Nominations are now open for Startup Daily’s 2026 Best in Tech Awards, offering startups from Australia and New Zealand a chance to gain recognition across multiple categories including Most Innovative Startup and Startup of the Year. The entry deadline is June 19, with winners to be announced in September in Sydney.
- Entries for 15 categories close June 19, 2026
- Open to Australian and New Zealand startups and residents
- Winners announced at Sydney gala dinner on September 10
What happened
Startup Daily has officially opened entries for its 2026 Best in Tech Awards, now in their fourth year. These awards recognize outstanding startups and ecosystem contributors from Australia and New Zealand, spanning 15 categories such as Most Innovative Startup, Startup of the Year, AI Gamechanger, and more. The nomination period closes at midnight on June 19, 2026.
The awards have become a highlight for the regional startup scene, with a track record of recognizing promising companies early in their growth. For example, the 2023 Startup of the Year, Wollongong-based green hydrogen startup Hysata, raised a record $172 million in its Series B less than a year after winning. Judges will select finalists by late July, and winners will be revealed at a gala event in Sydney in September.
Why it matters
The Best in Tech Awards serve as a crucial platform for startups to gain visibility and validation in a competitive market. They celebrate the innovation, determination, and leadership driving the ANZ startup ecosystem. These awards also underscore the growing role of diverse contributors, including women founders and regional innovators, in shaping the future of technology and business.
By spotlighting early-stage startups and scaleups demonstrating strong growth, the awards help attract investor attention and support ecosystem development. Additional categories acknowledging accelerators, incubators, and outstanding individuals foster a more connected and vibrant startup community, encouraging ambition and collaboration across Australia and New Zealand.
What to watch next
Nominations must be submitted by June 19, after which judges will narrow entries to four finalists per category, announced on July 27. Observers should watch for the announced finalists to see which startups are emerging as leaders in the 2026 cycle across various innovation areas like AI, sustainability, and regional impact.
The winners will be officially revealed on September 10 at a gala dinner in Sydney’s Ivy Ballroom, offering insights into the startups and ecosystem players shaping the next wave of tech-driven growth in Australia and New Zealand. The event also presents networking opportunities and signals where investors and partners might focus their attention for future collaborations.