Individuals and companies across Scotland were honoured last night for their contributions to the industry at ScotlandIS’ 13^th annual Digital Technology Awards, held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on May 18.

At an event that brought together some of Scotland’s most exciting technology start-ups, leading companies and stand-out individuals, the awards emphasised the positive impacts that the sector is supporting within wider society.

Citizens Advice Scotland took home the “Tech for Good” award for developing a creative and low-cost solution that helped it continue to support 171,000 vulnerable people during the pandemic.

“Digital Tech Business of the Year” was awarded to three companies – Blackwired (Start-Up), Dayshape (Scale-Up), and xDesign (Enterprise) – championing exciting growth at each business stage and how Scottish tech firms such as these are contributing to Scotland’s economy.

Farrpoint’s hands-on approach in applying IoT technology to protecting Scottish peatlands secured them the award for “Product/Service Innovation”, as one example of the cutting-edge innovation taking place across Scotland’s tech landscape and demonstrating the role tech can play in environmental engagement.

Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS said: “Scotland’s technology industry is a key contributor to our economy and society, and every year I am overwhelmed by the efforts of our winning companies.

“These are stand-outs in a sector that is full of organisations focused on creating opportunities and driving innovation. They make Scotland a true leader in the field and I would once again like to congratulate all of our winners and runners-up.”

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Additionally, consultant and Scottish Government advisory board member, Tandy Nicole, was named this year’s “Unsung Hero” for her grassroots initiative Womennetic, that aims to create channels and opportunities for women from marginalised communities to get into careers in tech.

Speaking to DIGIT after winning her award, Nicole said: “I am so appreciative and grateful. I’m not doing it by myself, I’m not working in a silo, I love the fact that ScotlandIS has taken into consideration the impact that I’ve made for my community, the community that I represent, the underrepresented.

“I think for me, it’s a breakthrough, coming from a marginalised group, to be able to go into tech and take on leadership roles and learn so many skills.”

The full list of Scottish Digital Technology Award winners for 2023:

• Product/ Service Innovation: FarrPoint
• Tech for Good: Citizens Advice Scotland
• Data Trailblazer: 2i Testing
• Public Sector Innovation: Matter of Focus
• Digital Tech Business of the Year – Start-up: Blackwired
• Digital Tech Business of the Year – Scale-up: Dayshape
• Digital Tech Business of the Year – Enterprise: xDesign
• Best Wellbeing at Work: Calnex Solutions
• Unsung Hero Award: Tandy Nicole