Award Descriptions

• Tech Teacher of the Year

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Teacher of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade that recognizes the most innovative, dedicated, and inspiring educators in the realm of technology across Kansas. This award is given to an outstanding teacher who has demonstrated exceptional skill in integrating technology within the curriculum, engaging students in hands-on technological learning, and fostering a classroom environment that stimulates curiosity, innovation, and technological literacy.

  In addition to exhibiting personal dedication to their own professional development in technology, the awardee consistently pushes the boundaries of traditional teaching methods, and endeavors to prepare their students for a technology-driven world. They are recognized for their tireless efforts in bridging the digital divide, encouraging diversity and inclusion in technology education, and for their steadfast commitment to the development of the next generation of tech leaders in Kansas.

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Teacher of the Year embodies our shared belief that, by inspiring technological creativity and computational thinking, we are cultivating a brighter, more innovative future for Kansas. Through their exemplary work, they are not only shaping their students’ futures but are also contributing significantly to the state’s tech landscape.

  This award, given annually, reaffirms our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in tech education and acknowledges those individuals who lead the charge, lighting the way for others with their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to their students and their craft.

• Tech Student of the Year (K-12)

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Student of the Year Award is a distinguished recognition bestowed upon a student who has demonstrated exemplary dedication, innovation, and academic achievement in the field of technology in Kansas. This award recognizes not only academic excellence but also the individual’s commitment to applying technological knowledge to real-world challenges and their active participation in technology-related extracurricular activities or projects.

  This exceptional student has demonstrated a profound understanding of technology and its potential to drive positive change. They have shown the ability to think critically, problem solve creatively, and work collaboratively, often going above and beyond to explore the frontiers of technology, whether it’s through coding, robotics, cybersecurity, data science, or any other tech-related discipline.

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Student of the Year awardee is a trailblazer among their peers, setting a high standard of academic excellence and technological prowess. They not only excel in their own pursuits, but also inspire those around them, cultivating a culture of innovation, exploration, and technological curiosity in their academic environment.

  This annual award underlines our commitment to fostering and celebrating the achievements of our bright young minds. By recognizing the extraordinary potential in Kansas’s tech students today, we pave the way for their leadership in the tech industry tomorrow, ensuring a robust and innovative future for technology in Kansas.

• Tech Student of the Year (College)

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Student of the Year Award is a distinguished recognition bestowed upon a student who has demonstrated exemplary dedication, innovation, and academic achievement in the field of technology in Kansas. This award recognizes not only academic excellence but also the individual’s commitment to applying technological knowledge to real-world challenges and their active participation in technology-related extracurricular activities or projects.

  This exceptional student has demonstrated a profound understanding of technology and its potential to drive positive change. They have shown the ability to think critically, problem solve creatively, and work collaboratively, often going above and beyond to explore the frontiers of technology, whether it’s through coding, robotics, cybersecurity, data science, or any other tech-related discipline.

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Student of the Year awardee is a trailblazer among their peers, setting a high standard of academic excellence and technological prowess. They not only excel in their own pursuits, but also inspire those around them, cultivating a culture of innovation, exploration, and technological curiosity in their academic environment.

  This annual award underlines our commitment to fostering and celebrating the achievements of our bright young minds. By recognizing the extraordinary potential in Kansas’s tech students today, we pave the way for their leadership in the tech industry tomorrow, ensuring a robust and innovative future for technology in Kansas.

• Tech Visionary of the Year

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Visionary of the Year Award is a prestigious honor recognizing an individual or organization that has significantly contributed to the technological innovation and digital transformation in the state of Kansas. This distinguished award acknowledges visionaries turning ambitious visions into tangible realities.

  The recipient of this award demonstrates bold ideas, fearless risk-taking, and product creation driving growth of the tech industry in Kansas and with a measurable impact on the industry, society, and the economy at large. They embody the spirit of innovation, consistently breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and driving positive change.

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Visionary of the Year awardee is a beacon of inspiration for tech enthusiasts, budding entrepreneurs, and veteran experts alike. Their work lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs, stimulating growth, and competitiveness within Kansas’s tech industry.

  By honoring these trailblazers, this annual award serves to foster an environment of bold innovation, encouraging others to imagine, create, and revolutionize the technological landscape in Kansas and beyond.

• Tech Community Innovator of the Year

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Community Innovator Award is an esteemed honor that recognizes an individual, group, or organization that has significantly leveraged technology to uplift, empower, and transform communities within Kansas. This award celebrates those who are adept at harnessing the power of technology to address community issues, improve local quality of life, or create opportunities for community advancement.

  Recipients of this award display exemplary vision and commitment in implementing innovative tech solutions to address social, economic, educational, or environmental challenges. They have proven their ability to conceive and implement tech-driven projects or initiatives that foster inclusivity, enhance community engagement, and ultimately, contribute to the betterment of Kansas communities.

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Community Innovator awardee serves as a role model of how technology can be harnessed for social good, bridging the gap between technological advancement and community development. Their innovative endeavors create tangible change, fostering community resilience and progress while reflecting a deep understanding of the transformative potential of technology.

  With this annual award, we recognize and honor these tech visionaries who serve their communities, fostering a spirit of technological innovation for community empowerment and transformation. Their work serves as an inspiration for the next generation of community tech leaders, encouraging them to leverage the power of technology to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all Kansans.

• Tech Startup of the Year

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Startup of the Year Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon a newly established tech company in Kansas that has demonstrated exceptional innovation, market disruption, and rapid growth within the tech industry. This award recognizes startups that, despite their recent entry into the industry, have shown potential to shape the future of technology and have already made significant strides in their respective fields.

  The recipient of this award will have introduced a product, service, or business model that represents a significant innovation within the technology sector. Their offering will not only fulfill a market need, but also challenge the conventional, pushing boundaries and redefining expectations. Beyond this, they will have shown strong business acumen, building a sustainable and scalable operation marked by strong leadership and a vibrant company culture.

  The FlagshipKansas.Tech Startup of the Year has made substantial contributions to Kansas’ burgeoning tech scene, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities in the tech ecosystem. Their success tells a story of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, offering an inspiring blueprint for future tech entrepreneurs.

  This annual award celebrates the courage, ingenuity, and dynamic growth of these trailblazing companies. By highlighting their accomplishments, we aim to stimulate a thriving startup culture in Kansas, encouraging the birth of more innovative, disruptive tech businesses that can shape the future of technology in Kansas and beyond.