Vijay Goradia of Houston was named by Houston Technology the Honoree of the Year for his entrepreneurial drive that has resulted in his company, Vinmar International Inc, a 34 year-old petrochemicals marketing group, to become one of the top growing firms in the metroplex.

Nearly three years ago, Goradia pledged $1 million to fund an annual Innovation Prize during the next years at the HTC to help companies who got their start from university research. So far, several startups have shared $150,000 in annual prize money for the commercial application of their technology, the soundness of their business plan and the resulting potential for job growth within the region. The 2013 winners will be announced on October 9. Goradia also serves on the Board of Directors of the HTC.