(RALEIGH) -- The North Carolina Technology Association has started taking nominations for the 2011 21 Awards. The awards are grouped in four categories: Technology Industry, Excellence, Stage of Development and Leadership.

“The 21 Awards is the only awards program in the state that recognizes leadership, innovation and excellence in technology,” said Brooks Raiford, NCTA’s president and CEO. “The nominees and winners are always a true testament to the incredible amount of talent that exists in North Carolina’s technology sector.”

Winners will be recognized at the annual awards gala in November in Durham. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Aug. 15. More information is available at http://www.nctechnology.org/.