Entry Criteria

Any company operating on the island of Ireland is invited to submit. Entries are invited from any department within the company – both individual and group/team entries are accepted.

The entry process is straightforward – each category requires a freeform narrative which the judges will assess along the lines shown here.

To catch the eye of the Judges, include references such as:

  • Distinct competitive advantages or new customer wins
  • Marketing campaigns with measurable results
  • New product launches or developing partnerships
  • Any evidence of enhancing your customers’ business in bringing them new competitive advantages in their business
  • Key appointments to the executive team or board of directors
  • Any reference to upskilling and training programmes for staff
  • Mergers or acquisitions or new investment capital incorporated in the business
  • Individual achievements or independent company awards local or international
  • The Awards reflect business conducted from January to December 2024

Criteria

The Start-Up award recognises an innovative new Irish business which began operations in the last three years.

To be eligible, the company must demonstrate significant growth potential and a unique value proposition within its market. Judges will also consider the impact of the business on the local economy and its ability to create sustainable employment opportunities.

The Digital Consultancy of the year is given to the web development or technology partner that has demonstrated exceptional digital excellence over the past 12 months.

Applicants should provide clear evidence of their innovative approach, including examples of how their products or services address unmet needs or offer significant improvements over existing solutions. In addition, submissions should highlight any partnerships, investments, or milestones achieved since the business was established.

The Rising Star award recognises outstanding achievements by professionals under the age of 30 who have demonstrated a significant impact within their organisation, whether it be an employer or a research institution. This award is open to individuals from all areas of technology who have distinguished themselves through exceptional performance. The recipient will be someone who consistently strives for excellence and shows a strong ambition for continuous improvement, setting themselves apart as a leader among their peers.

The Diversity award celebrates organisations that foster an equitable and bias-free workplace, ensuring employees from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive. This category recognises companies that are committed to creating inclusive environments, where diversity is valued and actively promoted.

Judges will look for evidence of representation and proactive outreach efforts spanning gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, race, ethnicity, and social background. Companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and empowering staff from underrepresented groups, and that work to eliminate barriers to advancement, will be considered for this award.

The Best Place to Work award is dedicated to honouring organisations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to their employees. This recognition is reserved for companies that consistently go above and beyond in supporting their staff, fostering an environment where personal and professional growth is genuinely encouraged.

This category highlights employers who understand that success is built on the foundation of a motivated and fulfilled workforce. By actively assisting employees in reaching their personal goals, these organisations set a standard for what it means to truly invest in their people.

The CIO of the Year award recognises an exceptional professional who has successfully led the transformation of enterprise IT, shifting it from a solely operational function to a truly strategic role within the organisation. This category highlights the achievements of a Chief Information Officer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and influence in driving digital change and aligning IT with overarching business goals. The recipient of this award will be someone who exemplifies the evolving role of IT leadership, ensuring that technology becomes a fundamental part of the organisation’s strategic direction and long-term success.

The Multinational of the Year award honours the significant contributions made by a multinational company to the technology industry. This category is dedicated to recognising organisations that have demonstrated exceptional impact and leadership on a global scale. The recipient of this award will be a company that has set a benchmark in technological innovation, industry advancement, and commitment to excellence, making a notable difference within the sector and beyond.

The Company of the Year award is the highest honour in the industry. This prestigious accolade is presented to an organisation that has set itself apart through outstanding achievement, leadership, and impact within the technology sector. The recipient exemplifies excellence across all facets of business, demonstrating innovation, dedication to quality, and a commitment to advancing the industry as a whole. Winning this award signifies a company’s exceptional contribution and serves as a benchmark for others aspiring to similar distinction.

The Person of the Year award represents the highest accolade in the industry. It is reserved for an individual whose achievements, leadership, and impact have set a benchmark for excellence and innovation within the technology sector. This prestigious honour is presented to someone who exemplifies the values and standards that define outstanding professional accomplishment, serving as an inspiration to peers and the wider community.

The IT Professional award is presented to an individual or team that has demonstrated exceptional management of technology. This recognition celebrates those who have shown outstanding skill, dedication, and effectiveness in overseeing IT operations, projects, or initiatives. Recipients of this award exemplify best practices in their field, consistently ensuring that technology is managed efficiently and strategically to support organisational goals. Their achievements set a high standard for professionalism and excellence within the IT community.

The project of the year categories reward excellence in delivering an outstanding application of business technology. The winners will show a thorough understanding of their clients’ business needs, competitive threats and the market dynamics in which they operate.

The main categories identify outstanding players who demonstrate long-term vision in building and financing sustainable business growth.

Applicants are asked to cover in their submission: strategic vision, demonstrated excellence of products and services with clear client outcomes, marketing & innovation, sales & business development, customer care, professional development of staff.

If you have any questions, or simply wish to ensure you are completing the entry correctly, please contact us.

Entering the Tech Excellence Awards will not alone help you focus on reviewing best business practice, it is a badge of honour just to make it to the shortlist in any category.

The Awards are selected by a distinguished panel of judges, and are recognised as the principal professional accolades awarded in the Irish technology industry.

Guidelines

When preparing an entry, it’s crucial to address various aspects of your technology (solution/service) to showcase its innovation, impact, and potential. Here are some questions you might consider addressing for your entry;

Introduction and Overview:
What is the name of your technology?
Can you provide a brief overview of your technology and its purpose?

Innovation and Uniqueness:
What sets your technology apart from existing solutions?
How does your technology incorporate innovative features or approaches?

Problem Statement:
What problem or challenge does your technology address?
How significant is this problem, and what are the implications of solving it?

Development Process:
Can you describe the development process of your technology?
What were the key milestones or breakthroughs during development?

Technology Description:
How does your technology work? Provide technical details.
What are the core components or technologies utilised in your solution?

Benefits and Impact:
What are the main benefits or advantages of your technology?
How does your technology positively impact its users or stakeholders?

User Experience:
How user-friendly is your technology?
Have you conducted any usability testing or user studies?

Scalability and Adaptability:
Is your technology scalable? How does it handle increased usage or demand?
Can your technology be adapted to different environments or applications?

Performance and Results:
What measurable results or achievements have you attained with your technology?
Have you conducted any performance testing or evaluations?

Market Potential:
What is the market potential for your technology?
Have you identified target industries or sectors for deployment?

Competitive Analysis:
How does your technology compare to existing or competing solutions?
What advantages does your technology have over competitors?

Future Plans:
What are your future plans for the development or enhancement of your
technology?
Do you have any strategic partnerships or collaborations in place?

Testimonials and Endorsements:
Do you have any testimonials or endorsements from users, clients, or
industry experts?

Ethical and Legal Considerations:
Have you considered any ethical or legal implications of your technology?
How do you ensure data privacy and security?

Conclusion:
Why do you believe your technology deserves to win this award?
Is there any additional information you would like to provide?

These questions should help you craft a comprehensive entry that effectively showcases your technology (solution / service) for the award. Tailor your responses to highlight the unique aspects and strengths of your technology, emphasising its innovation, impact, and potential for success.