On May 7, the GeekWire Awards will honor the next influential players in Pacific Northwest technology at Showbox SoDo in Seattle. This year marks the 18th installment of the event, which celebrates innovation and entrepreneurial achievements within the region.
Among the finalists for the Next Tech Titan award are Overland AI, Carbon Robotics, Stoke Space, Chainguard, and MotherDuck. Overland AI specializes in autonomous systems for challenging terrains, collaborating closely with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The company has expanded significantly since its beginnings in 2022, now employing over 100 people and securing more than $140 million in funding.
Carbon Robotics, another contender, focuses on agricultural technology, creating AI-driven machines like the LaserWeeder, which utilizes computer vision and lasers to target weeds without chemicals. Last year's winner, Truveta, raised $320 million in 2025, boosting its valuation beyond $1 billion.
Community nominations determined this year's finalists, and voting for the Next Tech Titan will be open until April 16. Participants can cast their votes through the provided links.