Innovation takes centre stage: 2025 Tech Forward Award winners announced

It was a record-breaking year of bold ideas, big wins and industry-changing talent.

Nova Scotia’s tech community showed up in full force last night as the 2025 Tech Forward Awards, presented by RBC, brought together more than 250 innovators, founders, researchers and digital leaders for an evening that felt electric from start to finish.

This year’s event was a record-breaking one: nearly 200 nominations — almost double last year — poured in, reflecting the growth, creativity and momentum of Nova Scotia’s technology sector. The awards recognize organizations and individuals who are making a real difference in the province’s $3.6 billion ICT industry, celebrating leadership, innovation and inclusion across eight unique categories.

“Seeing the nominations double this year reflects the sheer volume of creative, ambitious work happening across the province,” said Owen Sagness, CEO of Digital Nova Scotia. “These finalists and winners aren’t just building technology — they’re pushing boundaries and showing how Nova Scotia can lead on the national and global stage.”

meet the 2025 Tech Forward Award Winners

• Talent Champion – Maplewave (sponsored by HumanKind Global Recruitment)
  Recognizing a company or organization excelling in tech talent acquisition and retention, promoting Nova Scotia as a desirable career destination.
• Tech for Good – DeepSense (sponsored by CGI)
  Celebrating organizations that use tech to drive positive social, political, environmental, or economic change in Nova Scotia.
• Thinking Forward – Dr. Rita Orji
  Recognizing individuals who dedicate their time to mentoring and inspiring future talent, encouraging careers in technology.
• Provincial Spotlight – 45Drives (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.
• Best of Tech – Palladium MC (sponsored by Compugen)
  Recognizing organizations that have achieved remarkable growth, developed innovative products, or secured major deals this year.
• One to Watch – Irene Saliendra (sponsored by Dash Social)
  Highlighting emerging talent from underrepresented communities who are making waves in the tech industry.
• Role Model – Deputy Minister Jennifer LaPlante (sponsored by BDC)
  Honouring individuals from underrepresented communities in tech who are driving diversity and inclusion, inspiring others to overcome barriers.
• Diversity & Inclusion Champion – Turtle Island Technology Solutions (sponsored by Nova Scotia Power)
  Recognizing organizations that lead diversity and inclusion initiatives in Nova Scotia’s tech sector, creating welcoming and equitable workplaces.

The 2025 Tech Forward Awards were made possible with the generous support of our presenting sponsor RBC, as well as our award sponsors: HumanKind Global Recruitment, CGI, Invest Nova Scotia, Compugen, Dash Social, BDC, Nova Scotia Power.

Congratulations to all winners and finalists who made 2025 a year worth celebrating!