Tech Awards

The Tech Awards are a fun, informal way of celebrating technology innovators, in all stages and sectors, for their achievements and success in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

The Tech Awards are part of the fifth annual TeCK Week YQG, which will take place virtually from March 21-27, 2022.

“The Tech Awards are all about celebrating and recognizing our amazing local tech community,” explains John-Marc Vachon, Director of Marketing and Programs for WEtech Alliance. “This year’s awards will feature a total of 9 categories, each with 5 finalists, allowing us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on 45 outstanding individuals and companies in our region.”

For the second year in a row, the Tech Awards will be proudly powered by Chatham-based TekSavvy Solutions Inc.

“New and unexpected technologies will no doubt emerge, as part of the entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of our Regional Innovation Centers in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. Which is why TekSavvy is proud and honored to be supporting WEtech Alliance as Title Sponsor for the 2022 Tech Awards,” said Raj Thaker, VP- Business Solutions. “Best of luck to all the applicants, and we thank you for all your valuable contributions!”

2022 Release Schedule

The winners of the 2022 Tech Awards powered by TekSavvy Solutions Inc. will be revealed right here, throughout the week of TeCK Week YQG from March 21-27th, through a series of Tech Awards podcasts, hosted by Sarah Haefling, owner of Elevate Podcast Co. and host of the podcast.

Each of this year’s winners will receive a one-of-a-kind award created by local craftsman – and 2019 Tech Award winner – Andrew Thompsett, owner of Hill Valley Maker.

2022 Tech Award Winners

Past Winners

TECH PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes an individual tech professional. The person has demonstrated excellence in his or her field as well as leadership that has positively impacted the community.

PAST WINNERS: Hassan Farhat – 2017 | Renee Pare – 2018 | Don Ward – 2019 | Jason Musyj – 2021

TECH WOMAN OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes, celebrates, and makes visible the achievements of women in technology fields. This individual demonstrates a clear passion for technology, this may be through extra curricular activities, professional career, mentorship, etc.

PAST WINNERS: Ikjot Saini – 2019 | Patricia Riopel – 2021

TECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a company that has demonstrated business leadership and excellence in technology / innovation combined with a commitment to the knowledge-based sector in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions. Consideration in this category requires increasing profitability, community involvement and thought leadership, and demonstration of sound business fundamentals. A minimum of 5 years in business is required for judges to investigate the organizations’ growth and track record.

PAST WINNERS: Centerline – 2017 | Aphria – 2018 | Halight – 2019 | WaveDirect – 2021

TECH MENTOR OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates outstanding dedication to mentoring early stage tech startups and/or volunteering in the tech community.

PAST WINNERS: Frank Abbruzzese – 2017 | SheriLynn Koscielski – 2018 | Elizabeth Moses – 2019 | Claudius Thomas – 2021

TECH EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

This new Tech Educator award, which combines and expands on the former Tech Teacher and Tech Researcher Awards, recognizes an exceptional elementary, secondary or post-secondary school teacher, professor or researcher for their outstanding contributions in advancing technology to enrich the lives of learners and broader community.

PAST TECH TEACHER WINNERS: Melissa Krausse & Jason Charlton – 2017 | Fouda Hamzeh – 2018 | Ron McKenzie – 2019 | Deanna McLennan – 2021

PAST TECH RESEARCHER WINNERS: Lisa Porter – 2017 | Dr. Tricia Carmichael – 2018 | Myra Tawfik – 2019 | Dr. Jill Urbanic – 2021

TECH ADOPTION OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a local business who has adopted technology to enhance their operations and customer experience. This includes software, POS systems, payment systems, social media, etc.

PAST WINNERS: WindsorEats – 2017 | Orangline Farms – 2018 | The Job Shoppe – 2019 | Yoga with Lora – 2021

TECH STARTUP OF THE YEAR

This award recognizes a new startup who has launched their product/service within the last 2 years. The startup can be pre-revenue, with emphasis on potential as well as realized success.

PAST WINNERS: ITOS – 2017 | DeliverBae – 2018 | Fetch Moto – 2019 | AyeWork – 2021

TECH STUDENT/YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

The award recognizes a standout student under the age of 30 who has demonstrated a proven commitment to our local tech community through outstanding scholarship, and exemplary leadership and community involvement.

PAST WINNERS: Andre Khayat – 2017 | Noah Campbell – 2018 | Tailai Wang – 2019 | Trevor Ramieri – 2021

TECH TEAM OF THE YEAR

NEW CATEGORY! This new award recognizes a group of outstanding technology/innovation individuals who make up a team within a non-tech business or organization. This can include IT departments within academic institutions, municipal government, public sector, greenhouse, healthcare, automotive, etc.

STAGE 1: NOMINATION PERIOD

Monday, January 31st, 2022 – Sunday, February 6th, 2022 @ 11:59pm

The public is invited to submit their nominations in 9 different Tech Awards categories to recognize individuals and companies at the forefront of technology and innovation in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

STAGE 2: PUBLIC FINALS VOTE

Monday, February 14th, 2022 – Sunday, February 20th, 2022 @ 11:59pm

The top 5 nominees in each category will go forward for public voting on our Facebook page from February 14-20, 2022. The public vote will make up 1/3 of the final overall score.

STAGE 3: JUDGES VOTE

February 21-25, 2022

The finalists will then go to the final stage of review – a panel of judges – comprised of past Tech Awards winners, members of the local tech community and a representative from TekSavvy.

To help our judges make an informed decision, all 5 finalists in each category will be asked to complete a brief Finalist Questionnaire, outlining why you are deserving of this award. This is your chance to BRAG!

The judges vote will count as 2/3 of the final score.

STAGE 4: WINNERS CONTACTED

Monday, February 28, 2022

The scores from the public vote (worth 1/3) and judges vote (worth 2/3) will be combined to give a final score and determine a winner in each category. The winners will be contacted by WEtech Alliance about next steps.

STAGE 5: WINNERS REVEALED

Monday, March 21 – Sunday, March 27, 2022

The winners will be revealed throughout the week, during TeCK Week YQG through a series of Tech Awards podcasts, hosted by Sarah Haefling, owner of Elevate Podcast Co. and host of the podcast.

Each of this year’s winners will receive a one-of-a-kind award created by a local artist.

You can check out last year’s winner videos, produced by Media Street Productions, HERE. Previous winner announcements: 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2021

2022 Tech Awards Nominations

From January 31st to February 6, 2022, the public was invited to submit their nominations in 9 different Tech Awards categories to recognize individuals and companies at the forefront of technology and innovation in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

The 2022 Nomination Period is now closed. Check back to this page throughout the week of TeCK Week YQG from March 21-27th as we reveal new winners each day!

2022 Tech Awards Public Finals Vote

The top 5 nominees in each category went forward for public voting on our Facebook page from February 14-20, 2022. The public vote makes up 1/3 of the final overall score, with a review by our panel of judges – comprised of past Tech Awards winners, members of the local tech community and a representative from TekSavvy – making up the other 2/3s.

The 2022 Public Finals Vote period is now closed. Check back to this page throughout the week of TeCK Week YQG from March 21-27th as we reveal new winners each day!