March 17, 2026

Four Decades of Innovation: VTCRC Community Recognized Throughout the History of RBTC’s TechNite

For 40 years, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) has been the place where education meets business – where researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders come together here to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions.

Each year, the region celebrates many of these innovators through TechNite, the annual awards event hosted by the Roanoke–Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC). The event recognizes innovative individuals and companies doing exceptional work throughout the Roanoke Blacksburg region.

Throughout TechNite’s history, many members of the VTCRC community have been recognized on its stage, reflecting the Research Center’s enduring role in advancing innovation.

TechNite Recognizes Innovation Leaders from the VTCRC Community

In recent years, several members of the VTCRC community have been recognized at TechNite for their groundbreaking work and leadership.

In 2025, David Ayares, founder of Revivicor, received the Innovator of the Year Award for his pioneering work in biotechnology and xenotransplantation. His research has helped position the region as a global leader in biomedical innovation.

In 2024, Rob Day of TechLab received the Regional Leadership Award for his longstanding commitment to strengthening the region’s technology ecosystem through mentorship, advocacy, and industry leadership. The same year, Fen Lin, founder of Fermi Energy, was named the Rising Star in Tech, recognizing the company’s innovative work in advanced energy technologies.

Recognition of VTCRC innovators at TechNite stretches back many years and reflects the depth and diversity of the region’s technology community. Companies and leaders connected to the Corporate Research Center have been honored across multiple award categories, including companies such as Intuitive Surgical and Virginia Cyber Range. Individual innovators including Josep Bassaganya-Riera of BioTherapeutics, Henry Bass of Automation Creations, and David Catalano and Aaron Herrington of Modea have also been recognized for their leadership, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.

Virginia Tech Library Systems (VTLS), the first tenant at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, received the Company Award in 2003. The recognition reflects the longstanding connection between university research and entrepreneurial success that continues to define the VTCRC community today.

Together, these recognitions, along with many others throughout TechNite’s history, illustrate the enduring role the VTCRC community has played in advancing innovation across the Roanoke and New River Valley region.

TechNite Awards: Recognizing Regional Excellence

Each year, TechNite celebrates innovators across several award categories that reflect the many ways technology strengthens the Roanoke and New River Valley region.

STEM-H Educator Award

With categories for both K-12 and higher education, these awards recognize STEM educators in the Roanoke – Blacksburg region that promotes math, science, and/or use of technology in creative ways to transfer knowledge and help develop future technology leaders.

Rising Star Award

This award recognizes a local technology company whose “star is rising.” It may not be a household name yet, but it is poised to be another success story in the Roanoke – New River Valley region. This award emphasizes the importance of small firms to our region’s technology economy.

Innovator of the Year Award

This award recognizes an individual, a team, or an organization that has blazed new trails in the areas of research and innovation. By definition, they are doing something new or different, and they are doing it well. Their innovation represents a significant technological breakthrough in their field or industry.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Entrepreneurs are a different breed. Sometimes it takes nerves of steel to blaze a new path. This award recognizes someone in our community who exemplifies what it means to be a risk-taker in the technology field.

Regional Leadership Award

This award recognizes one of our own who not only succeeds in the workplace but also leads by example by contributing significantly to the community in which we live. Through their mentorship, thought leadership, or advocacy they are advancing this region and the people within it.

Leading Tech Company Award

This award recognizes both a small and large Roanoke or New River Valley company committed to advancing our region’s technology community and able to demonstrate excellence in their people, programs, and projects within their industry.

The Hart of the Entrepreneur Impact Award

A trailblazing, serial entrepreneur and pioneer for the region’s innovation ecosystem, Bonz Hart was a loyal champion of RBTC and served in various leadership roles, including the first technology entrepreneur president. Bonz unselfishly gave his time and wisdom to other entrepreneurs, often resulting in significant results for those he counseled. RBTC members and friends closest to Bonz created an endowment that will continue Bonz Hart’s tremendous spirit and contribution to the Roanoke-Blacksburg technology community. The endowment funds The Hart of the Entrepreneur Impact Award which will be given to an outstanding entrepreneur in the region who can benefit greatly from a relatively small monetary award.

Nominate an Innovator

Nominations for this year’s TechNite Awards are now open. If you know an entrepreneur, educator, or company driving innovation in the Roanoke and New River Valley region, now is the time to recognize their impact.

Submit a nomination HERE.

Celebrate with Us

As VTCRC celebrates 40 years of innovation, we are proud to partner with organizations like RBTC that champion the entrepreneurs, educators, and companies shaping the future of technology in Virginia. TechNite reminds us that behind every breakthrough is a community of innovators working together to transform bold ideas into lasting impact.