HARTFORD—Katherine Ayers, director of research for Proton Energy Systems Inc., and Winne Cerone, chief technology officer of Imaging Solutions Inc. both of Wallingford have been nominated for Women of Innovation Awards.

The awards are given annually by the Connecticut Technology Council to women who are innovators, role models and leaders in their technology professions or fields of study.

The two women are on a list of 59 state finalists who are researchers, educators, managers and entrepreneurs in technology fields.

Winners will be announced at the 2010 Women of Innovation Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington on Jan. 20, 2010.