The search has begun for Australia’s outstanding leaders from within our community of entrepreneurs and innovators. Nominations have opened for the individual leadership categories of the 2025 InnovationAus Awards for Excellence.
We are seeking nominations for the bold pioneers of our industry across two leadership categories that celebrate the achievements of individuals who have delivered standout impact and success.
The Paul Shetler Disrupter of the Year Award and the Innovation Leadership Award shine a spotlight on individuals who are shaping Australia’s innovation economy and clearing the path for the next generation of leaders. You can lodge your nomination of candidates for these outstanding leadership categories here.
The 2025 InnovationAus Awards for Excellence is a six-month program of activity that will culminate in a black-tie gala dinner ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall on November 27 where the winners will be announced.
Celebrating a milestone fifth year, and a decade since InnovationAus.com started publishing, the Awards have become a cornerstone for acknowledging the people and projects that power Australia’s innovation journey.
These two awards celebrate individuals – those who dare, those who lead and those who push boundaries to deliver real impact. You can find out more and lodge your nomination here.
“Five years is an important milestone when you consider our past Awards finalists and winners who have gone on to raise major VC rounds, secure NRF funding, list on the ASX and build successful domestic and global businesses,” says InnovationAus.com publisher Corrie McLeod.
“We’re seeing unprecedented innovation across sectors – from headline-making breakthroughs to unsung heroes quietly making giant waves. I encourage everyone to nominate, vote and join us at the Awards gala dinner to celebrate these trailblazers.”
Paul Shetler Disrupter of the Year
Named in honour of the late Paul Shetler – a digital transformation pioneer and public policy innovator – this award recognises those unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Whether in government, business or research, the Disrupter of the Year is someone with an unwavering belief in what is possible. They see around corners, take bold risks, and are willing to fight for long-term change that truly matters.
We’re proud to have quantum software leader Q-CTRL as the sponsor for this award. Q-CTRL’s work in stabilising and enhancing quantum hardware performance through software reflects the very essence of disruption – transforming an emerging technology into something practical and powerful for enterprise, government and research.
This is Q-CTRL’s fourth year as a sponsor of the InnovationAus Awards for Excellence.
Innovation Leadership Award
This award recognises the leaders behind some of Australia’s most successful and forward-thinking innovations – those who balance big-picture strategy with executional excellence.
The Innovation Leadership Award honours individuals who champion new ideas, guide their teams to deliver impact and mentor high performers, ensuring a pipeline of talent that will propel Australia forward.
This award is sponsored by Griffith Hack, a first-time sponsor of the InnovationAus Awards. Griffith Hack supports commercialisation by helping individuals and organisations protect and leverage their IP. With more than a century of experience, its work directly empowers the leaders who are driving Australia’s innovation economy forward.
To uncover and celebrate Australia’s greatest champions of innovation, we are especially keen to hear from those not normally seen on the circuit. We are looking for fresh voices that have something unique to say and are leading their teams to success.
It takes just 15 minutes to put forward someone you believe fits the bill – there’s no cost to enter, and anyone can submit a nomination.
Entries close on 15 August 2025, so don’t miss the chance to shine a light on Australia’s most inspiring innovation leaders. Nominate today: https://innovationausawards.awardsplatform.com.
Tickets to the gala dinner are also available now at https://events.humanitix.com/innovationaus-awards-for-excellence-2025.
The InnovationAus 2025 Awards for Excellence are proudly supported by ACS, PEXA Group, the CSIRO ON Program, Griffith Hack, TechnologyOne, QCTRL, National AI Centre and IP Australia.
Protecting your great ideas with intellectual property (IP) rights can lead to lasting benefits for your growing business. IP refers to creations of the mind, such as a brand, logo, invention, design or artistic work. Head to the IP Australia website to find out more about IP, and how it might help your business.
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.