Arizona Technology Council and Arizona Commerce Authority Announce Winners and Finalists for GCOI 2026

PHOENIX - EntSun -- Honoring Arizona's leading innovators, entrepreneurs and business champions, the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority today announced the winners and finalists for the 2026 Governor's Celebration of Innovation (GCOI), Now in its 23rd year, GCOI includes an awards ceremony recognizing the people and organizations turning ideas into new technologies, companies and learning opportunities across the state.

The celebration will take place from 4:45 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix.

"Behind every technology breakthrough are people willing to ask a different question, solve a difficult problem or take a chance on an idea," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute. "This year's honorees reflect that determination across every stage of innovation, from launching a business to expanding what an established company or university can achieve. GCOI gives us an opportunity to recognize their work and connect the people who will help Arizona's next ideas take shape."

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"Every year, Arizona's innovation ecosystem continues to grow, attracting and supporting visionary entrepreneurs, transformative companies, and pioneering technologies that are shaping the future," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "This year's winners and finalists reflect the exceptional leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that drive innovation and economic growth across our state. Congratulations to the 2026 winners and finalists. We are proud to recognize their achievements and contributions to Arizona's thriving innovation economy."

The evening will open with a reception and networking, followed by dinner and the awards program. Technology and business leaders from across the state will gather to recognize this year's honorees and build connections in Arizona's innovation community. Tickets and event information are available at https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/2026-governors-celebration-of-innovation-awards/.

Winners

MSS Business Transformation Leader of the Year Winner:

• Sanjeev Aggarwal, president and CEO, Everspin Technologies

Innovator of the Year – Large Company Winner:

• W. L. Gore & Associates

Innovator of the Year – Academia Winner:

• Grand Canyon University

Judges Award Winner:

• GenTechEDU

People's Choice Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:

• Sethuraman "Panch" Panchanathan, University Professor of Technology and Innovation, Arizona State University

Finalists (winners to be announced at GCOI)

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Innovator of the Year – Startup Finalists:

• Branch Therapeutics
• DeepBro
• LifeSpan Digital Health

Innovator of the Year – Small Company Finalists:

• VB Cosmetics
• IRLabs
• Stone Solutions and Research Collective

The individual and company award winners and finalists were evaluated and chosen by the following selection committee of experts independent of the Council:

• Brian Ellerman, Executive Chair, Desert Angels
• Mary O'Reilly, Ph.D., Vice President of Bioscience Research Programs, Flinn Foundation
• Doug Hockstad, Executive Director of Tech Launch Arizona and Chief Innovation Officer, University of Arizona
• Keith Latchaw, President & CEO, MSS Business Transformation Advisory
• Eri Miller, Principal & Co-Owner, PADT, Inc.

An earlier announcement named winners of the Future Innovators of the Year award honoring students who represent the potential leaders of Arizona's technology industry, as well as the teachers who inspire them. The Oct. 14 press release can be found here.