More than 600 leaders from Maryland’s technology and life sciences community gathered for the Maryland Tech Council’s 38th annual Industry Awards Celebration, recognizing the executives, companies, innovators, educators, and organizations shaping the future of the state’s innovation economy.
Held under this year’s “Starry Night” theme, the 2026 ICON Awards celebrated groundbreaking achievements across life sciences, technology, government contracting, STEM education, and entrepreneurship.
“The 2026 ICON Award winners represent the very best of Maryland’s innovation economy,” said Kelly Schulz, Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland Tech Council. “These leaders and organizations are developing groundbreaking technologies, advancing healthcare solutions, strengthening national security, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
Here’s a look at this year’s winners:
CEO Awards
- Life Sciences CEO of the Year — Maher Masoud, CEO, MaxCyte
- Technology CEO of the Year — David Kaspary, CEO, MidPoint Technology Group
- Government Contracting CEO of the Year — Josh Araujo, CEO, Forterra
C-Suite Awards
- Life Sciences C-Suite Executive of the Year — Hanne Andersen Elyard, President and CSO, BIOQUAL
- Technology C-Suite Executive of the Year — Denise Garcia, CLO, Floreo
- Government Contracting C-Suite Executive of the Year — David Goldstein, CFO, Red Alpha
Company Awards
- Life Sciences Company of the Year — Bora Pharmaceuticals
- Technology Company of the Year — Advantage.Tech
- Government Contracting Company of the Year — Coforma
Innovation Company Awards
- Life Sciences Innovation of the Year — Clym Environmental Services
- Technology Innovation of the Year — Orases
Emerging Company Awards
- Emerging Life Sciences Company of the Year — TrilliumBiO
- Emerging Technology Company of the Year — Dwellwell Analytics
- Emerging Government Contracting Company of the Year — Secom Security Technologies
Special Recognition Awards
- Pava LaPere Young Innovator of the Year — Mantej Singh, CTO, Modelus
- Investor of the Year — DataTribe
- Deal of the Year — Kite, a Gilead Company
- STEM Educator of the Year — Charm Redden, Robert Frost Middle School
- ARE STEM Scholars Award Winners — Caleb Yudt, Emmanuel Galia III, Katherine Andrade, and Rachael Omotosho
- Legislators of the Year — Senator Nancy King and Delegate Stephanie Smith
- Professional Services Award — Duckpin
- Volunteers of the Year — Doug Bane, Dusty Rood, and Julie Oberg
The annual celebration continues to highlight Maryland’s position as one of the nation’s leading hubs for biotechnology, technology innovation, cybersecurity, healthcare advancement, and government contracting excellence.
As the state’s innovation ecosystem continues to grow, the ICON Awards remain one of the region’s premier events recognizing the people and organizations driving meaningful impact across industry, research, workforce development, and community leadership.
About the Maryland Tech Council
The Maryland Tech Council (MTC) is a collaborative community that is actively engaged in building strong technology and life science industries by supporting the efforts of our individual members. MTC is the largest technology trade association in the state of Maryland with over 800 members, and they provide value by giving a forum to learn, share, and connect. The valuable resources they provide to their members help them reach their full potential as vital members of their communities.
