- ScotlandIS is now welcoming entries for its Digital Technology Awards 2026
- Nominees will compete in 11 categories, including for the new ‘AI Trailblazer’ award
ScotlandIS, the membership and cluster management organisation for Scotland’s digital technologies industry, has opened applications for its flagship awards ceremony, the Digital Technology Awards.
Seeking to reward the innovation, expertise and ambition of pioneers in the Scottish tech sector, the winners will receive industry-wide recognition for their achievements. Now in its 16th year, nominees will have until the 8th January 2026 to submit their entries for the awards, with winners announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on 19th March 2026.
This year’s awards also sees the introduction of a new category, AI Trailblazer. It aims to recognise those leading the way in AI by using it to innovate and create measurable impact for their business or wider industry.
Karen Meechan, CEO at ScotlandIS said: “I’d be lying if I said the last few years haven’t been tough on businesses. Navigating waves of economic uncertainty has been no mean feat, but it’s a challenge our industry has battled through with grace, optimism and resilience. And it’s now time to look forward. There’s so much to be excited about – especially within our AI, cyber security and space sectors.
“This year in particular has been a year for showcasing innovation. We held Scotland’s first Innovation Week which saw policymakers, academics, investors and leading experts come together to celebrate Scotland’s innovation. It’s something that doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves, which is why awards like this are so important. The talent and innovation we produce in Scotland has the potential to be world-leading, and we need to be shouting about it more.”
Speaking on the new ‘AI Trailblazer’ category, Karen said:
“Scotland is home to an incredible wave of innovation in AI, with companies developing tools that are creating opportunities for genuine transformation both here and around the world. Given this, we felt it was only right to create a category that celebrates this progress and shines a light on the remarkable talent driving it forward. AI is quickly becoming an essential part of business growth and competitiveness, and Scotland is at the forefront of that journey.
“Each year we are inspired by the calibre of entries we receive, and we know 2026 will be no exception. We encourage businesses across the country to come forward, showcase their achievements and share the success stories helping to shape the future of Scotland’s tech sector.”
The 2026 Digital Technology Awards will be held on 19th March 2026 at the Radisson Blu hotel in Glasgow and will be judged by an independent panel of experts to determine the shortlist.
The full list of categories is:
- Tech for Good
- Service Innovation
- Product Innovation
- AI Trailblazer
- Cyber Excellence
- Public Sector Innovation
- Outstanding IT Managed Service Provider
- Digital Tech Rising Star
- Start-Up Digital Tech Business of the Year
- Scale-Up Digital Tech Business of the Year
- Enterprise Digital Tech Business of the Year
For more information about the awards or to apply, visit here.