NCW Tech Alliance names 15 finalists for 25th annual Innovator Awards

WENATCHEE — High school students, entrepreneurs and public utilities are among 15 finalists for NCW Tech Alliance’s 25th annual Innovator Awards, with winners to be announced Nov. 3 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

The awards recognize work in technology, entrepreneurship, education and community development across North Central Washington. This year’s finalists represent fields including artificial intelligence, agriculture, sustainable aviation fuel, infrastructure and small-business development, according to an announcement from the alliance.

“Innovation doesn’t have one definition, and this year’s finalists prove it,” said David Mabee, the alliance’s marketing director. “From students turning big ideas into real-world solutions to organizations rethinking what’s possible, these finalists represent the creativity, determination, and community spirit we’ve celebrated for 25 years.”

Three finalists were selected in each of five categories:

K-12 Future Technology Leader of the Year

Brooklyn Averill, Quincy High School.

Torrin Stone, Eastmont High School.

Elliot Tiegel, Cascade High School.

STEM College Innovator of the Year

Emily Murphy, Western Washington University.

Sachiko Newell, Central Washington University.

Monica Oropeza Rojas, Wenatchee Valley College.

STEM Champion of the Year

Ryan Christoph, Omak School District.

Cari Horning, Apple STEM Network.

James Webber, Chelan County PUD.

Newcomer in Technology / Innovative Use of Technology

Douglas County PUD.

RiverCom 911.

Twelve.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Kelli and Adam Rynd, Woodin Enterprises.

Jess and Dan Pappas, P2X Studio.

Laura and Bill Bruders, Neu Flessenow Cellars.

The awards luncheon will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the convention center, 121 N. Wenatchee Ave. Doors open at 11 a.m. for attendees to explore exhibitor displays.

Individual tickets and reserved tables for eight are available. Information about the finalists, their projects, tickets and sponsorships is available at ncwtech.org/innovators.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media