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Prof Graeme Clarke

Visionary Behind the Bionic Ear Honoured in 2024 Pause Awards Hall of Fame

The Pause Awards 2024 celebrated a historic milestone by inducting Professor Graeme M. Clark AC, the inventor of the bionic...

3 December, 2024
Pause Awards

Australia’s boldest innovators announced and new chapter for 2025

The 7th annual Pause Awards celebrated the nation’s most disruptive innovators and entrepreneurial breakthroughs, announcing 34 winners who are shaping...

3 December, 2024
Growth Mentors Board

Top five winners score the most invaluable encounter

As the Pause Awards 2024 approach their grand finale on 2nd December, anticipation builds not only for the recognition of...

19 November, 2024
Kid LAROI

Life lessons on ownership and how to keep creative control

At SXSW Sydney, Kid LAROI, one of Australia’s most celebrated young artists, brought together industry friends and mentors to share...

6 November, 2024
Applied EV

Discover trailblazing Finalists of Pause Awards 2024 in Australia

Pause Awards has unveiled its 79 trailblazing finalists for the 7th annual Pause Awards 2024.  The event continues to celebrate...

28 October, 2024
Extension

It’s here, a final call to enter the Pause Awards this year

Final call for entries: Pause Awards 2024 close on midnight 13 September! The clock is ticking! This is your final...

3 September, 2024
Breakthrough

Join a free 7-week online learning on the go

We are thrilled to introduce the Breakthrough Sessions, a series of engaging, 30-minute online sessions starting on 6 September and...

3 September, 2024
Ticker News

Pause Awards partners with Ticker for exclusive broadcast coverage

We are thrilled to announce that Ticker, the global television network, is the exclusive Broadcast Partner for the Pause Awards...

6 August, 2024
Melbourne

Calling Melbourne — a significant player to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the home city of Melbourne to invite ambitious companies and visionary...

6 August, 2024
Hobart

Calling Hobart — an emerging hub to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the home city of Hobart to invite ambitious companies and visionary...

26 July, 2024
Canberra

Calling Canberra — with most daring new ideas to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the capital city of Canberra to invite ambitious companies and visionary...

16 July, 2024
judjes 2024

Meet final judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 continue to be a beacon of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the most distinguished...

15 July, 2024
Judges 2024

Meet even more judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 continue to be a beacon of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the most distinguished...

8 July, 2024
Judging Panel

Meet more judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 continue to be a beacon of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the most distinguished...

5 July, 2024

Calling Adelaide — dynamic centre for innovation to enter

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the city of Adelaide to invite ambitious companies and visionary individuals...

4 July, 2024
Judges 2024

Meet the judges and why they love Pause Awards

The Pause Awards 2024 are set to be a remarkable celebration of innovation and excellence, bringing together some of the...

1 July, 2024
Perth

Calling Perth — an emerging innovator to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting city of Perth to invite ambitious companies and visionary individuals to...

25 June, 2024
2024 predictions

Read a thrilling mid year predictions by the judges

Despite the half year being gone and us now in July, there is still time for 2024 to surprise us...

24 June, 2024

Calling Brisbane — a rising star to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the city of Brisbane to invite ambitious companies and visionary individuals...

19 June, 2024
Pause Awards 2024

How to choose the right category for the Pause Awards?

Entering the Pause Awards is an exciting opportunity to showcase your business’s achievements. But with so many categories to choose...

17 June, 2024
Pause Awards 2024

Success stories of past Pause winners

If you’re considering entering the Pause Awards but need a little extra motivation, this is for you. We’ll highlight three...

17 June, 2024
Pause Awards 2024

Your guide to the Pause Awards entry process

Entering the Pause Awards is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business’s achievements. Understanding the entry process is crucial for...

17 June, 2024
Pause Awards 2024

Understanding the breakthrough question

Today, we’re going to talk about the Pause Awards Breakthrough question. This question is a key part of the entry...

17 June, 2024
Pause Awards 2024

Top 10 tips on how to enter Pause Awards

If you’re thinking about entering the Pause Awards, you’re in the right place. We’re here to give you some valuable...

17 June, 2024
Sydney

Calling Sydney — a powerhouse of opportunity to enter!

We are embarking on a journey across Australia, visiting the city of Sydney to invite ambitious companies and visionary individuals...

