A decade of innovation, a new class of finalists: Meet the 2026 Tech Forward Award finalists

Milestone 10th annual celebration will recognize outstanding people and organizations across the province’s tech sector

HALIFAX, NS — The countdown to one of Nova Scotia’s biggest celebrations of tech has officially begun.Digital Nova Scotia has revealed the finalists for the 2026 Tech Forward Awards, presented by Tech@RBC. Selected from 145 nominations, this year’s finalists represent the remarkable talent, ideas and achievements moving Nova Scotia’s technology sector forward.The announcement marks an exciting milestone for the Tech Forward Awards, which have been celebrating the people and organizations transforming the province’s tech sector since 2016. Across eight award categories, the 2026 finalists are creating new possibilities, strengthening their communities and helping shape what comes next for Nova Scotia.“Year after year, the Tech Forward Awards remind us just how much talent, ambition and innovation exists across Nova Scotia,” said Owen Sagness, CEO of Digital Nova Scotia. “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of these awards, we’re incredibly proud to recognize another outstanding group of finalists. Their work is creating opportunities, breaking new ground and inspiring what’s possible across our sector.”The winners will be revealed on November 26, 2026, when Nova Scotia’s tech community comes together at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 for an unforgettable 10th annual Tech Forward Awards celebration.Talent Champion Award – Sponsored by: HanatechRecognizing a company or organization excelling in tech talent acquisition and retention, promoting Nova Scotia as a desirable career destination.

• Trihedral Engineering Limited
• Marinus Services
• immediac Worldwide Inc.

Tech for Good Award – Sponsored by: CGICelebrating organizations that use tech to drive positive social, political, environmental, or economic change in Nova Scotia.

• SuperNOVA at Dalhousie University
• Atlantic Institute for Resilience Inc. (AIR)
• XO TECHNOLOGY INC

Thinking Forward Award - Sponsored by: PropelRecognizing individuals who dedicate their time to mentoring and inspiring future talent, encouraging careers in technology.

• Robert Newcombe
• Rich Irving
• Aadi Manchanda

Provincial Spotlight Award – Sponsored by: Invest Nova Scotia Honouring companies outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality that have made a notable impact on Nova Scotia’s tech landscape.

• PlayFinder Inc.
• Food For Thought Software Solutions Limited
• word-craft

Best of Tech 2026 Award – Sponsored by: Compugen Recognizing organizations that have achieved remarkable growth, developed innovative products, or secured major deals this year. 

• Sparrow BioAcoustics
• Modest Tree Media Inc (Modest Tree)
• Foundation Marketing

One to Watch Award – Sponsored by: Dash SocialHighlighting emerging talent from underrepresented communities who are making waves in the tech industry.

• Taylor Perry
• Chizulu Zephaniah
• Tushar Sharma

Role Model Award - Sponsored by: NukleoHonouring individuals from underrepresented communities in tech who are driving diversity and inclusion, inspiring others to overcome barriers.

• Aadi Manchanda
• Angela Siegel
• Blessing Okpala

Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award - Sponsored by: Nova Scotia PowerRecognizing organizations that lead diversity and inclusion initiatives in Nova Scotia’s tech sector, creating welcoming and equitable workplaces.

• Gamemode One
• Centre for Women in Business
• Marinus Services

For more information and to purchase tickets to the 2026 Tech Forward Awards, please visit Digital Nova Scotia's website.Media Contact Ashley Field Manager, Marketing & Communications ashley@digitalnovascotia.comAbout Digital Nova Scotia Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) is the industry association for Nova Scotia’s $3.6 billion ICT and digital technologies sector. Our mission is to fuel the growth of the province’s digital economy by connecting our community, building skills, and celebrating successes. Through skills development, capacity building, industry events, strong partnerships and promotion, we help our sector grow, compete, and thrive. DNS is membership-driven, from startups and SMEs to multinationals, post-secondary institutions, government, and non-profits. We pride ourselves on making meaningful connections: industry leaders to each other, companies to talent, and our province to national and global networks.