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2026 Info-Tech Awards: Recognizing IT Leaders and Organizations for Innovation and Business Impact

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Info-Tech Research Group’s annual awards program recognizes achievements in IT performance, organizational transformation, and technology leadership across five categories. The 2026 recipients span the public and private sectors, highlighting IT’s role in improving operations, meeting business priorities, and developing future leaders.

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ — Info-Tech Research Group has announced the winners of its 2026 Info-Tech Awards. This year’s program names 68 award recipients worldwide for their achievements in IT leadership, innovation, and organizational performance.

The annual awards program recognizes organizational innovation through the Innovator of the Year category and individual leadership through four distinct Leader of the Year categories: Women Leading IT, IT Transformation, IT Excellence, and IT Impact. The evaluation process draws on diagnostic data, nomination forms, and interviews, with criteria specific to each category.

“IT leaders earn credibility when the value they deliver is clear to the rest of the business,” says Info-Tech Research Group’s Chief Global Services Officer, Hannes Scheidegger. “That can mean stronger service, more effective operations, or a new way to solve a longstanding problem. This year’s Info-Tech Awards winners demonstrate the leadership and follow-through needed to make those improvements happen, and we’re proud to recognize their achievements.”

The Info-Tech Awards spotlight the success and impact of recipients from organizations that vary in size, sector, and operating environment. The program includes North American divisions for large and enterprise organizations and for small and medium organizations, as well as a Global division for recipients outside North America. This year’s winners reflect the international reach of the awards and the contributions of IT leaders and teams across both public and private sector organizations.

2026 Info-Tech Awards Winners
The 2026 award recipients represent multiple industries, including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and higher education, as well as government and public services. Their recognition spans technology initiatives that address business challenges, measurable improvements in IT processes and stakeholder satisfaction, and leadership that advances women in technology.

Across the five award categories, the winners have demonstrated how effective IT leadership contributes to organizational performance and the continued evolution of the profession.

2026 Innovator of the Year Award
The Innovator of the Year Award recognizes organizations that deliver impactful, technology-driven initiatives to solve business challenges, improve efficiency, and set new standards for innovation.

The following organizations have been named recipients for 2026:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionFirst Student (USA)The Regional Municipality of Durham (Canada)General Dynamics Mission Systems (USA)State of Minnesota – Minnesota Department of Human Services (USA)New York Life Insurance Company (USA)North America – Small and Medium DivisionWhatfix (USA)Vituity (USA)tZERO (USA)Datamotive (USA)Forte Group (USA)GlobalECH Inc. (APAC)Lewis Silkin (EMEA)CTM360 (EMEA)South East Water (APAC)

2026 Women Leading IT Award
The Women Leading IT Award celebrates women who demonstrate innovation, inclusive leadership, and mentorship within their organizations and across the broader industry, helping to shape the next generation of leaders.

This year’s honorees are:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionAlisha Garrett, Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer, Utah Transit Authority (USA)Priya Nair, Manager of Customer Support and Training, Aspen Tech, an Emerson Company (USA)Priya Udeshi, Senior Director, IT PMO & Chief of Staff, MongoDB (USA)Hina Gandhi, Software Engineering Technical Leader, Cisco (USA)Anh Selissen, Chief Information Officer, Texas Department of Transportation (USA)Robin Alexander, VP, Global Technology Organization, Mattel, Inc. (USA)Sarah Vlasic, VP of Enterprise Data and AI Workforce Productivity, Vertex Inc. (USA)Andrea Savage, Lead Executive, Data Strategy, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (USA)Dawn Borent, Head of Retirement Technology Transformation, Manulife (Canada)North America – Small and Medium DivisionAnn Mengelson-Clark, Chief Information & Technology Officer, Kuvare (USA)Karen D’Amico, IT Director, DeVry University (USA)Deborah Duran, Data Science Advisor & Director, National Institutes of Health (USA)Lisa Faison, Chief Information Officer, City of Goodyear (USA)Jaya Srinivasan, CISO, M Financial Group (USA)GlobalNeena Goel, Group Vice President – DPO, Comviva (APAC)Radhika Chennakeshavula, CIO, Silicon Labs (APAC)Kerrie Woods, Director, R&D Clinical Informatics Portfolio, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (EMEA)Nthabiseng Mosupye, CITO, Rand Water (EMEA)Liubov Shchigoleva, Chief of Operations, Qualtir (APAC)

2026 IT Transformation Award
The IT Transformation Award recognizes IT leaders who implemented strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals and achieved measurable results using Info-Tech’s CIO Playbook.

