The last time startGNV was able to hold celebrateGNV as an in-person event was in 2019. On January 27 they were back in action at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. This event that celebrates innovation in Gainesville and Greater Gainesville added its first Innovation Ecosystem Awards into the mix.
In partnership with Cox Business, this year’s event featured 6 awards, including a cash award of $5,000 for the Rising Star Startup winner. startGNV Board President James Gibson served as emcee. Vice President of Cox Business (Florida & Georgia) Harbin Bolton presented the awards with startGNV Director Tammy Dygert.
The event enabled startGNV and Cox Business to shine a spotlight on the strengths of innovation in the community. As the awards demonstrated, Gainesville is alive and well with solution-driven thinkers, active mentors, rising startups, and companies with some of the best networks and culture in Alachua County. Each award category was narrowed down to 3 amazing finalists and the winners of each category were unveiled at the event.
Here is the complete list of winners:
Professional Mentor of the Year: Bob DeHoff (Infotech)
Startup Mentor of the Year (tie): Pablo Casilimas and Justis Mendez (OneSixOneVentures)
Ecosystem Hidden Gem: Blythe Karow (Evren Technologies)
Tech Employer of the Year: Tower Hill Insurance Group
Community Impact Company of the Year: Infotech
Rising Star Startup of the Year: Agriculture Intelligence Inc.
