Calling all entrepreneurs, researchers and deep tech pioneers! The search has begun for Australia’s most innovative technology-driven companies of 2025 through the fifth annual InnovationAus Awards for Excellence. Entries are now open.
Recognising excellence across Australia’s innovation ecosystem, the awards highlight the outstanding achievements by both emerging startups and established enterprises in areas like AI, renewable energy, food technology, health, software and beyond.
The program showcases the groundbreaking products and services transforming Australia’s innovation landscape – and the visionaries behind them who drive our new economy forward.
Past winners have gone on to raise substantial funding and list on the Australian Stock Exchange – in addition to building successful domestic and international sales.
“Five years is an important milestone when you consider the incredible success stories we’ve been able to champion,” said InnovationAus.com publisher Corrie McLeod.
“From headline-making breakthroughs to unsung heroes quietly making waves in their industries, we want to celebrate their vision, collaborative efforts, and groundbreaking achievements.”
Take advantage of the early bird pricing by submitting before Monday, May 19. All entries must be received by Friday, June 20. There is also a 50 per cent discount for entering multiple categories.
The prestigious black-tie Gala Dinner – widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of the innovation sector’ – is set for Thursday, November 27 at Sydney Town Hall, offering a grand and memorable backdrop for the 2025 InnovationAus Awards.
With over 500 attendees from government, industry, and academia, the evening is not to be missed.
All finalists will receive a free ticket to the Gala – and will have their company profiled in a feature article in InnovationAus.com.
Eight award categories are available this year, offering entrants a national platform to showcase their innovations. All entrants are also considered for the People’s Choice Award and the top honour of the night – the Australian Hero Award.
In 2024, Queensland-based tech firm BlockTexx received the coveted Australian Hero Award, joining the ranks of past winners including BluGlass, Samsara Eco, and inaugural co-recipients, Q-CTRL and Sea Forest.
A distinguished panel of judges representing venture capital, research, academia, startups and corporations will evaluate entries and select finalists and winners. The 2025 judging panel will be announced in the coming weeks.
You can revisit the highlights from last year’s event here and read about past winners and finalists here.
You can enter the below categories here:
- AI Technology
- Defence and Dual-Use Technology
- Energy & Renewables
- Food & AgriTech
- GovTech Project, Product or Service
- Health Tech
- Software Innovation
Key dates for 2025:
- Early bird entries: open now through to Monday, May 19
- Final submission deadline: Friday, June 20
- Finalist announcement: September
- Awards ceremony: Thursday, November 27
The InnovationAus 2025 Awards for Excellence are proudly supported by ACS, the CSIRO ON Program, Q-CTRL 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.