There are two weeks left to enter the 2026 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards in partnership with Telefónica Tech. Entries are now open across 17 categories.
The awards ceremony will be held on November 13 at the Mac in Belfast and will be hosted by comedian Shane Todd.
There are also two non-entry categories: Outstanding Contribution to the IT Sector and Overall IT Team or Company of the Year.
The closing date for entries is Friday, October 2, at 5pm.
Ellen Dickson, vice president of enterprise health services at Telefónica Tech, said: “As the principal sponsor, Telefónica Tech is delighted to announce that the 2026 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards are now live and open for entry. Once again, we hope to see entries reflect the innovation, talent and world-class digital leadership that our local tech sector has become synonymous with. As our tech sector continues to grow and evolve, these awards provide a platform to recognise the individuals and organisations shaping the industry here — something everyone at Telefónica Tech is keen to foster and encourage.”
Martin Breen, executive editor at Mediahuis in Northern Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to open the 2026 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards in partnership with Telefónica Tech.
“I wish everyone the best of luck with their entries, and look forward to a great night of celebration on November 13.”
The high-calibre, independent judging panel is chaired by Peter Russell, managing director of PR Business Growth Services.
The panel also includes Scott Armstrong, head of Expleo NI; Claire Nixon, founder of Adepta Partners; Ellen Dickson, Telefónica Tech; Neil Hutcheson, CEO, Software NI; Professor Chris Nugent, Ulster University; John Ferris, accelerator leader of Ulster Bank; and Claire McBride, social value manager at Fujitsu.
Categories and sponsors in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards
Best Public Sector or Third Sector IT Project: sponsored by Allstate
IT Project of the Year: sponsored by OCHO
Mobile App of the Year: sponsored by Options IT
Rising Star Award
Best Place to Work in IT (under 100 employees)
Best Place to Work in IT (over 100 employees)
Women Leadership Award
IT Services Company of the Year
IT Team or Department of the Year
Development Team of the Year
ESG Excellence Award
AI Project of the Year
Cybersecurity Project of the Year
IT Supplier of the Year
Data Scientist of the Year/Data Analyst of the Year
Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing
IT Professional of the Year (no online entry)
Outstanding Contribution to the IT Sector: (no online entry) Telefónica Tech
Overall IT Team or Company of the Year 2026: (no online entry) Telefónica Tech
For more information about category sponsorship opportunities, contact karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk
To enter, visit: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/events/it-awards/entries-open-for-2026-belfast-telegraph-it-awards/a/160745302.html
