Hardshell has been named a finalist for both Startup of the Year and Student Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2026 Charlottesville Business Innovation Council (CBIC) Awards Gala, the 27th annual event recognizing Central Virginia's most innovative organizations, startups, and individuals.
The CBIC Awards Gala is Charlottesville's premier event for the technology and entrepreneurial community, honoring achievements in entrepreneurship, commercialization, and breakthrough applications across private, public, and educational sectors. The 2026 Gala was held at The CODE Building in Charlottesville on May 28.
Being named a finalist in two categories reflects both Hardshell's progress as a company and the strength of its founding team's roots in the UVA and Charlottesville innovation ecosystem.