Australia’s peak body for innovation technology, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), is to open entries to its annual iAwards, Australia’s longest running innovation program.
This year the AIIA marks 31 years of iAwards, with entrants once again expected to raise the bar in showcasing brilliant Australian tech innovations that make a positive impact on a community, national or global scale.
The iAwards provide a unique opportunity for innovators to grow and expand their business for national and international success. In 2023, six Australian National iAwards winners submitted their innovations to the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards and each one came away winners or merit award recipients.
These outstanding results are testament to the exponential growth of Australia’s digital ecosystem over the past three decades of iAwards. But it also points to the enormous potential of Australia’s innovation and technological spaces. In line with, the 2024 iAwards theme is: Shaping Our Future.
The submission process for the iAwards has been intentionally designed to be straightforward and free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all participants. This deliberate approach aims to encourage a diverse range of innovators to participate and showcase their contributions without financial barriers
Entry is simply recording a short video with the innovator answering four key questions about their innovation. Approximately seventy judges, all leading industry experts, will judge the entries in Round 1 to find State and Territory winners, who go on to Round 2, the National round.
AIIA CEO Simon Bush said, “The record breaking 2023 iAwards showed the truly world-class innovation that is occurring right around Australia. What was incredible to see last year was that around 40% of all finalists had integrated AI into their solutions to solve real world wicked problems.
“The iAwards offer a unique stage for Australian innovators. It allows them to highlight their outstanding work to their peers, along with industry experts, VC partners and funds who can help them expand their business and propel their innovation to international acclaim.”
“Whether you are an individual, a business, or a student, I encourage you to enter the iAwards. It is an incredible journey with huge personal and professional benefits for every participant.”
“The 2024 iAwards play a vital role to foster these innovations and solutions. While the iAwards recognise and applaud commercial achievements, the iAwards are particularly focused on those discoveries that make the world a better place. I am excited to have the opportunity to see the 2024 entries.”
Entries close Tuesday 2 April with seven major categories open:
- Student and Education
- Start-up
- Business and Industry Solution
- Technology Platform
- Government and Public Sector Solution
- Not-for-Profit and Community
- Sustainability and Environmental Solution
Three additional awards – Diversity Award, Chief Judges Award, and the Inspiration Award – will be given out at the National iAwards Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Adelaide on 29 August 2024.
The iAwards are supported by partner sponsor the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and category sponsors CDC, Australian Super, DELL Technologies with the iAwards Ceremony proudly sponsored by the Department of Trade and Investment through InvestSA. More category sponsors to be announced soon.
The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) is Australia’s peak representative body and advocacy group for those in the digital ecosystem.
Since 1978 AIIA has pursued activities to stimulate and grow the digital ecosystem, to create a favourable business environment for members and to contribute to Australia’s economic prosperity.
