ABOUT THE AWARD
The CICTA Rising Star Award recognises an early-career individual who has demonstrated exceptional promise and made significant contributions to the Australian digital technology sector. This award is designed to spotlight emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the digital technology sector through innovation, leadership, and impact.
The Rising Star Award celebrates those who are still early in their career journey yet are already making waves, individuals who inspire peers, disrupt conventional thinking, and embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s digital economy.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
– The nominee must be an individual based in Queensland, Australia.
– The nominee should be early-career, generally in their first 10 years’ professional experience in the digital technology industry. In calculating industry experience, career breaks or time spent outside the IT industry are excluded from this calculation and will not disadvantage applicants.
– Open to individuals from startups, corporates, academia, non-profits, or government who are contributing to the ICT/digital tech space.
– Nominations can be made by colleagues, mentors, employers, or peers. Self-nominations are also accepted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Nominees will be assessed based on their:
Impact and Achievement
– Demonstrated contributions to digital technology through projects, products, research, or leadership.
– Clear evidence of the value, innovation, or societal impact created.
Innovation and Creativity
– Ability to think differently and solve problems in new ways.
– Involvement in innovative digital solutions, emerging technologies, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Leadership and Influence
– Demonstrated leadership potential, even in junior or non-executive roles.
– Ability to inspire and influence others, either through community involvement, mentoring, or team impact.
Growth and Trajectory
– Strong potential for future leadership and influence in the sector.
– A trajectory that indicates ongoing impact and advancement.
Values and Contribution to the Ecosystem
– Commitment to positive change, collaboration, diversity, or sustainability in tech/digital.
– Engagement with the broader tech/digital community (e.g. speaking, mentoring, volunteering, etc.).
HOW TO NOMINATE
Nominators must submit:
A short response (max. 200 words) to each of the five selection criteria. Ensure all selection criteria are addressed.
The nominee’s CV or LinkedIn profile.
Provide names and contact information for two professional referees.
Optional: Supporting material (e.g., media, project links, testimonials).
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview or to provide further documentation.
JUDGING PROCESS
The judging panel will consist of 4–6 representatives selected to reflect a diverse and balanced view of the sector.
Nomination Submission
All nominations must include a supporting statement, nominee CV or LinkedIn profile, two professional referees and optional supporting materials.
Initial Assessment & Shortlisting
Judges will independently score nominations using a structured rubric based on the criteria above. Top-ranked candidates will proceed to the next stage.
Panel Deliberation
The judging panel will meet to review and discuss the shortlisted candidates, ensuring that scoring is balanced with qualitative insight.
Interviews (Optional)
Shortlisted nominees may be contacted for a short interview or asked to submit a short video or written reflection to support final evaluation.
Final Decision & Announcement
One winner will be selected, and commendations may be made at the panel’s discretion. The award will be formally announced during the CICTA Awards event or a relevant industry gathering.
Recognition
The Rising Star award will be announced at the annual Pearcey CICTA Queensland Awards on Tuesday 6 October.
KEY DATES
Nominations open: Wednesday 20 May 2026
Nominations close: Friday 21 August 2026
Award Announcement: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Make sure to save your responses to the selection criteria elsewhere as a backup.
For any enquiries or questions, please contact Debra Krause on secretariat@cicta.org.au or on 0468 443 868
Dr Scarlett Raine, 2025 CICTA Pearcey Rising Star
with
Paul Gampe, Pearcey Qld Chair; The Hon. Andrew Powell, Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation and Dr Nick Tate, CICTA Chair.