The 2009 i xchange networking and Innovation Awards event drew more than 600 technology entrepreneurs, business people, venture capitalists, economic developers, political leaders, and regional influencers from Ben Franklin’s 21-county service area.

The i xchange combined the presentation of Ben Franklin’s fifteenth annual Innovation Awards and executive networking sessions with a keynote address by Jeff DeGraff, who is known as the “guru to the innovation guru” at Fortune 500 companies. Awards were presented in eight categories, to companies, organizations, or individuals who have achieved business success through Ben Franklin, have helped others to achieve success, or who have improved their business through innovation.

Click each picture below for a larger view.

Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, Solid Cactus

Past Innovation Award Winners

Academic Partner Award, Dale Falcinelli

i xchange 2009: What exactly is "innovation"?

Incubator Graduate Award, Right Reason Technologies

Keynote Speaker Jeff DeGraff, the "innovation guru"

Product Innovation Award, Saladax Biomedical

The lobby of Zoellner Arts Center during i xchange 2009

Innovative Application of Technology Award, Diversified Information Technologies

Keynote speaker Jeff DeGraff

Manufacturing Achievement Award, United Corrstack

Event host R. Chadwick Paul, President & CEO, BFTP/NEP

Entrepreneurial Advocate Award, CEO & Stuff

Ben Franklin, American Innovator

Special Achievement Award, Ellen Horan