celebrateGNV returns February 2 and includes the return of the Cox Business Innovation Ecosystem Awards. Check out the award finalists!
In 2022, startGNV, a local nonprofit with a mission to grow the innovation ecosystem of Greater Gainesville, announced the return of their popular “celebrateGNV” event to the Cade Museum. It makes a comeback on February 2, 2023. In partnership with Cox Business, this year’s celebrateGNV event will also feature the return of the Innovation Ecosystem Awards.
“We are excited to announce the return of the Innovation Ecosystem Awards sponsored by Cox Business at our annual gala, celebrateGNV,” said Tammy Dygert, Director of startGNV. “These awards allow us to highlight the work of dedicated companies and individuals whose contributions make innovation a hallmark of our community.”
Guests can expect a pre-event happy hour, photo booth, networking, dinner provided by Zen Creative Catering and a wonderful presentation of the past year’s innovation success across Alachua County. The evening culminates with the highly anticipated Innovation Awards.
“Cox Business is pleased to partner again with startGNV at this celebration of innovation and we look forward to presenting the awards to so many worthy individuals and companies who are making a significant impact throughout the community,” said David Spriggs of Cox Business.
Dozens of nominations came in for each of the 6 award categories and the judges selected 3 finalists per category. The winner in each category will be announced at the event on February 2, 2023.
Here are the 2023 finalists:
Startup Mentor of the Year Finalists:
Eric Buffkin, Ryan Kern, and Marty Schaffel
Professional Mentor of the Year Finalists:
Tara Blythe, Darin Cooke, and Jim Lilkendey
Ecosystem Hidden Gem Finalists:
Matt Donovan, Bill Dorman, and Paul Prusakowski
Tech Employer of the Year Finalists:
Feathr, Infotech, and IC2
Community Impact Company of the Year Finalists:
Infotech, RTI Surgical, and Trajector
Rising Star Startup of the Year Finalists:
Aptus Biosciences, Evolve Digital Therapeutics, and Thrifty
To read more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit this link
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, we proudly serve nearly seven million homes and businesses across 18 states. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
About startGNV
startGNV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to grow the innovation ecosystem of Greater Gainesville. We’re dedicated to creating an atmosphere of engaging networking events, resources, and talent support for innovation companies in the Greater Gainesville area.