Nominations for the 2022 Tech Forward Awards are OPEN!

We’re excited to announce nominations have officially opened for our 2022 Tech Forward Awards presented by RBC, featuring 8 unique awards designed to celebrate, highlight and recognize organizations, and owners/individuals who are making a difference in the ICT sector in Nova Scotia! Originally the Digital Diversity Awards (find our 2021 winners here), the awards event has expanded. Diversity drives innovation and competitiveness, both of which are essential within our sector. As our sector grows and evolves, diversity and innovation allow us to expand perspectives, accelerate problem-solving, and create a collaborative environment for all to thrive in. It is our goal at Digital Nova Scotia to encourage forward-thinking initiatives that support Nova Scotia as a desirable place to work and focus on changing the narrative and embracing diversity and innovation. Nominations are officially open! Nominees in all categories may be self-nominated, nominated by industry colleagues, or nominated by their employers or organizations. [button link="https://digitalnovascotia.com/programs/tech-forward-awards/#nominate" label="Nominate Today!"] The 2022 Tech Forward Awards will take place on November 17th, 2022 in conjunction with the Atlantic Technology Summit at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Ticket sales will open over the next few months so stay tuned for more information!

Our 2022 Awards include:

• Talent Champion Award, celebrates a company or organization that has gone above and beyond when it comes to tech talent, encouraging best hiring practices, creating positive workplaces, and showcasing Nova Scotia as a desirable location for career growth. This organization leads the charge when it comes to not only hiring talent but retaining them.
• Tech for Good Award, celebrates a company or organization in tech that is driving significant, positive change in Nova Scotia, addressing social, political, environmental and economic challenges.
• Thinking Forward Award, celebrates an individual who dedicates considerable time to mentorship and supporting the future talent pipeline. This individual demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring or community involvement, and inspires our future workforce, of all ages to explore a career in technology.
• Provincial Spotlight Award, celebrates a company or organization located outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality that has seen positive growth in areas such as; export, recruitment, and community engagement, and has helped put a spotlight on Nova Scotia’s tech community.
• Best of Tech Award, recognizes a company or organization who has done something incredible this year, such as; had significant growth, secured an impressive deal or partnership, developed a new, unique or innovative product/service, implemented creative recruitment strategies, or launched a successful brand campaign.
• One to Watch Award, sponsored by Dash Hudson honours an individual not in a senior or executive role who is a member of an underrepresented community in tech*, who is an emerging new talent in our industry, demonstrating exceptional skills and ambition, and whose endeavors are helping them stand out from the crowd.
• Role Model Award, celebrates an individual who is a member of an underrepresented community in tech* who showcases a clear passion for Diversity & Inclusion, inspiring others to push for inclusion and striving to make a difference. This individual is excelling in their field and is paving the way for others to overcome challenges and barriers that exist within the Digital Technologies and ICT sector.
• Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award, sponsored by MOBIA Technology Innovations recognizes a company or organization that actively promotes the importance of diversity and inclusion in Nova Scotia’s tech sector by implementing strategies for welcoming workplaces, diverse hiring practices, and inclusion initiatives.

*Underrepresented communities in tech include; women (female-identifying), Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities* and Immigrants (As defined in the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan) All nominations will be reviewed by an award selection committee consisting of past award recipients, Nova Scotia tech sector leaders and individuals who are able to speak directly to the award criteria. Additionally, in order to make the nomination process smoother and more accessible to nominators, award criteria questions, requesting letters of recommendation, headshots, and additional information will be requested directly from nominees no more than 2-5 business days after they are nominated. We can’t wait to see you there!