Each year, SSTI recognizes initiatives that greatly impact state and regional economies through a national competition showcasing effective and innovative approaches to building tech-based economies.

The Excellence in TBED Awards are presented to organizations demonstrating successful local, state and regional efforts across six categories:

• Expanding the Research Capacity
• Commercializing Research
• Building Entrepreneurial Capacity
• Increasing Access to Capital
• Improving Competitiveness of Existing Industries
• Most Promising TBED Initiative

Download the awards brochure to learn more about the program.

*** Download writing samples from past winners ***

Register to participate in the June 5 informational call with Dan Berglund.

How to Apply

Step 1: Download the awards brochure

Step 2: Review the category descriptions, entry guidelines and evaluation criteria. Don't forget to check out the application guidelines on page 6 for helpful hints from past judges.

Step 3: Fill out the registration form and upload your five-page narrative (PDF or Word document) by July 19. You will have the option to pay the entry fee by credit card or send a check. Checks should be mailed to: SSTI, 5015 Pine Creek Drive, Westerville, OH 43081.

Questions? Contact Rhiannon Skipper at 614.901.1690

Most Promising!

While the Awards program was designed to celebrate long standing achievement with winners serving as models for other states and regions to replicate, SSTI also recognizes the value in showcasing promising initiatives that are newer. Through strategic partnerships, leveraged resources, and diversified funding, the Most Promising TBED Initiative has "all the pieces of the puzzle," but hasn't been around long enough to demonstrate the type of impact SSTI generally seeks in an Excellence in TBED Award winner. Scoring is heavily weighted on innovativeness, transferability and partnerships.

Why Apply?

• As a recipient of the Excellence in TBED Award, your initiative represents a standard of excellence that has been recognized by your peers through a competitive selection process.
• External validation through an Excellence in TBED Award certifies the superior quality of your initiative, lending independent credentials to your program as your stakeholders consider future investments.
• The Excellence in TBED Award identifies your initiative as a best practice worthy of emulation and can be used as a promotional tool in marketing, recruitment and outreach efforts.

Who is Eligible?

Any TBED program or practitioner is eligible to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, colleges and universities, federal agencies and labs, industry associations, economic development councils, and other organizations that promote innovation and technology-based economic development.

Entry Fees

$75 SSTI Members
$95 Non-members