6 June, 2024
Entering first-timers

Entering Pause Awards for the first time?

Entering the world of business awards can be daunting, especially for first-timers. But at Pause Awards, we believe in the...

21 May, 2024
Pause Awards 2024 - Maeve

Inside the Pause Awards 2024: A universe of possibility

As we step into 2024, the Pause Awards, now in their seventh year, continue to be a beacon of innovation...

14 May, 2024
Pause Breakthrough Sweater

What’s a Pause Awards breakthrough?

In the competitive world of business, the term “breakthrough” often conjures images of groundbreaking inventions or once-in-a-lifetime achievements. However, at...

14 May, 2024
Dom Pym, Co-Founder, Euphemia

The power of relationships with Dom Pym at Pause Awards Night

As the founder of the Pause Awards and an advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing...

19 December, 2023
Pause Awards Night 2023 - Winners

Six years of celebrating the Australian most ambitious innovators 

The Australian tech industry witnessed a remarkable evening of celebration and recognition at the Pause Awards 2023, held in Melbourne....

5 December, 2023
Pause Awards Night 2022

Announcing the 63 ambitious finalists, 3 winners and Pause Awards Night

Get the scoop on the Pause Awards ’23 finalists, celebrating Australia’s top innovators. Learn about who made the cut, People’s...

30 October, 2023
Judging Board

Meet the new addition to the Judging Board ‘23

And lastly, we introduce you to the Pause Awards ‘23 powered by VicGov incredible Judging Board. Learn what excites them...

4 September, 2023
Compass map Australia

How Pause Awards can put your brand on the map

Discover the unmatched influence of Pause Awards in bolstering brand reputation and how it serves as a reality-check for businesses...

30 August, 2023
Pause Awards - Announcements 1

Seize the moment: New Extended Entry Deadline

Seize your final chance to be recognised at Australia’s benchmark for business excellence awards. Submit by midnight, Sep 15th AEST,...

30 August, 2023
Pause Awards Growth Mentors Board

Tech legends unite to guide growth and foster innovation

Tech industry legends come forward to mentor winners at Pause Awards ‘23, unlocking unprecedented growth and transformative insights for the...

22 August, 2023
Pause Awards judges

The new faces of Pause Awards in business and the product officers

These are the final few impressive profiles of the Pause Awards 2023 judges. From tech titans at Amazon and fintech...

21 August, 2023
Pause Awards - Announcements 2

Don’t miss out on the last chance to join champions

Don’t miss your last chance to join Pause Awards ’23! Enter the most prestigious benchmark for business excellence in Australia...

21 August, 2023
Pause Awards judges announce

The new faces of Pause Awards from agency and media innovation

Discover industry leaders from top agencies and innovators in media growth. An inside look into their career accomplishments and anticipation...

25 July, 2023
Pause Awards Judges

The new faces of Pause Awards in strategy and leadership

The stellar lineup of judges keeps expanding to include: Stephen Foxworthy, Alan Kirszner, Jessica Williams, Damon Pezaro, Eneko Bilbao, Jodette...

4 July, 2023
Pause Awards Night, Birchal, Startup Vic, AWS

We’re building the community for the most ambitious people

Dive into the world of Pause Awards: a thriving community for the ambitious, driving Australian innovation to new heights while...

27 June, 2023
sparkle

It was worth waiting for these unique features

Delve into the unique offerings of the Pause Awards 2023. Experience the power of the Investable Score™, expanded award levels...

26 June, 2023
Championing breakthrough

Championing breakthroughs in today’s business world

Discover the transformative journey of the Pause Awards, a unique business accolade that propels Australian innovation to the global stage....

21 June, 2023
Pause Awards - Announcements 1

Top 5 compelling reasons why you should enter

Find out why the Pause Awards should be on your radar and discover the top five reasons that make them...

18 June, 2023

Pause Awards vs Webby’s, Cannes Lions and Effies

Dive into an in-depth comparison of the Pause Awards with other prestigious awards such as the Webby’s, Cannes Lions, and...

18 June, 2023
Pause Awards Judges 2

The new faces of Pause Awards in startup, product and experience

Meet the stellar lineup of judges, champions in their own right, including: Ashwin Ramachandran, Nikki Shah, Warwick Peel, Craig Gillam,...

