Awards Gala Judging Process

Every fall, the RichTech Awards Gala Committee begins planning the following year’s Technology Stars Awards Gala. The committee begins by reviewing the award categories and making any changes based on the previous year’s reviews and current technology trends. Nominations open on the first Friday of the New Year.  Businesses and individuals are encouraged to nominate themselves and those in the community they feel deserving of specific awards.  For two months, the committee focuses on ensuring qualified companies are added to the mix of nominations.

Once nominated an individual or business is immediately sent the Award Submission Form via email. The forms for each award are 6-12 questions long. You can click the link in your email to view all the questions in advance or find them here.

When the time comes to select the finalists, members of the Richmond technology community are invited to participate in the process. All participants in the selection process are made aware of the importance of keeping all information confidential. Participants are selected for award categories taking into account their expertise and potential conflicts of interest. The confidentiality of all participants’ information is held in the highest importance. Materials are provided in print format only (not electronically) and once the finalists selection process is complete, all materials are collected by RichTech and secured.

The excitement is palpable when the finalists are announced. Finalists get exposure on the website and with local media. The Annual “Meet the Finalists” Reception at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond is RichTech’s opportunity to congratulate the finalists and thank sponsors.  The event also provides an opportunity to catch up with previous years’ finalists and winners.

The final judging occurs after the Meet the Finalists Reception. This select group of judges, representing member companies, patent law, venture capitalists and state government, contribute not only their understanding of the Greater Richmond technology community but also bring consistency and historical understanding of RichTech and the Awards Gala. Once selected, the winners’ names are held in the strictest confidence until they are revealed the night of the Awards Gala.

No part of this fantastic event would be possible without a dedicated committee, our wonderful sponsors, committed volunteers and the gracious participants who compete every year.

Important 2011 Dates

• Friday, February 25th Nominations Close
• Friday, March 11th All Awards Submissions Due
• Friday, March 18th Finalists Selected
• Monday, March 21st Finalists Announced
• Wednesday, April 13th Meet the Finalists Reception
• Friday, April 15th Winners Selected
• Wednesday, May 11th The Sixteenth Annual Technology Stars Awards Gala at the Richmond Marriott

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Award Questionaires

Community Catalyst Award
That individual or organization that has made significant impact on the growth of technology in this region, and/or the advancement of Greater Richmond as a center for technology innovation.

1. Brief Description of Organization/Individual Community Involvement
2. Optional Attachments

(You will be contacted by a RichTech representative in early March for a brief interview).

Link to Community Catalyst Form

Educator Award
That educator or school program that provides exceptional technology leadership and encourages students to pursue higher education or training in engineering, math, and the sciences.

1. Please provide information on the school/institution where you are employed or volunteer.
2. What are your primary responsibilities?
3. What other roles and responsibilities - paid and/or volunteer - do you fill?
4. Please provide an overview of any technology related programs that you are associated with (attach additional information as needed).
5. What specific skill sets are targeted for development?
6. Who are the participants and how many students are involved during the school year?
7. What is the annual cost  of these programs and how are they funded?
8. How does the program emphasize the development or improvement of the technology skills of participants?
9. How does this program encourage and/or assist students to pursue college degrees in math, science, engineering or technology?
10. Please provide "success story" examples and statistics.
11. If you were a finalist, in fifty words or less, how would you describe yourself or your program?

Link to Educator Form

Emerging Company Award
That local technology company that has demonstrated recent growth in revenues and/or employees - a company whose recognized accomplishments and prospects demonstrates the ability to achieve commercial success.

1. In what year was your company established?
2. Approximate employees at the end of 2010? 2009? 2008?
3. Approximate revenues at the end of 2010? 2009? 2008?
4. Describe your technology product or service.
5. Describe major accomplishments in recent years (recognitions awarded; grants received; products or services introduced; contracts awarded; strategic alliances).
6. Describe future applications and markets of your company's technology.
7. Describe factors that would attract customers and investors to your company.
8. Provide at least one letter of reference to verify your value within the industry.
9. Provide the Executive Summary of your business plan, if available, if you feel such information would help the judges to better understand your company.
10. If you were a finalist, in fifty words or less, how would you describe your company in the Awards Gala program?

Link to Emerging Company Form

Technology Builder Award
That institution or organization that delivers technology solutions and/or services to internal or external clients that drive business or operational efficiencies.

1. What is the name of the service or solution you provide?
2. Describe the service or solution.
3. Describe future growth potential or other applications for the service or solution.
4. Describe how you distinguish yourself from the competition.
5. Provide at least one letter of reference to verify the value of the service or solution.
6. If you were a finalist, in fifty words or less, how would you describe your company in the Awards Gala program?

Link to Technology Builder Form

Technology Innovation: Financial & Professional Services Award
That company or organization whose use of existing, new or emerging technology creates significant new processes, methodologies and/or services benefiting themselves or others in the finance & professional services vertical.

1. Describe your technology (are you the inventor or licensee of this technology?)
   Describe its commercial and/or consumer applications.
2. In what way has the technology impacted the traditional or former manner of achieving the same results?
3. What's new and/or different about this technology that will have impact on the area or financial and professional services industry?
4. Describe the current status of technology development, including existence of prototypes, clinical tests or similar development activities that indicate commercial viability.
5. Describe any intellectual property protection and patents.
6. How are its uses validated by sources outside of your company? Provide at least one letter of reference.
7. If you were a finalist, in fifty words or less, how would you describe your company in the Awards Gala program?

Link to Innovation: Financial Form

Technology Innovation: Healthcare Award
That company or organization whose use of existing, new or emerging technology creates significant new processes, methodologies and/or services for the benefit of themselves or others in the healthcare vertical.

1. Describe your technology (are you the inventor or licensee of this technology?)
   Describe its commercial and/or consumer applications.
2. In what way has the technology impacted the traditional or former manner of achieving the same results?
3. What's new and/or different about this technology that will have impact on the area or healthcare industry?
4. Describe the current status of technology development, including existence of prototypes, clinical tests or similar development activities that indicate commercial viability.
5. Describe any intellectual property protection and patents.
6. How are its uses validated by sources outside of your company? Provide at least one letter of reference.
7. If you were a finalist, in fifty words or less, how would you describe your company in the Awards Gala program?

Link to Innovation: Healthcare Form

Technology Innovation: Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail Award
That company or organization whose use of existing, new or emerging technology creates significant new processes, methodologies and/or services for their or others benefit in manufacturing, distribution and/or retail.

1. Describe your technology (are you the inventor or licensee of this technology?)
   Describe its commercial and/or consumer applications.
2. In what way has the technology impacted the traditional or former manner of achieving the same results?
3. What's new and/or different about this technology that will have impact on the area or the manufacturing, distribution or retail industry?
4. Describe the current status of technology development, including existence of prototypes, clinical tests or similar development activities that indicate commercial viability.
5. Describe any intellectual property protection and patents.
6. How are its uses validated by sources outside of your company? Provide at least one letter of reference.
7. If you were a finalist, in fifty words or less, how would you describe your company in the Awards Gala program?

Link to Innovation: Manufacturing Form

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