2026 techfrederick Techie Awards
Celebrate the people and businesses making a difference in our community.
From standout employees and inspiring educators to promising startups and dedicated community volunteers, the Techie Awards recognize the people and businesses whose contributions deserve celebration. Help us shine a spotlight on someone making a difference.
Who comes to mind?
Think of the colleague who always goes the extra mile, the educator who inspires, or the person who consistently gives back. Explore the categories below and help us recognize their contributions.
STEM Student Achievement Award
Celebrates a student whose curiosity, initiative, and accomplishments show a strong enthusiasm for STEM. Through projects, clubs, independent learning, or teamwork, this student puts their interests into action and demonstrates meaningful effort and growth.
Outstanding STEM Educator Award
Honors an educator who brings science, technology, engineering, or mathematics to life. Through engaging teaching, encouragement, and mentorship, this person sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and helps students discover opportunities in STEM.
Rising Star Award
Recognizes a standout employee who has been with their company for two years or less and is already making an impact. This individual takes initiative, learns quickly, and shows exceptional promise through their contributions to the team.
Rebecca Swain-Eng Heart of the Community Award
Named in memory of our 2025 recipient, Rebecca Swain-Eng.
Recognizes someone who makes the Frederick community stronger by volunteering, connecting people, and showing up for others. This award celebrates generosity, compassion, and an ongoing commitment to giving back.
Most Promising Startup Award
Recognizes an emerging business with an innovative product, service, or technology that addresses a real need. With early progress, a clear vision, and potential for growth, this startup shows promise for making a meaningful impact in its industry.
Unsung Hero Award
Celebrates the person whose behind-the-scenes work keeps a team or organization moving forward. Dependable, supportive, and willing to go the extra mile, this individual makes a meaningful difference without seeking recognition.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Honors an individual whose career has made a lasting contribution to the technology industry and community. Through sustained work, leadership, and mentorship, this person has strengthened the field and helped others succeed.
Join us for a night of recognition and connection.
Celebrate this year’s honorees and connect with the people who make Frederick’s technology community thrive. Join techfrederick for an evening recognizing achievement, service, innovation, and the contributions that strengthen our community.
Help us celebrate our community.
Support the Techie Awards and help recognize the people and businesses making a difference. Explore sponsorship opportunities to be part of this community celebration.
Sponsorship levels
Every level includes event tickets and recognition in front of Frederick’s technology community.
- Premier & Elite Sponsors
- Bar, Signature & Photo Booth Sponsors
- Dessert, Champion & Supporting Sponsors
- Winner’s Circle & Napkin Sponsors
- Reserved full and half tables
Full details are in the sponsorship prospectus.
Celebrating our past honorees
Now in its fourth year, the Techie Awards have honored the students, educators, employees, startups, and community champions who make Frederick’s technology community thrive.
2024 Techie Awards
- STEM Student AchievementYashita Thalla
- Outstanding STEM EducatorTaylor McGaughey-Nardi
- Rising StarFaith Mae Kiser, Devis
- Outstanding Community AdvocateTheresa Bethune, InfoPathways
- Most Promising Startup (tie)OMAPIX & PsyTechVR
- Unsung HeroSanthana Shanmugam, Minnodi LLC
- Lifetime AchievementScott Ryser, Yakabod
2023 Inaugural Techie Awards
The first Techie Awards brought Frederick’s tech community together to honor its innovators, educators, and rising stars.
Thank you to our Strategic Partners
