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Award Categories

The categories for the 2026 Yorkshire Tech Awards

The Yorkshire Tech Awards categories are open to everyone involved in technology services within Yorkshire, from outstanding trainees to regional directors, as well as developers, rising stars and fintechs.

Find the categories and criteria, key information and links, and the all-important buttons for the entry form below. Good luck!

Key dates and deadlines General rules and requirements

Key dates for your diary

All the dates you need for the Yorkshire Tech Awards 2026

  • Entry deadline TBC
  • Shortlist TBC
  • Awards ceremony To be revealed soon

Two images from Yorkshire Financial Awards 2023 - the top features a group of winners crowded onto the stage accepting an award, the second features two glamorous women smiling and holding glasses of champagneThe Yorkshire Tech Awards provides a unique opportunity to celebrate innovation and achievement across Yorkshire’s technology sector.

The Yorkshire Tech Awards categories are open to organisations, individuals, and teams working in the region’s technology sector. The awards cover multiple areas, from AI and cybersecurity to digital transformation and software development, recognising the achievements of individuals, teams, and companies of all sizes.

The Yorkshire Tech Awards celebrates this dynamic, evolving sector through a local lens, pitting national providers operating in Yorkshire against homegrown innovators with reputations for driving impact and shaping the region’s digital future.

The awards culminate in a black-tie ceremony and dinner, held in Leeds, where the finalists meet, network and celebrate as a local profession.

How to enter How to win Rules and requirements Contact us Register now to enter

How to enter

  • Pick your categories

    There are lots of categories to choose from and you can enter as many as you wish.

    Read the criteria carefully for each and decide which will give you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths.

    The criteria is in a Q&A format, so follow this closely to provide the independent judging panel with a clear, easy-to-follow submission and include all of the information requested. Rest assured, the process is entirely confidential.

  • Choose the form of your award submission

    Make sure every submission is unique for the category that you’re entering.

    We accept written submissions of between 250 and 1,000 words per category (please note: this is in total, not per criterion).

    Written submissions are at their best after several drafts, with input from everyone involved. Remember that your submission needs to stand out from the crowd, so keep it active, free of jargon, and don’t forget to proofread your words before entering.

    Alternatively, you can enter a video submission. You’ll have a maximum of three minutes to demonstrate why you, your team or business should win the particular category. Videos are easy to digest and revisit, and they allow the judges to put a face to an entry.

    Please note, we are no longer accepting video files. To submit a video, you must upload it to a third-party platform such as YouTube or your own website and supply a link (ensure that the video is private or password protected before submitting).

  • Submit via the form

    Entries must be submitted prior to 11.59pm on the deadline close date.

    Submissions can only be accepted via the entry form.

    Fill out all of the required information. There are mandatory fields for the person providing the submission as well as the subject of the submission.

    If you are putting an organisation forward for an award, eg, Company X for Insurer of the Year, mark the fields under the Nominee heading with an ‘N/A’ except for the Company name field and make sure you choose the correct category from the list. Doing so reveals the correct category criteria and fields in which to paste your submission. The form must be filled out and submitted for every category.

    The form removes all formatting, so don’t worry about italics, bolding, underlining or hyperlinking, as these won’t make it through our system. Furthermore, no supporting documents and attachments are allowed, so don’t use the attach buttons for CVs, promo videos, PDFs and Word docs—these won’t make it through our system, either.

    For written submissions, input your 250 to 1,000 words in the provided fields. To reveal these, click on your chosen category.

    For video submissions, fill out the form (except the criteria fields) and paste the link to your video into the one of the criteria fields (alternatively, email the video link to sammy.kinlough@barkerbrooks.co.uk).

  • Attach your logo

    If you make it to the shortlist, we’ll need a high resolution version of your logo for the ceremony and marketing campaigns. We accept the .JPEG, .PNG and .PDF formats, but prefer .EPS wherever possible. If you don’t have this, don’t worry.

  • Attach nominee’s photo

    This is for the talent categories. Colour photos are preferred, wide, horizontal shots work well, and high resolution .JPEG is best.

  • Sit back and wait for news

    That’s it, you’re done! Approximately two weeks following the submission deadline, our judging panel will convene to make their decisions. We’ll then get in touch with every finalist to give them the good news.

