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Tech North Atlanta Launches Awards Program for Innovation

Tech North Atlanta, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the tech ecosystem in North Atlanta, has unveiled its inaugural Tech North Atlanta Awards, set to take place on September 16, 2026, at the popular venue, TopGolf Alpharetta. The awards aim to celebrate the innovative companies and leaders driving digital transformation and artificial intelligence advancements within the region.

Recognizing Innovators

This awards program will highlight significant contributions made by various stakeholders in the local tech community. It seeks to honor exceptional organizations and individuals who are not only leading but also inspiring others in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The Significance of the Awards

Karen Cashion, President and CEO of Tech North Atlanta, emphasized the intent behind the awards, stating, "With the plethora of visionary technology leaders and innovative companies in our community, we acknowledged the need for an event that encapsulates the energy and progress made here." The awards aim to underscore the commitment to fostering an environment conducive to creativity and long-term growth.

Award Categories

The 2026 award categories reflect a broad spectrum of technological achievement:

• - Visionary CIO Award: This will honor a Chief Information Officer who displays outstanding leadership in aligning technology strategy with overall business goals. The recipient is expected to demonstrate measurable impacts and foster high-performing teams.
• - Breakout Startup Award: Targeted at early-stage tech companies, this award will acknowledge those that show exceptional innovation and a significant potential for growth in the North Atlanta tech ecosystem.
• - Trailblazing Digital Transformation Team Awards: These awards are categorized into three segments - Startup, Mid-market, and Enterprise. They will recognize teams that effectively leverage digital technologies to drive operational improvements and enhance customer experiences.
• - AI Product Innovation of the Year: This category celebrates a newly launched AI product that exhibits originality and technical excellence with substantial market impact.
• - AI Visionary Award: This award will recognize a person or organization that exemplifies outstanding achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.

Community Engagement and Future Opportunities

Rich Cannon, Vice Chairman of Tech North Atlanta, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the community together to recognize local innovators. He stated, "This awards program signifies the commencement of a lasting tradition that will celebrate accomplishments across all stages, from emerging startups to established enterprise leaders."

Award submissions are slated to open in May 2026, encouraging all who qualify to reflect on their achievements and prepare for recognition in this landmark event. For more information, interested parties can visit technorthatlanta.org.

About Tech North Atlanta

Tech North Atlanta was established in 2017 following a merger of the City of Alpharetta's Alpharetta Technology Commission and the Greater Alpharetta Tech Network. As an independent 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, Tech North Atlanta's mission is to nurture the regional tech and innovation ecosystem by facilitating connections among startups, mid-market enterprises, and leading technology firms. The organization is committed to establishing programs and partnerships that further enhance collaboration and growth in North Metro Atlanta’s tech industry.

This first-ever awards ceremony is more than just a night of recognition; it symbolizes the collaborative spirit and forward momentum of North Atlanta’s tech scene, poised to influence the landscape of technology today and into the future.