Technology Ireland launches the 25th annual Software Industry Awards

1 Sep 2017

From left: Shane Nolan, senior vice-president of tech, consumer and business services, IDA Ireland; Carol Gibbons, director of ICT commercialisation and sector manager, Enterprise Ireland; Paul Sweetman, director, Technology Ireland; Catherine Guy, managing partner, ByrneWallace; and Adrian Mullett, head of technology sector, Bank of Ireland. Image: Gary O’Neill

Awards ceremony for Irish tech sector celebrates its 25th year.

Technology Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the tech sector, launches the 25th annual Software Industry Awards today (1 September).

At the launch of the awards, Paul Sweetman, director of Technology Ireland, said: “The annual Technology Ireland Software Industry Awards, now in their 25th year, recognise and celebrate indigenous Irish companies who have achieved exceptional success developing innovative software technologies across eight different competition categories.”

‘A global powerhouse in digital technology’

Sweetman also commented on the wide range of companies currently operating in the field: “These awards are a testament not only to the successful entrepreneurship within the technology sector in Ireland, but also to the diversity of innovation among indigenous companies operating in the sector.”

Describing Ireland as a “global powerhouse in digital technology”, Sweetman said he was “amazed and inspired” by the standard of applications to the awards. “These awards place a strongly deserved spotlight on their work and potential.”

He added: “Additionally this year, a special award will recognise a foreign direct investment (FDI) company that enhances the overall development of the tech sector here in Ireland.”

More than 500 digital decision-makers and leaders are set to attend the event on 24 November, in the Round Room at the Mansion House.

Encouraging potential entrants

Technology Ireland – along with sponsors Bank of Ireland, ByrneWallace, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland – is urging all Irish software and digital technology companies to throw their hats into the ring and submit their own entries by Saturday 30 September. Entries are free and unrestricted, with more information available on the Technology Ireland website.

Available categories include: Digital Technology Company of the Year, Technology Innovation of the Year, and Outstanding Academic Achievement of the Year.

There will be 24 judges across eight independent panels, from C-level executives of various companies, to sponsors, state agencies and successful start-ups.

Technology Ireland itself represents the ICT sector, with origins going all the way back to 1968. It was formed in 2017 following the merger of ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association.

Ellen Tannam was a journalist with Silicon Republic, covering all manner of business and tech subjects

editorial@siliconrepublic.com