The Technology Association of Georgia is now accepting applications for the 2016 “Top 40/Top 10 Innovative Companies in Georgia.”  Companies from the Greater Augusta Area along with others from across the state are urged to apply.
 
“This is an exciting opportunity for Augusta businesses to spotlight the work they are doing that is innovative in their respective fields,” said Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr.  “We have businesses large and small that are leveraging technology and the creative spirit to make it easier to deliver product to their customers and end users, to enhance operations and improve efficiency.  I encourage all Augusta businesses to consider completing the application and participating in this opportunity to spotlight the great work you are doing. “
 
The Greater Augusta Region is home to a number of technology and “tech-enabled” companies, colleges, government facilities and startups in industries such as Health IT, Transportation Technology, Energy and more. The region has the 2nd highest technology sector growth in Georgia and has ranked 3rd in the Nation on the Digital Cities list.
 
“Technology and innovation have always been a cornerstone of the economy in Augusta, Georgia.  Augusta is emerging as a hub for technology in the southeast, with new companies calling Augusta home and our existing companies being presented with new opportunities for growth,” said Scott Poag, Project Manager at the Augusta Economic Development Authority. “The TAG “Top 40” award is a great platform to showcase the achievements of Augusta businesses related to technology.”
 
The “Top 40” will be awarded based on specific criteria including: degree of innovation, scope and financial impact of innovation, likelihood of success, and promotion of Georgia’s innovative efforts nationally and internationally. Eligible companies will be Georgia based and focused on the development and dissemination of technology.
 
“The Greater Augusta Region is a hot bed of innovation and technology based growth," said Robbie Bennett, Executive Director at the Development Authority of Columbia County. “There are many growing companies and entrepreneurs in our region that have the opportunity to accomplish great things through innovation.  I encourage all of the technology companies in our region to apply to be part of the 2016 Top 40/Top 10 Innovative Companies in Georgia.”
 
Companies selected for the “Top 40″ will be showcased in an exhibition at the 2016 Georgia Technology Summit (GTS), which is expected to draw the state’s technology leaders. The “Top 10” most innovative technology companies will be chosen from among the “Top 40″.
 
“Top 10” Companies will be asked to present at the 2016 Georgia Technology Summit, which will be held Thursday, March 17th at the Cobb Galleria Center.
 
The 2016 Georgia Technology Summit is expected to draw a crowd of more than 1,300 C-level executives, entrepreneurs, technology professionals and academia to celebrate and recognize Georgia’s technology community. In addition to presentations from some of the top technology influencers in the nation, the newest member of the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia will be inducted.
 
Interested companies from across the state have until January 29, 2016 to apply to be considered for this annual award which recognizes Georgia’s best and brightest.