The Best Use of Data Award will recognise innovative activity from a tech team rooted in data-driven insight.

We would like to hear from tech organisations that can show data was used not only to solve a problem but also how it contributed to the overall mission and fuelled development.

Judges will be scoring on intelligent, creative, and innovative uses of data and how these results deliver on objectives.

The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award is for organisations taking positive action and making significant contributions to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive digital sector either within the workplace or wider community.
We want to see North East organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the promotion of EDI.
Judges will assess organisations that achieve positive results as a result of developing and implementing innovative initiatives or activities.

The Growth Explosion Award is a celebration of the growth and success of tech organisations in the North East – creating job opportunities, building companies, and expanding through wider field projects.

We are looking for organisations able to demonstrate significant, and sustained annual revenue growth over the last three years.
Judges will evaluate the success evidenced, and the tech at the heart of the business, which is driving its growth.

Nominated organisations must provide financial revenue figures for last three financial years. Dynamo confirms that revenue figures will not be displayed on any external materials before, during, or after the event.

The North East Tech Startup Award celebrates the emergence of a promising new organisation that has quickly captured attention and demonstrated exciting potential within the North East tech industry.

We are looking for tech organisations with ambition, great potential, and the capacity to make a lasting and positive impact on the landscape.
Judges will evaluate organisations based on their unique value proposition, early accomplishments, and the promise of continued success in their organisation.

Nominated organisations should be under 3 years old, with the incorporation date being after September 2021.

Please note previous winners of this category can not enter in future years.

The Project Excellence Award recognises projects that have delivered exceptional impact on the tech industry.

We want to see projects that demonstrate innovative solutions across the public, private, academic, or not for profit sectors – nominations can be collaborative projects.

Judges will assess submissions based on their new technology initiatives that can demonstrate the results of using tech innovations as catalysts for change.

The ‘Rising Star’ is an individual with less than 3 years’ experience in the tech sector who goes above and beyond to combine their ‘day job’ with extra projects.

We are looking for individuals who have shown truly outstanding talent, skill, passion, attitude or resilience, with a bright future in the tech sector.

Judges will evaluate nominees based on their standout contributions, potential for future success, and the positive influence they’ve exerted on their team and community.

The Skills Developer Award will recognise organisations that are excelling in innovative training, initiatives, or apprenticeship programmes that contribute to the development of the North East skills pipeline.

We are looking for employers who are finding new ways to close skills gaps and open opportunities in the region, embedding a culture of lifelong learning.
Judges will evaluate the transformational impact projects and initiatives are on developing talent, and building on opportunities within their team.

This category is not open to educational institutions, such as college, university, or training providers, but may be submitted via an organisation in partnership with an educational institution or training provider.

The Sustainability in Tech award is open to organisations that are taking steps to make a positive impact on the environment or supporting others to do so.

We would like to hear from organisations that are using technology or other innovations to reduce carbon emissions and improve the overall sustainability of their organisation and stakeholders.

Judges will be scoring entries based on the outcome of company initiatives, and the impact these have had on your sustainability goals and beyond.

This category is not open to organisations within the energy or sustainability sector, but may be submitted via an organisation in partnership with an energy or sustainability organisation.

The International Success Award will showcase the many global success stories of organisations expanding across the globe from their base in the North East.
We want to see organisations that have significantly expanded into international markets by exporting services or products.

Judges will assess the significant impact of success in new markets overall, and their impact back in the North East.

This category is only open to organisations that have grown from their home-base in the North East of England, and expanded or grown significantly in new international markets.

The Remarkable Innovation Award will recognise organisations that have not only developed products or services in the tech industry but are seeing significant traction or uptake in their innovations.

We would like to hear from organisations creating services, processes, or products shaping the future of our dynamic North East industry, redefining norms and demonstrating a commitment to progress.

Judges will be scoring entries based on the uniqueness of the innovation, current success its potential for long-term impact, and the extent to which it addresses a specific challenge or opportunity in an exceptional way.

Open to organisations with 250 or more employees.

The Remarkable Innovation Award will recognise organisations that have not only developed products or services in the tech industry but are seeing significant traction or uptake in their innovations.

We would like to hear from organisations creating services, processes, or products shaping the future of our dynamic North East industry, redefining norms and demonstrating a commitment to progress.

Judges will be scoring entries based on the uniqueness of the innovation, current success, its potential for long-term impact, and the extent to which it addresses a specific challenge or opportunity in an exceptional way.

Open to organisations with 249 or fewer employees.

The Tech for Good Award will recognise an inspiring organisation or individual who uses digital tech as a force of positive transformation to improve the lives of others and make the world a better place.

We are looking for technology-driven initiatives that can demonstrate positive social impact, harnessing the power of tech to address societal challenges, drive inclusivity, and contribute to the betterment of communities or the world.

Judges will evaluate entries based on their innovation, scalability, and tangible positive outcomes in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, or social equity.

A ‘Tech Champion’ can be defined as an individual who has gone above and beyond their day job for the benefit of the North East tech sector.

We would like to hear about champions with passion, intent, and drive to learn, embrace change, and set an example for others to follow.

Judges will be scoring based on a long career of helping the tech sector and region, with a focus on collaboration and evidence sharing their knowledge and influence within, and outside our community, a true voice of North East tech.