26th TACNY Celebration of Technology Banquet 2026

TACNY is pleased to announce the 2026 Celebration of Technology Award winners for outstanding STEAM individuals, projects, activities, and achievements during 2025!

The winners, award categories, and criteria:

• Zebo Qiu (Lockheed Martin): TECHNOLOGIST OF THE YEAR – A resident of Central New York who has made recent outstanding contributions to advances and improvements in a STEAM field, not limited to engineering.
• Dr. Changmin Shi (Syracuse University): YOUNG TECHNOLOGIST OF THE YEAR – resident of Central New York, 35 years old or less, who has made recent outstanding contributions to advances and improvements in a STEAM field.
• Scarab Vase (Budmen Industries): STEAM PROJECT OF THE YEAR – A current outstanding technology project, invention, or process designed, invented, or constructed in Central New York.
• Flox Intelligence: STEAM COMPANY OF THE YEAR – A Central New York technology company that has created new or innovative products, processing technologies, or productivity leading to enhanced business.
• John Trimmer (Syracuse University): COLLEGE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – An educator who has made outstanding contributions in STEAM Education at the college level in Central New York.
• Scott Macomber (ESM CSD): HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – An educator (Grades 9-12), not necessarily a teacher, who has made outstanding contributions in STEAM Education at the high school level in Central New York.
• Susanne Sobon (ESM CSD): ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – An educator (Grades K-8), not necessarily a teacher, who has made outstanding contributions in STEAM Education at the elementary or middle school level in Central New York.
• Scott Sellers (Syracuse Rocket Club): STEAM OUTREACH, INDIVIDUAL – A resident of Central New York who has increased interest in science or technology or expanded opportunities for people with limited access to science or technology.
• SustainCNY: STEAM OUTREACH, ORGANIZATION – An organization in Central New York that has increased interest in science or technology or expanded opportunities for people with limited access to science or technology.
• Lea Williams (Manlius Pebble Hill): PROMISING YOUNG TECHNOLOGIST – Special Award
• Charles T. Driscoll: LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The winners and their guest will be TACNY’s guest at the Banquet to be held at Drumlins on Monday, November 2, 2026. Our keynote speaker is Jeff Knauss, CEO and Co-Founder of Arcovo AI. Please join us as we honor these outstanding achievements!