Entries are now open for Northern Ireland’s 2026 Women in Tech Awards inviting the sector’s best-in-class to put themselves or a colleague forward before the deadline of Monday, 11th May.
Hosted by Women in Business at the Europa Hotel on 19th June, this year’s ceremony features a new Software Engineer of the Year category and is set to welcome more than 300 delegates from across NI’s tech industry at a time of continuing growth.
A study by Optisearch published this year showed Belfast has a tech job demand rate of 3.7%, the second highest in the UK, driven by key growth sectors including creative technology, cybersecurity, AI, and the life and health sciences.
Speaking at the Awards launch, Women in Business Director Caroline Coyle commented: “As the only Awards of its kind here in Northern Ireland, it’s a real privilege to celebrate those women making a demonstrable impact on what continues to be such a vibrant and dynamic industry.
“This being the fifth edition of our Women in Tech Awards, the annual showcase remains a key fixture on the business calendar for platforming tech’s women leaders within a sector where the scales of gender balance have for too long been tipped against them.
“We very much look forward to recognising and applauding the high calibre of tech talent coming through in the applications ahead of May’s deadline.”
Among the 10 awards categories is the prestigious Outstanding Woman in Tech category, again sponsored by VANRATH.
Encouraging applications for this year’s event, VANRATH Managing Director Barbara McKiernan added: “VANRATH is delighted to once again be the headline sponsor of the Women in Tech Awards. This event continues to shine a light on the incredible talent, innovation, and leadership shaping Northern Ireland’s tech sector. It’s always a highlight to see the depth of talent that exists here.
“We would encourage individuals and organisations across the industry to put forward the women making a real impact – whether that’s a colleague, a mentor, or yourself. It’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise those driving progress and inspiring the next generation. We look forward to celebrating this year’s finalists in June.”
In anticipation of June’s event, Women in Business has partnered with Software NI, the representative body for software engineering companies across Northern Ireland. Now representing more than 140 member organisations, it works to accelerate the growth of the local software sector and strengthen its long-term foundations.
Lorna McAdoo, Chair of Software NI added: “We are incredibly proud partner with Women in Business for the 2026 Women in Tech Awards. It’s an opportunity to recognise those who are making a real impact on Northern Ireland’s tech sector. Every year, I am always reminded and immensely proud of the female talent that we have across the sector. I would encourage everyone from across public, private and third sector who are delivering real innovation using technology to apply and / or nominate their peers. Let’s celebrate these fantastic women.“
The 2026 Women in Tech award categories are:
- Outstanding Woman in Tech
- Outstanding Apprentice
- Digital Transformation Leader of the Year
- Software Engineer of the Year
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Tech Team of the Year
- C Level Woman of the Year
- Male Advocate of the Year
- Tech Advocate of the Year
- One to Watch in the Future
Alongside VANRATH, supporting sponsors of this year’s showcase include Version 1, Pytilia, IQ&Co., and Allstate NI.
All finalists will join the Women in Tech Award Finalist Alumnae, a group specially created to offer all finalists the opportunity to network with like-minded businesswomen and to stimulate opportunity for both personal and professional development.
The 2026 Women in Tech Awards shortlist will be announced in mid-May ahead of the ceremony taking place on Friday 19th June at Belfast’s Europa Hotel.
For more details on entry visit: https://www.womeninbusinessni.com/events/women-in-tech-awards