Three Chattanooga area companies have been selected as finalists for the 2013 Spirit of Innovation Award, which the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will present at its 13th Annual Spirit of Innovation Luncheon Nov. 13. All finalists will be honored during the event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
An Innovation Fair highlighting forward-thinking local businesses will begin at 11 a.m. in the room adjacent to the luncheon hall.
Spirit of Innovation was the first regionally-based innovation awards program and remains one of the only events designed to promote and foster cutting-edge business activities in a specific geographic area. The award recognizes companies for innovative products, services and ways of doing business in the Chattanooga region. This year’s honorees are Card-Monroe Corp., Quickcue, LLC and Variable, Inc.
Along with the Spirit of Innovation Award presentation, the Chattanooga Technology Council will name the winners of the Early Innovator Award, which honors emerging technology-based companies that have produced a groundbreaking prototype product or beta-stage software application that represents the potential for a significant competitive advantage.
Dr. Katharine Frase, vice president and chief technology officer for IBM Public Sector, will deliver the keynote address at the luncheon. Widely recognized as an industry thought leader, Dr. Frase guides IBM and its clients in creating public sector solutions through the application of technology and innovation. Her leadership extends to areas ranging from government and life sciences to cities, education and health care.
Dr. Frase’s history with IBM includes serving as the former vice president of Industry Solutions Research, where she developed industry-focused transformation strategies and assisted with the application of IBM Watson Technologies and Smarter Planet solutions. She also previously held roles in IBM Microelectronics, as well as technical and business strategy positions supporting the company’s software business.
Combined with her sharp insights into public sector opportunities, Dr. Frase’s broad professional background has made her a much sought-after voice among a number of external audiences. She currently serves as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and the IBM Academy of Technology, among several other prestigious committees and boards.