Region Comes Together to Celebrate Current Achievements and Future Possibilities for Central Ohio’s Innovation Ecosystem

The year 2010 will be remembered as one of the brightest in Central Ohio’s recent history –and the region’s future looks even brighter.  More than 1,000 were in attendance last night to celebrate not only the semi-finalists and winners of the 2010 TechColumbus Innovation Awards, but also the community that has grown together to build the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Business leaders, technologists, researchers, community leaders, the media and others were in the audience celebrating the semi-finalists and winners in 15 categories of awards – including high school student innovators. 

“When I think about where this region will be in another 10 years, I simply look out at this audience,” said Bob Irwin, president and CEO of Sterling Commerce, and a presenter of two of the awards. 

“I see people out there with the talent, the intelligence and the drive to really make things happen.  And then I look over at the student tables and I get really excited and I realize how important it is to continue inspiring these young people, encouraging them all to go to The Ohio State University, and keep their talents and their enthusiasm right here in this community.”   

This year’s gala celebration was one of the most interactive and engaging productions in the awards ceremony history.  It was complete with networking hotspots, a parade of semi-finalists ala the Olympics opening ceremony parade of nations, people’s choice video awards, singing, dancing – even fireworks!  MobileXpeditions announced the debut of an interactive app which gives details on the event and all the semi-finalists. 

The Innovation Awards truly represents a community effort.  Although produced by TechColumbus, the event is made possible only through the support of sponsors, such as presenting sponsor Battelle, and the dedication of more than 70 volunteer judges who commit hundreds of hours to review each nomination that is submitted.

For more details on the event, winners and semi-finalists, you can download the MobileXpeditions app free at the Apple app store.

For the full list of winners, read the press release:
http://www.techcolumbus.org/techcolumbus-honors-local-business-leaders-students-their-technology-achievements-annual-innovation-