From innovative engineers to distinguished veterans and steadfast leaders, this event celebrates the diverse individuals who contribute to the safety and security of our country through their work in Space and Defense. Through their unwavering dedication and commitment, they ensure that our nation remains strong and resilient in the face of challenges. The Innovator Awards – Recognizing Excellence in the Support and Protection of our Nation serves as a platform to recognize their invaluable contributions and inspire a new generation of innovators and defenders for the future.
Nonprofit of the Year - Still Serving Veterans
Still Serving Veterans (SSV) works to make a lasting impact on veterans and their families by providing professional support services that empower and equip them for a secure future. “Still Serving Veterans is a place where veterans, no matter if they are transitioning out now, in two years or have been out for 10 - they come here and they feel respected, heard and ultimately secure as they may have in the service,” said Chief Programs Officer Jim King...
Program of the Year - Future Technologies and Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP) led by the University of Alabama in Huntsville
Alabama research scientists and engineers are laying the groundwork to transform the state’s economy into a model that would be aligned more closely to the requirements of the 21st century. This initiative, the Future Technologies and Enabling Plasma Processes (FTPP), is being funded $40 million by the National Science Foundation during a period of 10 years. The University of Alabama in Huntsville is managing Alabama’s effort and the consortium is producing encouraging results, according to Dr. Sandra Richardson of the National Science Foundation. FTPP is a 10-member university and industry consortium. The group includes nine Alabama universities involved in the program along with CFD Research, a privately held company based in Huntsville…
Company of the Year - Radiance Technologies
From innovative engineers to distinguished veterans and steadfast leaders, the Innovator Awards celebrate the diverse individuals who contribute to the safety and security of our country through their work in Space and Defense. Through their unwavering dedication and commitment, they ensure that our nation remains strong and resilient in the face of challenges. A total of four awards will be presented at this year's event: Program of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Company of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award...
Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr. Frank J Collazo
Since he was 15 years old, Dr. Francisco J. Collazo has served this country. Today, at age 93, he said there was really never any thought about doing anything else. “When I left home, I hoped to emulate my father and to serve my country.” A native of Puerto Rico, Collazo dropped out of high school to join the Army during World War II. He idolized his father, who had been in the Army and had served honorably in World War I...
Presenting Sponsors
Innovator Sponsors
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