Last night, the Providence Business News (PBN) and Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) presented the Rhode Island Innovation Awards for innovation leadership. Tech Collective's Tech Laureates were also recognized for promoting community building and workforce development.

Innovation Awards winners include:

• Innovation Champion (for an organization): The Slater Technology Fund, the state-backed venture capital firm supporting local technology startups and expansions.
• Rising Star: Matt Grigsby, founder and principal of Design Awareness, for his efforts as co-founder of Ecolect to develop a free Web site that will help builders and designers find sustainable materials
• Innovation Champions (for individuals): Brian Jepson and Jack Templin, for establishing the Providence Geeks, a networking group for the local tech community.

Tech Laureates include:

• Advancement of Youth in Technology: Lianna (Lee) Fenton, an education consultant and former special-education teacher who developed the U.S. FIRST robotics program now active at five high schools in Rhode Island.
• Exceptional Community Building Partner: The Providence Geeks.