Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Finalists Announced for the 2026 Prometheus Awards

Finalists Announced for the 2026 Prometheus Awards

DES MOINES, Iowa (September 16, 2026) — The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) today announced the finalists for the 2026 Prometheus Awards, recognizing the people, companies, and innovations making an impact across Iowa’s technology ecosystem.

The Prometheus Awards bring together technology leaders, innovators, educators, public officials, and community partners from across the state for Iowa tech’s biggest night.

This year, finalists were selected across award categories representing a broad range of companies, professionals, and technology achievements. From emerging startups and breakthrough applications of AI to enterprise leadership, cybersecurity, data, manufacturing, and company culture, the finalists reflect the depth and momentum of Iowa’s technology community.

“The Prometheus Awards are more than an opportunity to recognize great work. They are Iowa technology’s biggest stage,” said Brian Waller, President of the Technology Association of Iowa. “This is the moment when the people, companies, and innovations shaping our state’s future are most visible. This year’s finalists show the depth of talent and momentum across Iowa, and we’re proud to bring that story together in one room.”

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Prometheus Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Community Choice Convention Center in Des Moines.

The event will bring together hundreds of leaders from across Iowa’s technology and business communities to recognize this year’s finalists and celebrate the people and organizations helping move Iowa forward.

Tickets and tables are available for purchase here.

Finalists in each category are:

Startup Technology Company of the Year
→ Ama AI
→ NeuroPred, Inc.
→ Poultry Patrol
→ Prodigy Labs, Inc.
→ Renewabl Furniture Inc

IT Service Provider Technology Company of the Year
→ Aureon
→ Lean TECHniques
→ Myriad Advisor Solutions
→ Source Allies
→ Trility Consulting
→ US Signal

Manufacturing Innovation of the Year
→ Accumold
→ Fareway Stores, Inc.
→ Pella Corporation
→ Vermeer Corporation
→ Wells Enterprises, Inc.

Outstanding UX/CX Achievement of the Year
→ Akkodis
→ Casey’s
→ EMC Insurance Companies
→ Roboflow
→ Zirous

AI Breakthrough of the Year
→ Claimable, Inc.
→ ITA Group, Inc.
→ NeuroPred, Inc.
→ Pella Corporation
→ Workiva

Data Solution of the Year
→ Benchmark, Inc.
→ General Dynamics Information Technology
→ Principal Financial Group
→ Roboflow
→ Workiva

Best Technology Company Culture of the Year
→ American Equity
→ ITA Group, inc.
→ Source Allies
→ VGM Forbin
→ Wellabe

Next-Gen Tech Professional of the Year
→ Folashade Agbaje, Casey’s
→ Drew Buchta, Farm Bureau Financial Services
→ Aaron Hibben,VGM Group Inc.
→ Nick McDonnell, Benchmark, Inc.
→ Kayla Tan, Tractor Zoom
→ Bryce Teff, Fareway Stores, Inc.

Emerging Technology Leader of the Year
→ Amy Harbert, Workiva
→ Spenser Hardin, Principal Financial Group
→ Jordan Fitzsimmons, Casey’s
→ Andrew Slagle, ITA Group, inc.
→ Carlos Torres, Pella Corporation
→ David Ziemann, LaunchDarkly

CISO of the Year
→ John Baldwin, Pella Corporation
→ Brandon Blankenship, ProCircular
→ Corey Melhus, Fareway Stores
→ Paul Mocarski, Sammons Financial Group
→ Ryan Wood, VGM Group Inc.

CIO/CTO of the Year
→ Karmen Dillon, University of Northern Iowa
→ Jason Katcher, ITA Group Inc.
→ Nathan Kerns, Fareway Stores, Inc.
→ Brianne Schulte, Vermeer Corporation
→ Travis Turnbull, Pella Corporation

Growth Technology Company of the Year
→ Bound
→ Claimable, Inc.
→ ConstructEdge
→ Orbit Farm Technologies
→ Tractor Zoom

Enterprise Technology Company of the Year
→ Athene
→ Casey’s
→ Sammons Financial Group
→ Velera
→ Wellabe

The Prometheus Awards are proudly supported by:

Presenting Sponsor: UHY

Preferred Event Production Provider: Bow & Arrow Communications

Tech Community of the Year Sponsor: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

Award Sponsors: Carrier Access, Inc., CIRAS, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., Fortinet, Lean TECHniques, Next Level Ventures, Nyemaster Goode, P.C., Source Allies, Trility Consulting

Partner Sponsors: Google, SHAZAM, Zirous

Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Tyler Wyngarden, VP of Strategic Partnerships at tyler@technologyiowa.org

About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI)

The Technology Association of Iowa guides public policy, develops talent, and invests in our state’s innovation ecosystem. Since 1997, we’ve united technology professionals and leaders to bolster economic prosperity across industries. Our members champion a clear truth: Technology is the cornerstone of Iowa’s growth — and innovation is every Iowan’s business.

Get involved at technologyiowa.org and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Nick Donovan
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Technology Association of Iowa
nick@technologyiowa.org

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