The following leaders have earned recognition for their transformation achievements in 2026:

North AmericaSherif Youssef, VP, Enterprise Architect, Cathay Bank (USA)David Blum, Chief Information Officer, United Wheels (USA)Chris LeLeux, Chief Information Officer / GM of IT, Colorado Springs Utilities (USA)Guillermo Garcia, Vice President, Information Technology, TMEIC (USA)George McNulty, Chief Business Technology Officer, State Medicaid CIO, State of Minnesota (USA)Robert Sprinkle, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Florida State University (USA)John Burris, Chief Information Officer, Southeastern Louisiana University (USA)GlobalAlex Bazin, COO and CTO, Lewis Silkin (EMEA)

2026 IT Excellence Award
The IT Excellence Award honors leaders who have demonstrated measurable improvements in IT processes and operational effectiveness, based on progress between assessments in Info-Tech’s IT Management & Governance Diagnostic.

The 2026 award recipients are:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionDaniel Christenson, Director IT Infrastructure, Kubota Tractor Corporation (USA)Dr. Monique Sendze, Vice President for Information Technology and CIO, California State University, Chico (USA)Medhanie Tekeste, Chief Information Officer, City of Brampton (Canada)Pierre-Luc Simard, Vice President Information Technology, Premier Tech (Canada)North America – Small and Medium DivisionChad Ulland, Senior Manager, Information Technology & Enterprise Cybersecurity, Minnkota Power Cooperative (USA)Jassi Kaur, Chief Information Officer, Yorkville University (Canada)Ronald McKenzie, CIO/IT Director, Information Technology Services, City of Fort Lauderdale (USA)Eddie Huebsch, Business Solutions, Senior Manager, Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc. (USA)Abdoul Kabaou, Chief Information Officer, City of Little Rock (USA)GlobalJosh Bovell, Chief Information Officer, Private Company (APAC)Esteban Remecz, Chief Information Officer, VP Information Technology & Digital, Maxion Wheels (EMEA)Nikunj Mandlas, Chief Information Officer, Department for Child Protection, South Australia (APAC)Barry Wiech, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Hastings Deering (APAC)Mark Bancroft, Head of IT, Ricoh Australia (APAC)

2026 IT Impact Award
The following leaders have been recognized for their achievements in this category:

North America – Large and Enterprise DivisionAJ Grande, Sr. Director, Enterprise Technology, Suns Legacy Partners (USA)Marlen Bogan, Chief Technology Officer, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (USA)Behzad Zamanian, Chief Information Officer, Washoe County, Nevada (USA)North America – Small and Medium DivisionAndrew Harsha, Chief Technology Officer, MSD Lawrence Township (USA)Suzanne Barnes, Chief Information Officer, American Mathematical Society (USA)Clayton von Helf, Information Systems Manager, City of Palm Desert (USA)Troy Cole, Information Technology Director, Montgomery County, Virginia (USA)Jason Frame, Chief Information Officer, Southern Nevada Health District (USA)Global Sean Carritt, Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure NSW (APAC)Artwell Bernard, Chief Information Officer, Bank of Jamaica (LATAM)Nick Garland, Group General Manager, Technology, HUB24 Limited (APAC)Sarah S. Alamri, Senior Officer – IT Strategy & Innovation, Arab National Bank (EMEA)Jacob Johnson, Head of Technology & Digital, Settlement Services International Limited (APAC)

For more information about the Info-Tech Awards and the complete list of winners, please visit the 2026 Info-Tech Awards page.

