The OCRI Awards gala, planned for Thursday, April 3rd at the Westin Hotel, is the premier awards event for the region's business, research and academic community and recognizes the achievements of some of the most successful organizations and individuals in Ottawa.

Six Ottawa businesses and two individuals will be recognized for excellence in the following categories: Technology Company of the Year, Next Generation Executive of the Year, Technology Partnership, Most Promising Start-Up, Product of the Year, Service of the Year, Best Financial Deal, and the OCRI Futures Award for Student Researcher of the Year. In addition, the High School Technology Innovator Award Recipient will be announced at the event.

This year close to 50 nominations were received for the eight categories. Nominations were judged by a committee from the Society of Collaborative Opportunities and Advancement of Professionals (SCOAP).

"With the OCRI Awards we celebrate the best companies, technologies and individuals in Ottawa," said Jeffrey Dale, President and CEO of OCRI. "The innovation, economic impact, financial success and unique technologies of these companies and individuals help to position them and Ottawa as a power house of creativity and business excellence. Every one of this year's finalists are truly world class and we look forward to a fantastic celebration in April."