When assessing this category the judges prioritise projects that demonstrate accessibility, effectiveness, and equity in healthcare delivery. Winning entries showcase innovative use of technology to improve patient outcomes, expand access to healthcare services, and enhance efficiency in healthcare administration. 

Judges are looking for:

• What healthcare problem was addressed?
• How did this improve patient care or access?
• What measurable impact was achieved?
• How safe and reliable is the solution?
• Can it scale across the health system?

Judges reward clear evidence, not claims. Use data, examples and results wherever possible.

Open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland.

The Digital Communications, Public Engagement & Service Uptake Award is for projects that demonstrate excellence in the communication and promotion of public services, and effectively engage citizens and stakeholders.  

Judges are looking for:

• What behaviour or action were you trying to influence?
• Who was the target audience?
• What channels and approach were used?
• What evidence shows success (reach, engagement, uptake)?
• Did it lead to real-world action?

Judges reward clear evidence, not claims. Use data, examples and results wherever possible.

Open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland.

This new category recognises how digital technology is transforming the way public infrastructure and assets are planned, managed and maintained. From transport to utilities, better data and smarter systems are driving more efficient, resilient and informed decision-making.

Judges are looking for:

• What infrastructure or assets were digitised?
• How did this improve management, maintenance, or planning?
• What evidence shows efficiency or cost benefits?
• How reliable and scalable is the system?
• Does it support better long-term decision-making?

Judges reward clear evidence, not claims. Use data, examples and results wherever possible.

Open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland.

For the AI and Governance category the judges are looking for projects that exemplify the transformative potential of AI in enhancing services and improving outcomes for citizens, while upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility. We are looking for projects that leverage AI in novel ways to enhance governance processes, improve service delivery, or address societal challenges.

Judges are looking for:

• What problem did AI solve — and why was AI the right choice?
• How was the AI actually used (not just planned or piloted)?
• What measurable impact did it have (time saved, accuracy, cost, outcomes)?
• How did you manage risks (bias, transparency, accountability)?
• Is this scalable or reusable across other services?

Judges reward clear evidence, not claims. Use data, examples and results wherever possible.

Open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland.

For the Data Innovation, Open Data & Insights award judges are looking for: 

• What data was used — and why was it valuable?
• How was data turned into insight or action?
• What impact did it have on decisions or services?
• Is the data accessible, reusable, or open?
• Does it improve transparency or outcomes?

Judges reward clear evidence, not claims. Use data, examples and results wherever possible.

Open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland.

The Digital Transformation Project of the Year Award is a new category for 2026. It is open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland that has delivered a successful transformation. 

Judges are looking for:

• What changed — before vs after?
• How big was the transformation (process, system, organisation)?
• What results were delivered (efficiency, cost, service quality)?
• How complex was the delivery (stakeholders, scale, risk)?
• Why this stands out as a leading example of digital transformation

Judges reward clear evidence, not claims. Use data, examples and results wherever possible.

Open to any government-funded service across the island of Ireland.

The Digital Transformation Project of the Year is sponsored by DEPT, a think tank of experts in tech, marketing, commerce, CRM, and AI, here to help you navigate your challenges and opportunities.

Supported by our sponsor DEPT