To request interviews or expert commentary from Info-Tech’s experts on the awards program or the evolving role of IT leadership and innovation, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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Saab presents first GlobalEye for Sweden

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Saab has presented the first GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft ordered by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the Swedish Air Force.

With GlobalEye, Sweden will gain a highly advanced airborne early warning and control capability, providing the information advantage needed to support timely decision-making and effective operations. The system delivers long-range surveillance and a comprehensive operational picture across the air, land and maritime domains, strengthening Sweden’s defence capability and enhancing national security.

“The presentation of Sweden’s first GlobalEye marks an important milestone for both Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces. As the programme progresses towards delivery, GlobalEye will provide Sweden with a powerful capability for airborne surveillance and situational awareness,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

The aircraft will now enter a phase of testing and verification ahead of its first flight and subsequent delivery to the customer.

Sweden has ordered three GlobalEye aircraft from Saab. The first two aircraft were contracted by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in 2022, with an option for additional aircraft, and a third GlobalEye was ordered in 2024. 

GlobalEye is an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution with an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea and over land. By providing real-time information to units in air forces, armies and navies, GlobalEye enables enhanced understanding of the operational environment and early detection of threats.  

Contact

Saab Press Centre
+46 (0)734 180 018
presscentre@saabgroup.com 

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 29,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Rokid Opens the World’s First Self-Service AI Glasses Experience Store at Hong Kong’s Harbour City

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HONG KONG, Oct. 15, 2026 /CNW/ — Rokid, a global pioneer in AI-powered smart eyewear and human-computer interaction, today announced the opening of a new flagship store at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. As the world’s first unmanned AI glasses experience store, it combines self-directed product demos with automated checkout to let visitors freely experience and purchase Rokid’s AI glasses at their leisure.

“Through our experience store at Harbour City, Rokid aims to reach both Hong Kong shoppers and visitors from around the world,” said Zoro Shao, Vice President and Global General Manager of Rokid, “Hong Kong’s identity as an international business hub also provides a new launch point for the company’s expansion across Asia-Pacific and other global markets. Along with expanding online product availability, we are seeking new ways to offer hands-on experiences to consumers.”

An immersive and relaxing way to experience Rokid Glasses for global shoppers

The store features eight experience zones to provide tactile hands-on product demos. Visitors can wear the Rokid Glasses and see how its real-time translation, AI answers, navigation, media capture, visual search, and other AI-powered features appear on the waveguide display in the lens. The entire experience, from testing to purchasing, is entirely self-service, which offers a leisurely and fast shopping experience.

Celebration events and prizes

To celebrate the opening, the first 500 customers who purchase Rokid Glasses at the store will receive a complimentary Rokid Joy Pack entertainment bundle (valued at HK$4,688) along with a limited-edition Rokid souvenir. The Rokid Joy Pack combines Rokid Max AR glasses with Rokid Station, a portable entertainment device with built-in Android TV for streaming content and games.

Through Oct. 31, 2026, customers who purchase Rokid Glasses through participating Hong Kong sales channels can also receive a complimentary Rokid Joy Pack and a limited-edition souvenir, while supplies last. Other event prizes include tote bag, Rokid Glasses carrying pouch, and Bluetooth keycap accessory.

Participating channels include Rokid’s official Hong Kong website, Broadway, csl, Fortress, Mobo+, Nobletime, Optical 88, SOGO, and Wilson Communications.

Another chapter in Rokid’s global success

The new store opening in a central international hub inks another chapter in the company’s milestones list. In September, Counterpoint Research ranked Rokid No. 1 worldwide in the AR and AI Glasses segment by shipment share in H1 2026. In the same month, Rokid strengthened its offerings globally by launching its AIUI Studio Development Environment worldwide, greatly accelerating the variety and speed at which spatial smart glasses experiences can be made.

Store location

Shop 323A, Level 3, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, 3–27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

About Rokid

Founded in 2014, Rokid is a global pioneer in augmented reality (AR) and AI, creating human-centered smart glasses that integrate intelligence seamlessly into everyday life. The company has introduced a range of innovations across AI and AR hardware, including the first open AI ecosystem for wearables, dual-chip architecture, multilingual voice interaction, intuitive AI shortcuts, and mass-produced smart glasses with display capabilities.

