Startup companies and well-known incumbent players are among the finalists for CTIA’s annual emerging technology awards, which covers 15 categories.

Heather Lee Landers, assistant vice president of marketing for CTIA, said the organization received a “record” number of submissions for the E-Tech awards.

The submissions were judged by more than 80 industry experts and were rated by innovation, functionality, technological importance, implementation and the overall “wow” factor. Winners will be announced at the CTIA Wireless 2010 trade show in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Finalists also have a chance to win an award for Best Online Pick, which is based on votes filed on the Web and Best in Show, which is voted on by show attendees.

For a full list of finalists, visit CTIA’s show Web site.