Criteria & Categories
We have asked our judges to focus on the following criteria to assess the entries. As part of the consultation with our Advisory Board, we have determined that the following five focus areas are vital ingredients to success.
Commercial success
Judges will review what commercial success looks like for your organisation, your export potential and success stories within the international marketplace. We want to see evidence of your company’s track record in creating a product or service, then effectively selling to domestic and/or international markets. It’s a Commercial Disco(very)!
Translation of intellectual property
Intellectual property (IP) is developed in different environments and there are many strategies to successfully bring the research outputs to market. Judges will reward excellence in the translation of IP – through programs that enable successful research collaborations across various sectors as well as those companies that continue to develop IP internally.
Impact
What is your company’s impact on its sector? Does your product or service take Australian smarts and create new jobs and wealth for the nation, or make the lives of citizens better? Does your innovation inspire through originality and ambition? Judges will review how entrants are aligning their success measures –such as addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals or CSIRO’s Challenge Missions.
Non-R&D innovations
We will also be looking for business innovations that have helped your organisation translate its IP for commercial or societal success. Elements will include your organisation’s business strategy, a successful pivot, or its adaptability to major challenges, risk or unexpected outcomes. It will look at your leadership and human resources strategy and all the other non-R&D factors that are vital to successful growth.
Applied technologies
Judges also want to hear stories of organisations that have adapted or pivoted research and innovations to build a product or service for an entirely different sector. What horizonal applications of these particular technologies have been used to solve a challenge? How are they themselves consumers of emerging tech to create new products?
Categories
THE PAUL SHETLER DISRUPTER OF THE YEAR AWARD*
*NOMINATION AWARD. This award celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on the sector in which they work. These are people that have demonstrated an exceptional vision for what is possible in their industry, including predicting future trends, identifying new opportunities and taking bold risks. These individuals drive disruptive change through a relentless focus on both the challenges and the opportunities, and a willingness to fight. This award is open to exceptional disrupters, from any industry sector – public sector, private sector, institutional research, NGOs or government.
INNOVATION LEADERSHIP AWARD*
*NOMINATION AWARD. This award honours individuals who have shown outstanding leadership of teams in guiding the development of a product or service, or successful commercial research outcome. These individuals are driven by the Big Picture, but are across the minutiae of detail. They are mentors to high performing individuals, they have demonstrated an ability to get individuals and teams working together in building maximum commercial value or social impact.
AI INDUSTRY PIONEER
This award highlights Australian AI companies that at the forefront, developing novel AI tools, technologies, or methodologies that offer innovative solutions to Australians or Australian businesses. Our judges seek AI companies that address market challenges with unique approaches - this is not just AI for AI’s sake, but AI that has impact and inspires! READ CRITERIA FOR THIS AWARD HERE.
CYBERSECURITY
Since the launch of the Australian Government Cybersecurity Strategy in 2016, the local cyber ecosystem has experienced steady growth. This award celebrates the vibrant cybersecurity sector, recognising advancements in areas such as cryptography, AI, and the proliferation of Australian cyber companies.
DEFENCE, DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGY & SPACE
This award acknowledges technologies benefiting both civilian and military sectors, while also considering their ethical and legal implications. It highlights the potential of technology to promote peace and security, encompassing advancements in renewable energy, advanced materials, robotics, and related fields.
ENERGY & RENEWABLES
This category rewards ambition and innovation in renewable energy, recycling, and the circular economy sectors. It encompasses advancements in hydrogen extraction technologies, solar cell improvements, management software systems, and innovations in re-manufacturing.
FOOD & AGRITECH
Recognising innovations in value-added food production and AgriTech, this award covers a spectrum from high-tech sensor devices and farm-based robotics to plant-based meat and other protein products at scale.
GOVTECH PROJECT, PRODUCT OR SERVICE
This award recognises outstanding achievements in digital transformation, cloud-based platforms, automation, cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies aimed at enhancing government operations and citizen engagement.
HEALTH TECH
In response to global health challenges, this category celebrates digital health platforms, medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, pharmaceuticals, and biotech innovations that contribute to effective healthcare systems and address societal needs.
MANUFACTURING INNOVATION
Recognising innovation across the manufacturing process, this award encompasses R&D, production, supply chain, logistics, sales, and end-of-life management. It covers industries such as satellite design and production, mineral processing, and food products.
SOFTWARE INNOVATION
This category celebrates software products making significant impacts in FinTech, AI, machine learning, edge computing, or other verticals, contributing significantly to industry and community.
TRANSLATION HERO AWARD
Recognising the successful commercialisation of deep-tech research, this award spans various sectors, from plant-based meat production to space initiatives, regardless of whether the research originated in institutions, corporations, startups, or collaborative ventures.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Selected from a panel of ambitious entries, this award allows readers to vote for the most outstanding Australian innovation of the year.
AUSTRALIAN HERO AWARD
The highest honour, akin to the Bradman award, recognises individuals or company leaders whose ambition and drive have led to game-changing innovations with significant commercial or social impact.