Learn more at global.rokid.com

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Sandbox VR to Open First New York City Location in Times Square, Marking 100th Location Milestone

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Opening October 23, the 10,324-square-foot Manhattan venue will feature six private VR rooms, two party rooms, and a bar

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sandbox VR, the world’s premier destination for location-based virtual reality experiences, will open its first New York City location on October 23 at 777 7th Avenue in Times Square. The 10,324-square-foot Manhattan venue marks the company’s 100th location milestone and places Sandbox VR within walking distance of Broadway’s Theatre District, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall. Guests who book by October 22 can save 20% on all tickets at sandboxvr.com/new-york/times-square.

The Times Square venue will include six private VR rooms where groups of up to six guests suit up with headsets, haptic vests, and motion sensors for full-body immersion. Players can see and physically interact with one another inside the virtual world, creating a shared experience built for friends, families, and co-workers. The venue will also include two party rooms and a bar, expanding the options for birthdays, celebrations, and corporate events. After each experience, guests receive personalized highlight videos to relive and share their adventures.

“Reaching our 100th location as we prepare to open in Times Square shows how far Sandbox VR has come and where we want to go next,” said Steve Zhao, founder and CEO of Sandbox VR. “Introducing our experience to New York City for the first time is a major moment for us, and we’re fortunate to have Jason, Carolyne, and their team help make this opening possible.”

“Times Square is where the world comes together, so it is the perfect home for the most social VR experience in the world. We welcome families, friends, and teams who want to step out of everyday life and into an adventure together. October 23 can’t come soon enough. And this is just the beginning; we plan to open more locations across New York City,” said Carolyne Chan, co-owner of JLG Ventures.

Guests can choose from 12 exclusive full-body VR experiences, led by the newly released Deadwood Origins, the fourth installment in Sandbox VR’s fan-favorite Deadwood zombie series. The first three Deadwood titles have sold more than 2.66 million tickets and generated more than $140 million in sales. The lineup also includes Stranger Things: Catalyst and Squid Game Virtuals, developed in collaboration with Netflix; the family-friendly Age of Dinosaurs, created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, London; and Sandbox VR originals such as Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire. No previous gaming or virtual reality experience is required.

The Times Square venue marks Sandbox VR’s 100th location milestone as the company continues its global expansion. The company welcomes more than 150,000 guests each month and has sold more than 6 million tickets worldwide. Its proprietary full-body platform combines motion tracking, haptic feedback, and content developed by an in-house studio to turn a group outing into a shared adventure.

Advance tickets plus location details are available at sandboxvr.com/new-york/times-square.

ABOUT SANDBOX VR
Sandbox VR is the world’s premier destination for location-based virtual reality experiences. Operating across 100 venues around the globe through a robust franchise and corporate-owned model, Sandbox VR attracts over 150,000 guests each month. Sandbox VR provides guests the opportunity to step out of everyday reality into unforgettable adventures through exhilarating, group-play immersive experiences. Using a proprietary full-body VR platform, the company develops original and licensed content, including exclusive experiences like Stranger Things: Catalyst and Squid Game Virtuals in collaboration with Netflix, and the Sandbox VR original Deadwood series. With over 6 million tickets sold worldwide, Sandbox VR has become the leader in immersive entertainment, combining premium technology with emotionally engaging storytelling. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies and a two-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, Sandbox VR is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Hong Kong and Vancouver. The company has raised over $70 million from investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Gobi Partners and Craft, with individual backers including Justin Timberlake, Kevin Durant and Will Smith.

ABOUT JLG VENTURES: JLG Ventures invests in, operates, and partners with high-potential hospitality and entertainment brands. Its portfolio includes Sandbox VR’s Times Square flagship, Raku, Double Chicken Please, Patisserie Fouet, and Unnecessary, a growing collection of category-defining concepts shaping New York’s hospitality and entertainment landscape. Learn more at jlg.ventures.

Media Contact: media@jlg.ventures

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