Digital Nova Scotia

Tech Forward Awards

Recognizing organizations and individuals making a difference in Nova Scotia's tech sector.

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November 26, 2026

The Tech Forward Awards are presented by Tech@RBC (opens in new tab), and celebrates 8 unique awards to recognize organizations and individuals who are making a difference in Nova Scotia’s tech sector.

Join us on November 26, 2026 at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

November 26, 2026

Award Categories

Talent Champion Award

Celebrates an 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 an organization in tech that is driving significant, positive change in Nova Scotia, by addressing social, political, environmental and/or economic challenges.

Thinking Forward Award

Celebrates an individual who dedicates considerable time to mentorship and supporting the future talent pipeline. This person demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring or community involvement, and inspires our future workforce to explore a career in technology.

Provincial Spotlight Award

Celebrates an organization located outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality that has seen positive growth in areas such as; export, recruitment, or community engagement, and has helped put a spotlight on Nova Scotia’s tech community.

Best of Tech Award

Recognizes an 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 or service, implemented creative recruitment strategies, or launched a successful brand campaign.

One to Watch Award

Honours an individual (not in a senior or executive role) who identifies as a member of an underrepresented community in tech*, and is an emerging new talent in our industry. This person demonstrates exceptional skills and ambition.

Role Model Award

Celebrates an individual who identifies as a member of an underrepresented community in tech* who showcases a clear passion for diversity and inclusion, inspiring others 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 tech sector.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award

Recognizes an 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, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of 2SLGBTQ+ community, as defined in the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (opens in new tab).

Celebrate our past winners

PAST AWARDS

Celebrate our past winners

Celebrating the organizations and individuals shaping Nova Scotia’s tech sector. Explore their stories.

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Digital Nova Scotia Memberships

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With over 400 members and a growing community of 10,000 tech professionals, including leaders across industry, government, academia, and non-profits, DNS is the leading association representing Nova Scotia’s tech sector.

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Tech Forward Awards - DNS