ScotlandIS launches 2027 awards with new skills category
Mon, 26th Oct 2026 (Today)
ScotlandIS has opened applications for its 2027 Digital Technology Awards, which this year include a new Digital Skills Impact Award.
Now in their 17th year, the awards are run by the industry body for Scotland's digital technologies sector and span 11 categories. Entries are open to organisations and individuals across areas including Tech for Good, Cyber Excellence, Product Innovation, Public Sector Innovation and SME Digital Tech Business of the Year.
The new category focuses on skills development in the sector. It is open to technology companies, education and training providers, public sector organisations and partnerships. Judges will consider contributions to attracting and developing talent, including inclusivity and measurable impact.
Past winners have come from across Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aviemore, Falkirk and Stornoway. Previous recipients include Arnold Clark, Storm ID, 2i, NHS24, Gigged.AI, loveelectric, Quarch Technology, Illuminate IT and Closed Door Security.
Sector backdrop
The launch comes amid a wider push to highlight the role of digital technology in the Scottish economy. According to ScotlandIS, the sector contributes about GBP £7.5 billion to Scotland's gross value added, while 100,000 people work in digital technology roles across the economy.
Scotland has 3,900 digital technologies companies, and the sector is growing 1.5 times faster than the overall economy, the organisation said. It added that 13,000 digital technology job opportunities are created each year, and filling all of them would add GBP £1 billion to Scotland's gross value added.
Figures published by the group show its members employ about 60,000 people and contribute about GBP £4.7 billion to Scotland's gross value added. ScotlandIS works with public bodies including the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.
The awards will be judged by an independent panel of experts. A shortlist is due at the end of January, with winners announced later in Glasgow.
Andrew Weir, Chief Executive Officer of ScotlandIS, said: “Over the past few months I've had the privilege of speaking to many of our member organisations. From what I've observed, Scotland's tech sector continues to demonstrate remarkable strength and resilience, regardless of the economic and geopolitical challenges it faces. These awards give us the chance to celebrate that by taking a moment to recognise the talent, ambition and innovation driving our sector forward.”
Weir also highlighted the programme's people-focused categories, including AI Trailblazer and Digital Tech Rising Star, alongside the new skills award.
He added: “While shining a light on technology is important, the people behind it also deserve appreciation. This is reflected in categories such as AI Trailblazer and Digital Tech Rising Star. As I prepare for my first Digital Technology Awards as CEO, I'm looking forward to meeting and championing the individuals and businesses whose work is creating a positive impact across our sector, economy and wider society.”
The full list of categories is: Digital Skills Impact, Tech for Good, Service Innovation, Product Innovation, AI Trailblazer, Cyber Excellence, Public Sector Innovation, Outstanding IT Managed Service Provider, Digital Tech Rising Star, SME Digital Tech Business of the Year and Large Digital Tech Business of the Year.