How to win

It’s all about being memorable and compelling:

  • Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to carefully evaluate the criteria for the categories you’re entering and provide a well-produced submission before the entry deadline.
  • Check the criteria. Each category has its own criteria, and each submission should be unique.
  • Provide evidence. Include as many results and evidence of success as you can, including testimonials. Judges are there to be swayed, so sway them.
  • Keep it simple. Write or speak clearly and concisely so the judges can quickly understand the points you’re making.
  • Consult with the relevant team. Collaborate on your submission as you do your work, and ensure that your whole team contributes.
  • Be enthusiastic, transparent, and honest. Inspire the judges by sharing your organisation’s ethos and passion for your work without trying to pull the wool over their eyes. Honesty is the best policy.
  • Redraft and revise. Once your submission is ready, start again and interrogate every fact and figure. Are they correct? Question every claim. Is that true? Weigh your language. Is that a helpful term or an empty buzzword?Two images from the Yorkshire Financial Awards. The first shows two men in tuxedos talking and networking in a busy dark room with lots of colourful lighting in the background. The second shows a man playing a saxophone and another man playing a drum which is around his neck on the stage at the awards ceremony.

General rules and requirements

  • Entrants must be based in Yorkshire or provide services in Yorkshire
  • Entrants can enter as many categories as they wish
  • Entrants are encouraged to limit submissions to two entries per category; further submissions may not be considered.
  • Submissions must be unique and tailored to meet the criteria of each category.
  • Self-nomination is required.
  • Written and video submissions are accepted – both must follow the criteria format.
  • Submissions can be made until 11.59pm on the entry deadline day
  • Entrants are expected to send at least one representative to attend the in-person ceremony.
  • Entries submitted by companies that have undergone administration, liquidation, or significant restructuring will be subject to review to ensure continuity of operations, leadership, and client commitments.
  • The Yorkshire Tech Awards reserves the right to disqualify entries where there are concerns about corporate governance, financial stability, or ethical business practices.
  • The judging panel has the final authority to determine whether an entry meets the spirit and intent of the awards.
  • The Yorkshire Tech Awards reserves the right to remove any entries or finalists that do not meet the above criteria or that, in the judges’ discretion, could undermine the integrity of the awards.

Have a question…

For information on sponsorship, contact Scott James:

scott.james@barkerbrooks.co.uk

0113 521 6087

For information entering the awards, contact Sammy Kinlough:

sammy.kinlough@barkerbrooks.co.uk

0113 521 6085

Innovation & Technology

  • Tech Innovation of the Year

    Open to any organisation delivering a new or significantly improved technology, product, or solution in the past 12 months

    1. Provide an overview of the innovation and its purpose
    2. How does it solve a clear problem or create new opportunities?
    3. What measurable impact has been achieved?
    4. How is it differentiated from existing market alternatives?
    5. Include testimonials, results or third-party recognition where possible
  • AI & Data Initiative of the Year

    Open to AI-enabled and data-led projects driving smarter decision-making or operational efficiency

