Tech and industry leaders from around Iowa gathered in downtown Des Moines Thursday evening to celebrate the Technology Association of Iowa’s 20th annual Prometheus Awards.

Brian Waller, president of TAI, said there was a record number of nominations this year.

“That’s proof of what’s happening here,” he said. “That’s proof that innovation in Iowa is not theoretical. It’s happening in factories, in command centers, in hospitals, in classrooms, in farms, in data centers, and startups, in Fortune 500 decision rooms.”

He said IT is no longer in the “back office.”

“Technology is in the boardroom,” he said. “It’s driving strategy, and it’s the cornerstone of Iowa’s growth.”

The following are the 2025 winners announced at last night’s ceremony:

Startup Technology Company: Tumbleweed

IT Service Provider Technology Company: Lean TECHniques

Manufacturing Innovation: Sukup Manufacturing Co.

Outstanding UX/CX Achievement: Claimable

AI Breakthrough: Pella Corp.

Data Solution: Wellabe

UHY Impact Award: Technology Association of Iowa

Technology Community of the Year: Quad Cities

Best Technology Company Culture: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Next-Gen Tech Professional: Matthew Wharff, ITA Group

Emerging Technology Leader: Zach Lane, Fareway Stores Inc.

CISO of the Year: Paul Suarez, Casey’s

CIO/CTO of the Year: Brad Rasmussen, Merchants Bonding Co.

Small-Medium Iowa Technology Company: Growers Edge

Principal Large Iowa Technology Company: Vermeer Corp.