NCW Tech Alliance Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation, Announces 2026 Innovator Awards Winners
Five awards recognizing innovators in technology adoption, STEM education, and entrepreneurship, and Native Network COO Jenny Rickel was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
WENATCHEE, WA — NCW Tech Alliance celebrated 25 years of regional innovation at its annual Innovator Awards Luncheon on Nov. 3 at the Wenatchee Convention Center. The event brought together 350+ business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, students and community partners to recognize five award winners and honor longtime technology and entrepreneurship champion Jenny Rickel with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Over the past 25 years, the Innovator Awards have recognized more than 120 individuals and organizations whose leadership, creativity and achievements have helped shape North Central Washington's innovation ecosystem. This year's celebration marked the program's 25th anniversary and reflected on the partnerships, investments and opportunities that continue to help innovation thrive across the region. This year's celebration opened with a 25th anniversary video honoring past innovators, while individual finalist videos showcased this year's nominees and their accomplishments. All videos were produced by P2X Studio, bringing the stories of innovation across the region to life.
"There is something incredibly meaningful about being recognized as an innovator by your own community," said Dr. Sue Kane, CEO of NCW Tech Alliance. "These awards celebrate remarkable achievements, but they also tell a larger story about the people, partnerships, and ideas shaping the future of North Central Washington. For 25 years, the Innovator Awards have helped us recognize not only what has been accomplished, but what's possible when communities invest in opportunity and innovation."
2026 Innovator Awards Winners
K–12 Future Technology Leader of the Year: Elliot Tiegel, Cascade High School
Presented by Seattle Children's
Cascade High School senior Elliot Tiegel was recognized for developing OhmLife Insoles, a concept designed to generate electricity from the movement and pressure of walking. His innovation explores turning everyday motion into portable power for electronic devices. Tiegel also earned the Fan Favorite Award and $500 at the inaugural Flywheel Student Pitch Competition.
STEM College Innovator of the Year: Monica Oropeza Rojas, Wenatchee Valley College
Presented by Student Energy Managers (SEM)
Wenatchee Valley College student Monica Oropeza Rojas was recognized for her contributions to research addressing X-disease, a serious threat to Washington's cherry industry. Working alongside researchers at Washington State University's Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center, she has explored drip irrigation practices, orchard health and disease-vector management, contributing to research with potential benefits for Central Washington growers.
STEM Champion of the Year: Dr. Ryan Christoph, Omak School District
Presented by Port of Moses Lake
Dr. Ryan Christoph was honored for expanding STEM education and career-connected learning opportunities in the Omak School District. Through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, Christoph has helped broaden hands-on learning and career pathways in robotics, engineering, computer science, aviation and skilled trades, connecting classroom education with future workforce opportunities.
Newcomer in Technology / Innovative Use of Technology in Business: RiverCom 911
Presented by Central Washington University
RiverCom 911 was recognized for modernizing emergency communications and public safety technology across Chelan and Douglas counties. Serving 23 law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services agencies, RiverCom has invested in upgraded dispatch systems, mapping capabilities and communications infrastructure to strengthen emergency response throughout the region.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Kelli and Adam Rynd, Woodin Enterprises
Presented by Key Methods
Kelli and Adam Rynd were recognized for building Woodin Enterprises into a growing, multi-brand retail business. Beginning with the original Lake Life storefront in downtown Chelan, the Rynds have expanded through investments in e-commerce, digital marketing and operational systems that support multiple brands and locations, creating jobs and strengthening local economies.
Lifetime Achievement Award
NCW Tech Alliance also recognized Jenny Rickel with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding leadership, mentorship and contributions to the region's technology and entrepreneurship community.
Rickel served as board president of NCW Tech Alliance, formerly known as the Greater Wenatchee Area Technology Alliance (GWATA), from 2007 to 2015. A longtime advocate for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, she has helped cultivate the region's innovation ecosystem through her leadership, mentorship and commitment to connecting founders with resources and opportunities. Rickel has also been a familiar presence at the Innovator Awards, serving as emcee for the celebration numerous times throughout its history.
About NCW Tech Alliance
Since 1999, NCW Tech Alliance has served as the region's tech alliance, championing growth and development in North Central Washington. As a 501(c)3, NCW Tech Alliance's mission is to bring people and technology together through skilling and workforce development, technology adoption, and entrepreneurship in North Central Washington. We are passionate about digital transformation and access in rural Washington so people can live and work in the communities they love. We offer high-quality programs that inspire, empower, and connect our community. For more information visit www.ncwtech.org.
Media Contact
David Mabee David@ncwtech.org www.ncwtech.org