4RIVRS named NC TECH Awards finalist for sustainable tech innovation

Raleigh-based stormwater compliance platform 4RIVRS has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 NC TECH Awards Sustainable Tech Innovation Award. The recognition puts a North Carolina startup focused on turning compliance documents into automated site plans in the running for one of the state’s top tech honors.

Why it matters: - 4RIVRS is getting statewide recognition for software aimed at simplifying stormwater compliance, a problem that can slow projects and create regulatory risk. - The finalist nod gives the Raleigh-based company visibility among North Carolina’s technology leaders and sustainability-focused buyers. - The award category underscores growing interest in tools that connect environmental compliance with day-to-day operations.

What happened: - 4RIVRS was selected as a finalist for the 2026 NC TECH Awards Sustainable Tech Innovation Award. - The NC TECH Awards is North Carolina’s only statewide technology awards program. - The program recognizes innovation, growth and leadership in the tech sector. - NC TECH, the North Carolina Technology Association, presents the awards. - The announcement was made Sept. 22, 2026.

The details: - 4RIVRS is based in Raleigh, North Carolina. - The platform is designed for site owners and engineers working with SWPPPs, or stormwater pollution prevention plans. - The company says the software turns static compliance documents into automated, living site plans. - The platform is meant to reduce regulatory bottlenecks and help protect project budgets. - 4RIVRS says its system bridges plan creation and field execution. - The company says the result is sites that stay audit-ready and on schedule. - NC TECH Interim CEO Michelle Calton said 4RIVRS has distinguished itself as one of the state’s innovative and emergent leaders. - CEO Dave Paquette said the finalist recognition reinforces the company’s belief that environmental compliance should actively protect both business and the planet. - Paquette said the recognition validates momentum as 4RIVRS works to set a new standard for sustainable, logic-driven stormwater management. - NC TECH says it is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. - NC TECH says its membership includes more than 600 member companies, organizations and institutions employing more than 250,000 workers in North Carolina. - More information is available at NC TECH. - More information is available at 4RIVRS.

Between the lines: - The finalist selection suggests the market for compliance software is moving beyond recordkeeping toward workflow automation and operational oversight. - The award also signals that sustainability tools are being judged not just on environmental outcomes, but on whether they improve speed, visibility and cost control. - 4RIVRS is pitching stormwater compliance as an active business function, not a back-office obligation.

What's next: - 4RIVRS will compete with other finalists for the 2026 NC TECH Awards Sustainable Tech Innovation Award. - NC TECH will eventually name the winner of the category. - The recognition may help 4RIVRS expand awareness among North Carolina developers, engineers and site operators. - The company will likely continue positioning its platform as a way to keep stormwater projects compliant and audit-ready.