity, and document technology solutions for organizations across multiple industries.

Braden was nominated for sustained growth, strong industry recognition, and innovation across managed IT and print services. Its AI-enabled SmartOps platform and integrated service model have driven measurable gains for clients.

OTAVA delivers secure multi-cloud, edge, security, colocation, and data protection solutions for businesses and service providers.

OTAVA was nominated for strategic growth, major technology partnerships, and expanded security offerings after relocating its headquarters to Indianapolis. Its cloud and data protection work supports highly regulated and mission-critical environments.

PIER Group provides advanced technology solutions for research and education environments, including campus infrastructure, networking, and computing.

PIER Group was nominated for growing from a small team into a nationwide technology partner for research and education. Its scale, specialization, and continued expansion reflect strong leadership and market performance.

RADCube is a Carmel technology firm applying AI, data, cloud, and human-centered design to modernize systems in healthcare, education, utilities, and government.

RADCube was nominated for pairing ethical innovation with real delivery impact across critical public and private sector services. Its RADlabs investment model and applied AI work have strengthened both client outcomes and Indiana’s talent ecosystem.

Syra Health is a healthcare solutions company focused on mental health, workforce development, population health, and digital health innovation.

Syra Health was nominated for strong business growth, statewide public-sector impact, and innovation across healthcare training, analytics, mental health, and compliant AI tools. Its work reaches vulnerable populations while building Indiana-based healthcare technology capacity.

Tempesta Media provides demand generation, content, SEO, and social media solutions designed to drive measurable business growth.

Tempesta Media was nominated for combining AI, analytics, and workflow automation to make marketing execution more scalable and results-driven. Its BullsEye technology helps turn content operations into measurable performance engines.

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BioCrossroads Life Sciences Innovation Award

Finalists

Syra Health is a healthcare solutions company combining clinical expertise and technology across mental health, population health, workforce, and digital health services.

Syra Health was nominated for SyraBot and related digital health innovation that combine AI, accessibility, and regulatory guardrails. Its tools aim to expand support while maintaining compliance, safety, inclusion, and public trust.

IHIE connects clinical data across Indiana to support patient care, public health, care coordination, and better healthcare decision-making statewide.

IHIE developed its Emergency Downtime Solution to provide clinical data access during cyberattacks and system outages. The tool protected continuity of care when hospital records went dark and proved its value during a major ransomware disruption.

Lilly TuneLab is an AI-powered drug discovery platform that gives biotech companies access to advanced models built on pharmaceutical research data.

TuneLab uses privacy-preserving federated learning to help biotech partners benefit from powerful AI models without sharing sensitive data. The platform can speed discovery, improve collaboration, and unlock value from previously siloed research data.

PatientX captures and analyzes patient experience data in clinical trials to improve recruitment, retention, and trial design.

PatientX was nominated for building a standardized, analytics-driven platform for patient experience in clinical research. Its approach helps life sciences organizations identify friction points and use patient feedback to improve trial outcomes.

Safe Sleep Simulation uses a 3D infant model and digital tools to teach caregivers and educators how sleep positioning affects infant airway safety.

The program turns safe sleep education into a hands-on, memorable experience that improves understanding and confidence. Its app-supported model expands reach and helps hospitals and community partners reinforce evidence-based infant safety practices.

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Innovation of the Year

The Innovation of the Year Award will highlight one of the five CICP advanced industries. The recipient will be selected from among the winners of the following awards:

AgriNovus Indiana Agbioscience Innovation Award

Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award

BioCrossroads Indiana Life Sciences Innovation Award

Conexus Manufacturing Innovation Award

TechPoint Tech Innovation of the Year

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Meet the finalists, find key venue information, view the evening’s agenda, and learn about the sponsors supporting tonight’s celebration.

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