    1. Outline the initiative and its objectives

    2. How is AI or data being used in a meaningful, responsible way?

    3. What outcomes or improvements have been proven?

    4. Describe innovation and technical advancement

    5. Highlight any governance, ethics or privacy considerations

  • Cybersecurity Solution of the Year

    Recognising exceptional products or services that enhance cyber resilience

    1. Describe the cybersecurity challenge addressed

    2. What technology or methodology drives the solution?

    3. Demonstrate measurable improvements in protection or risk reduction

    4. How is the approach innovative or ahead of threats?

    5. Any independent testing, accreditation or feedback?

  • Digital Transformation Project of the Year

    Celebrating projects modernising processes, systems or services

    1. Provide an overview of the transformation goals

    2. What technologies and change initiatives were implemented?

    3. What efficiency, cost or service improvements are evidenced?

    4. How was adoption managed across teams?

    5. What makes the transformation stand out?

  • SaaS Product of the Year

    Open to software-as-a-service products across any industry

    1. Explain the product and who it serves

    2. What value does it deliver for users or customers?

    3. Evidence market traction and growth

    4. Showcase innovation in features or delivery

    5. Share client feedback or performance data

  • Emerging Technology Award

    Recognising cutting-edge tech such as VR, AR, robotics, IoT, blockchain

    1. Explain the technology and its potential impact

    2. How is it pioneering or future-focused?

    3. Provide early success or proof-of-concept results

    4. What collaboration or research supports its development?

    5. Why is it significant for Yorkshire’s tech landscape?

Business Growth & Success

  • Start-up of the Year

    Open to tech companies under 3 years old

    1. Overview of the business and value proposition

    2. Evidence traction, resilience, and successful execution

    3. What makes the start-up innovative or disruptive?

    4. Team credentials and growth potential

    5. Any standout milestones or recognition?

  • Scale-up of the Year

    Open to high-growth tech companies scaling rapidly

    1. Outline growth achievements (revenue, jobs, users, etc.)

    2. What strategies have accelerated progress?

    3. How has innovation driven expansion?

    4. Evidence market impact and future ambition

    5. Highlight culture and operational excellence

  • Tech Company of the Year

    Recognising large established businesses with proven excellence

    1. Demonstrate sustained performance and leadership

    2. How does the company support innovation and growth?

    3. Contribution to the regional tech ecosystem

    4. Client results, reputation and quality

    5. Culture, talent and investment in people

  • Sustainable Tech Initiative of the Year

    For technology improving environmental sustainability

    1. Describe the initiative and sustainability goals

    2. Evidence environmental benefits or carbon reduction

    3. How is technology driving change?

    4. Innovation and scalability potential

    5. Any certifications, data or recognition?

People & Talent

  • Tech Leader of the Year

    For outstanding leadership driving technology success

    1. Outline leadership achievements and vision

    2. Impact on people, culture and business outcomes

    3. Innovations or major strategic decisions

    4. What sets their leadership style apart?

    5. Peer or client endorsements recommended

  • Rising Tech Star

    Open to individuals in early career who show exceptional promise

    1. Role responsibilities and achievements to date

    2. How have they shown creativity, ability or leadership?

    3. Contribution to team and organisation success

    4. Evidence of growth, commitment and influence

    5. What recognition has the example of outstanding customer service received from third parties?  
  • Customer Excellence Award

    For teams or organisations delivering outstanding customer experience

    1. Describe your service approach and customer promise

    2. Evidence improvements in satisfaction, loyalty or success

    3. How do you use technology to enhance service?

    4. Innovation in delivery or support model

    5. Results, feedback or case studies encouraged

  • Tech Team of the Year

    Recognising teams driving high-impact outcomes

    1. Team structure, purpose and collaboration approach

    2. Key achievements over the past 12 months

    3. How does the team innovate and solve challenges?

    4. Internal culture and working practices

    5. Stakeholder or customer praise/impact

  • Developer of the Year

    For exceptional technical expertise and delivery – Open to developers and software engineers

    1. Key development achievements and contributions

    2. Innovation and problem-solving examples

    3. Quality, performance and user impact

    4. Collaboration with teams and stakeholders

    5. Any open-source, community or mentoring activity

Sector Specialisms

  • FinTech Project of the Year

    For tech transforming financial services

    1. Overview and objectives of the project

    2. Demonstrate innovation and regulatory awareness

    3. Measurable impact for users or institutions

    4. Evidence security and trust considerations

    5. Market adoption or pilot results

  • HealthTech Innovation of the Year

    For advancing healthcare delivery, accessibility or outcomes

    1. Explain the health challenge addressed

    2. Demonstrate value for clinicians/patients

    3. Evidence improved efficiency, quality or safety

    4. Regulatory, data security or ethical strengths

    5. Collaboration with healthcare partners

  • EdTech Initiative of the Year

    For tech that enhances education and learning

    1. Describe the initiative and who benefits

    2. What makes the approach innovative?

    3. Evidence improved engagement, skills or outcomes

    4. Scalable and inclusive design

    5. Feedback from educators or learners

  • Best Use of Cloud Technology

    For organisations unlocking value through cloud transformation

    1. Community Impact AwardDescribe the cloud technology deployed

    2. Efficiency, cost or performance improvements

    3. Security, integration and scalability strengths

    4. Innovative use of architecture or automation

    5. Client or stakeholder results

  • Community Impact Award

    For tech-driven community or charity initiatives in Yorkshire

    1. Outline the community challenge and target audience

    2. How is technology enabling meaningful change?

    3. Evidence social value and sustainability

    4. Collaboration with local partners or charities

    5. Engagement and feedback from beneficiaries

Are you ready to enter The Yorkshire Tech Awards 2026?

These awards were developed to celebrate this incredible community, and the achievements and successes of the UK’s best and brightest.

Register your interest
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