Vendneo, Upheld Health Technologies and Neuronet Design recognized at the 2026 State of Technology Awards
(Gwinnett County, Ga., October 14, 2025) — Partnership Gwinnett brought together business, education and technology leaders for its 2026 State of Technology Summit, presented by Integrity Staffing Solutions, at Atlanta Tech Park. The summit explored emerging technology fields, strategies to develop the technology workforce and the relationship between data center growth, energy and communities.
The keynote, “The Cost of Compute: Technology, Energy, and Community in Data Center Growth,” featured Dr. Laura O. Taylor, director of the Energy Policy & Innovation Center and professor in the School of Economics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Dr. Akanksha Menon, assistant professor in Georgia Tech’s Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. The presentation examined how growing demand for computing intersects with energy infrastructure and community priorities.
“Growing demand for computing creates important questions about how we plan for energy use, infrastructure and community impacts,” said Taylor. “Bringing technology, policy and community perspectives into the same conversation can help leaders make informed decisions about data center growth and its role in their regions.”
The metro Atlanta region is powered by more than 13,000 technology companies. In Gwinnett County alone, approximately 16,000 individuals work in computer and mathematical fields, underscoring the importance of continued investment in innovation and talent development.
Building a strong technology workforce starts with connecting people to opportunities and helping employers recognize and develop their potential,” said Devin Fink, Director of Sales & Services at Integrity Staffing. “Integrity Staffing Solutions is proud to support a summit that brings employers and educators together to discuss practical ways to prepare talent for a changing economy.”
“Gwinnett’s technology economy grows when businesses, educators and community leaders work together to turn ideas into opportunities,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Partnership Gwinnett. “This summit connects the people advancing innovation with the partners who can help them grow, develop talent and strengthen Gwinnett’s position as a destination for technology investment.”
The summit concluded with the presentation of the 2026 State of Technology Awards, recognizing:
Technology Innovation Award: Vendneo
Tech for Good Award: Upheld Health Technologies LLC
Gwinnett Future Builders Award: Neuronet Design LLC
The awards celebrated the companies’ contributions to innovation, community impact and Gwinnett’s technology future.
The conversations at the State of Technology Summit offer a preview of what comes next for Gwinnett. On Nov. 6, Partnership Gwinnett will unveil Partnership Gwinnett 5.0, its strategic direction for 2027–2031, outlining new priorities for growing the innovation economy, amplifying Gwinnett’s brand, cultivating place and aligning education and talent. Visit PartnershipGwinnett.com for details and registration.
