Nominations are being sought for the 2020 TechAwards, Bermuda’s best in technology in four specific categories: international market innovation, local market innovation, most innovative youth project and most innovative mobile application. Nominations may be submitted through the Tech Awards website, www.techawards.bm, from now until September 18.

Since 2007, the Department of ICT Policy and Innovation has recognised the best Bermuda-based companies and products which have made their mark, often on the global stage, with the Bermuda Technology Innovation Awards, otherwise known as TechAwards.

Speaking about technology innovation, David Burt, the Premier, said: “The TechAwards recognises outstanding achievements being made in information technology by Bermuda residents and Bermuda-based organisations.

“Bermuda is a small island; however, we have a wealth of talent and a long history of innovation. Please submit nominations for a TechAward, if you are aware of an innovative product or tool in Bermuda.”

Once submitted by the public, nominations are carefully evaluated by the TechAwards Committee. Those that meet the criteria are then invited to present to a panel of judges from the local ICT industry. The top five finishers in each category will gather in small groups to be recognised by the Department of Economic Development with the presentations recorded for a virtual showing during the Awards Presentations.

Marisa Stones, acting director, Economic Development Department, said: “Our committee may need to adjust some of the existing categories to accommodate what we expect to be an increase in nominations for this year’s TechAwards as a result of the number of companies shifting their business practices to e-commerce because of social distancing restrictions.

“This, in addition to the increase the number of blockchain and distributed ledged technologies we’ve been seeing over the past few years, could make the 2020 TechAwards remarkably interesting.”

Dr Stones added: “This year, the TechAwards Presentations will undergo their own Covid-focused revisions with small-group sessions for judging, and the in-person presentations being videotaped and edited for viewing by a global audience during the Bermuda Business Development Agency’s Virtual TechWeek on October 14.”

• From now until September 18, nominations are welcome at www.techawards.bm