The finalists are set for 757 TechNite 2026.
On Thursday, October 29, Hampton Roads will come together at The Dome in Virginia Beach to recognize the companies, entrepreneurs, technologists, educators and regional leaders helping shape what comes next for the 757.
Presented by JPMorganChase, 757 TechNite will recognize finalists across nine award categories spanning entrepreneurship, technology, education, defense, government and regional impact.
Here are the 2026 finalists.
John “Dubby” Wynne Regional Innovation Champion Sponsored by Williams Mullen
Recognizing individuals or organizations fostering regional innovation and economic growth.
Jay Bernas
Nancy Grden
John Lawson
Dan Bell Innovative Tech Builder Award Sponsored by Marathon Consulting
Celebrating groundbreaking technology advancements.
Jefferson Lab
NASA Langley Research Center
ReAlta Life Sciences
Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by KPMG
Recognizing an exceptional leader driving innovation and business success.
Jim Funari, CEO, StratusLIVE
Benjamin Hoover, President, XKIG & Randolph Hoover, CEO, XKIG
Tara Ramsey, President & CEO, Instant Systems
757CIO Technical Executive of the Year Sponsored by Bloom Technology Partners
Honoring a technology executive who strategically advances business goals through excellence.
Robert Steffler
Matthew Lemma
Emerging Company Sponsored by Eide Bailly
Recognizing a company that has emerged as a leader in its field through innovation and technology.
AREMCO
Iron Sheepdog
Radian Forge
Technical Achievement in Government Sponsored by Fulton Bank
Recognizing technological excellence in government operations.
City of Virginia Beach AI Operations
Mid Atlantic Tech Bridge
City of Chesapeake Information Technology
Innovation in Education Sponsored by Old Dominion University
Celebrating advancements in technology or entrepreneurship education.
The AI Collective Hampton Roads
EdLogics
Karen Sanzo, ODU Center for Education Innovation
WHRO Education
Advancement in Defense Contracting Sponsored by Valor Cybersecurity
Honoring achievements in defense industry innovation.
C2 Technologies
CORE Services Group
Octaris
Regulus
Startup to Watch Sponsored by REaKTOR
Recognizing an emerging company with an exciting story, strong momentum and the potential for a major breakthrough.
Index Health Tech
SalesE
VroomBrick
One Night to Celebrate the 757
757 TechNite is more than an awards ceremony. It’s a night bringing together the people building companies, developing technology, solving difficult problems and moving Hampton Roads forward.
Join us Thursday, October 29 from 5–8 p.m. at The Dome by Rutter Mills in Virginia Beach for 757 TechNite, presented by JPMorganChase. Buy your tickets and be part of the night.
