We’re thrilled to celebrate the outstanding members of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center community who have been nominated for the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council’s 25th Anniversary TechNite awards!
TechNite is an annual celebration of innovation, leadership, and impact across the region’s technology and life science sectors. This year marks a milestone 25 years of honoring those who are shaping the future of our innovation ecosystem.
Several VTCRC-based companies and individuals have received nominations across multiple categories—recognition that reflects their commitment to cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship, and regional growth.
We are proud to recognize and support these incredible nominees as they continue to drive forward-thinking solutions and foster a thriving tech community.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Jessica Gilbertie, Quentoros
Arvin Gouw, Bacchus Therapeutics
Innovator of the Year
Spencer Leamy, Corvus Labs
Jeff Liter, Luminary Therapeutics
David Ayares, Revivicor
Cary Hill, ITA International
Regional Leadership Award
Eric Patterson, Virginia Tech National Security Institute
John Provo, Virginia Tech
Rising Star in Biotech Award
Quentoros
Bacchus Therapeutics
STEM-H Educator (K–12)
Henry Bass, Automation Creations, Inc.
Congratulations to all the nominees! Your work continues to inspire and elevate the innovation ecosystem here at VTCRC and across the region.
Winners of all categories will be announced at TechNite on May 29 at Beamer-Lawson Practice Facility in Blacksburg. You won’t want to miss out on this very special evening. Get your tickets today!
About the RBTC
National Technology Hub in Southwest Virginia
The RBTC is a member-driven association working to promote the growth of the Roanoke-Blacksburg technology community. We are the essential business resource for technology entrepreneurs and companies seeking to achieve greater success. Our membership ranges from emerging technology firms to the largest employers in the region. The RBTC is building a community that is a catalyst for innovation, inspiration, success, and leadership within the Roanoke-Blacksburg region.
The RBTC works hard at building community for the region’s technology sector through meaningful relationships. We are unifying the region through intentional programing and focus on developing a regional innovation ecosystem. The RBTC operates at the highest levels of integrity and we are honest, transparent, confidential, and supportive. We are dynamic and bring energy and excitement to everything we do. As thought-leaders, we are never content with the status quo and are always looking towards the future.
The RBTC strives to always add value in the greater work of building a strong region. We believe our future is a bright one and that our region can be recognized globally for its innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent assets and consistently rank as one of the leading technology hubs in the nation.