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Colorado is well known as a national, if not international, tech hub. But just who is leading the charge locally — which companies and individuals are driving the Colorado tech scene — is still up for debate. To divvy up the best from the rest, every year the Colorado Technology Association puts together the APEX Awards. They are a way of recognizing the organizations and people that are making the state a tech-success.
While the actual judging for who gets the awards is done by an impartial panel, the nomination process is done by the community. That means you can nominate anybody you want for an Apex Award. Below are the categories and last year’s winner. If you think you know somebody or some organization that fits the bill, you can nominate them here. If you’re kind of sketchy, you could probably even get away with nominating yourself.
Company of the Year: This award goes to a Colorado-based company for overall performance and leadership in its field. The company is profitable and has a bright future.
Project of the Year: This award goes to a project taken on by an innovative IT department. The project should solve a problem and have measurable results. Last year’s winner was the Secretary of State’s Office for Go Code Colorado.
Startup of the Year: This award goes to a tech company with a bright future that got its start less than two years ago. Big points are awarded for technical innovation. Last year’s winner was GeoPoll.
Bob Newman Lifetime Achievement: This award goes to a person who has made an outsized impact in the state’s tech scene. Last year’s winner was J.B. Holston.
CIO of the Year: This award goes to a chief information officer that has shown ingenuity in leading their IT team. Last year’s winner was David Anderson, CIO of CH2M Hill.
Advocate of the Year: This award goes to a legislator that made a measurable impact on Colorado’s tech scene. Here’s looking at you, Mayor Hancock. Last year’s winner was Representative Dan Pabon.
CEO of the Year: This award goes to a CEO of a Colorado-based company that is using creativity, innovation and determination to lead their company to success.
Educator of the Year: This award goes to a teacher, instructor or professor who is making an impact teaching a tech-focused curriculum or that uses technology to teach students in an innovative way. Last year’s winner was Richard Guenther from Skyline High School.
Talent Champion of the Year: This award goes to a person who is making a measurable impact in keeping and building local tech talent.
