Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center President and Director Dr. Gary Gilliland, a physician-scientist who is renowned for his expertise in cancer genetics and precision medicine, last night added another feather to his cap, winning “Geek of the Year” at the 10th annual GeekWire Awards. The event, which honored the top companies and entrepreneurs across the Pacific Northwest in 13 categories ranging from “Deal of the Year” to “Next Tech Titan,” drew more than 900 to Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture.

Upon accepting the honor, announced by GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop and presented by Wave Business, Gilliland said, “We will cure cancer. And we will cure it in a very short time frame.” But, he implored the tech community, “We can’t do it alone.” He then invited his fellow nominees to join him onstage, telling the crowd, “You have to know who these people are — they’re amazing people.”

Joining him in the spotlight were Geek of the Year finalists Caroline King, co-founder and CEO of Washington STEM; Solynn McCurdy, CEO of Social Venture Partners; Amy Nelson, CEO of The Riveter; and, from Code.org, CEO Hadi Partovi and President Alice Steinglass — all, according to GeekWire, “Northwest heavy hitters working to do good using technology.”