The second annual Sports Business Awards: Tech will recognize the companies and executives that fueled the most significant technological advancements in the sports industry over the past 12 months.

Since applications closed in October, SBJ Tech’s staff reviewed the 271 submissions — up from 177 from last year’s inaugural edition — across eight categories, including Best in Sports Technology, which will be chosen from the winners of the other seven. Several candidates brought to the table by SBJ were also considered. Thorough discussion abounded, as did worthy candidates — 97 submitted nominations in the Fan Experience category alone. But what guided the selection of 41 finalists was the pursuit of preeminent innovation, creativity, organizational excellence, industry influence and, of course, leadership in the realm of sports technology.

Considering those criteria, finalists will now be evaluated by a panel of SBJ-selected external judges, with the winners to be honored at an awards ceremony on March 5 as part of the kickoff to Tech Week. The three-day event will see executives across the sports industry dive into the most pressing trends facing the industry, including but not limited to topics such as venue technology, digital content and athlete performance. Artificial intelligence is also a new theme at Tech Week this year and will be at the center of much discussion.