RSVP for the PYA Ballard Innovation Award on Wednesday, April 16
It's an exciting year, as six companies are set to take the stage next Wednesday for the annual pitch competition.
On behalf of PYA, teknovation.biz would like to welcome all our readers to the 5th Annual PYA Ballard Innovation Award. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the award, PYA has selected six of the most promising, fastest-scaling, innovative companies in East Tennessee to pitch their businesses to an esteemed judging panel and engaged audience. RSVP for the event here.
Who will be pitching?
Already, PYA has received feedback that the “top finalists” are “top-tier.” And, we agree. It’s going to be a tough battle for the top prize of $50,000 in cash and in-kind services.
On Monday, March 31, PYA and teknovation.biz announced the finalists. Click on the image below to learn more about the six companies.
Who will be judging?
The judging panel for the 2025 pitch competition is made up of five highly successful business leaders in the Knoxville community.
The judges include Patricia Bible, the Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KaTom Restaurant Supply, Inc., Billy Carroll, the President and CEO of SmartBank, Shannon Harper, the President and Dealer Principal of Harper Auto Square, Pierce LaMacchia the Co-founder and Owner of K Brew, and Cynthia Gibson, the General Counsel for Bush Brothers & Company.
What is the schedule?
3:00 p.m. Arrival and Greetings.
3:15 p.m. Opening Remarks.
3:30 p.m. Pitch Competition Begins.
4:30 p.m. Fireside Chat About Regional Investment, Moderated by Tom Ballard.
4:50 p.m. Winners of the 2025 Ballard Innovation Award are Announced.
5:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception and Celebration Begins.
Do you need to RSVP?
RSVPs are highly encouraged. This will allow the PYA team to adequately prepare the right amount of drinks, food, seating, and name tags. Feel free to share the invitation for the Ballard Award with friends, family, business colleagues, and community partners. PYA is anticipating the largest turnout ever, and hopes to show a lot of support for East Tennessee’s fastest-scaling companies. The RSVP form will remain open until the evening of April 15.
RSVP for the pitch competition and award ceremony here.
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