15 June, 2023
Pause Awards - Announcements 2

A tour of 11 new categories

Delve into the exciting world of 11 new categories introduced in the Operators and Excellence tracks. Unearth the unique opportunities...

12 June, 2023
How does it work, Pause Awards

Inside out of Pause Awards

Experience the prestige and advantage of Pause Awards, Australia’s leading recognition programme for innovative businesses. Learn how our rigorous and...

5 June, 2023
Pause Awards - Announcements 1

Aim for the Diamond: Understanding the Different Categories

A comprehensive guide to various award categories, including individual, company, investor, TopCoder, and the exciting 11 new categories. A must-read...

1 June, 2023
Pause Awards Judges

The new faces of Pause Awards in strategy, growth and innovation

This year’s prestigious judge lineup includes: Monique Alvis, Trevor Townsend, Doug Rathbone and Stuart B Richardson from the ‘Growth &...

30 May, 2023
Pause Awards - The Australian benchmark for business excellence

Where business recognition gets a paradigm shift

Delve into the uniqueness of Pause Awards, an exceptional platform that recognises ambition, innovation, and real-world achievements in Australia’s business...

24 May, 2023
Call for Entries '23, Pause Awards

Call for Entries
opens on 17 May ‘23

We’re thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of the sixth edition of Pause Awards, the premier innovation awards program...

1 March, 2023
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Claiming your PauseNFT trophy

Here are the instructions for claiming your Pause Award NFT through the MetaMask cryptocurrency Wallet application. Creating a MetaMask Wallet...

13 December, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Let’s have breakfast with champions?

We are thrilled this year to present to you for the very first time the ‘Breakfast with Champions’ from the...

15 November, 2022
Pause Awards 22 Finalists, Great Wrap

82 Bold Finalists Announced for the Pause Awards ‘22

Announcing the 5th annual Pause Awards Finalists, powered by VicGov, that represent the most ambitious and forward-thinking companies in Australia. ...

10 November, 2022
Pause Awards Trophy Design 2022

The first look at the new wearable trophy design

The awards are nothing without the trophy which crowns the winner. For the 2022 trophy design we present you the...

13 October, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

The Public Voting is open, go get them!

Whilst the entry submissions have been extended to midnight on Friday 14 October, AEST, we keep pushing on for those...

10 October, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

The Final Deadline Extended to midnight 14 October

With an overwhelming response for Pause Awards ‘22, we’re thrilled to extend the deadline to midnight on Friday 14 October,...

30 September, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

What can Pause Awards bring to your company

Now in its fifth year, the Pause Awards powered by the Victorian Government have become the staple of the innovation...

30 August, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Google, Synergy Group, Spaces Interactive, Safari and By Jacs judges for Culture categories

The final Category Track, Culture is also mostly comprised of new four categories, they are: Diverse Co. (NEW), Small team...

24 August, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Loyal VC, Media.Monks, AOK Creative, Storyfolk and Irene Lemon judges for Good categories

The Good Category Track brings together the best traits any company should strive for in today’s environment, it includes categories...

15 August, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Fullstack, Lumigo, Netambition, MedTech Actuator and Unhedged judges for Operators categories

Elevating every voice in the ecosystem is not just important for its collective success, industry development but also for the...

10 August, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Tribal DDB, We Are Unity, Bullfrog, BeautifulAgile and The Audacious Agency judges for your Excellence

Excellence is the most popular out of five Category Tracks at Pause Awards and includes: Defiant ones, Hammer, Indi, Prodigy,...

2 August, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Simply Wall Street, IBM, Forestlyn, CFOWorx and Accenture Song are this year Growth Judges

Growth is one of five Category Tracks at this year’s Pause Awards and includes: Design first, Out of the garage,...

1 August, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

How to navigate the awards Entry Portal?

You’ve heard all about Pause Awards from friends and colleagues, maybe checked our awesome website and you’re now ready to...

14 July, 2022
newsroom, news, ecosystem, founder stories, insights, advice, product, growth, learnings

We’re giving a voice to our community with a stylish newsroom design

Pause Awards isn’t a single night or week of celebration. It’s a perennial reminder to uplift and highlight the ongoing...

10 July, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

14 New award categories under five tracks to highlight the ecosystem success

Some of you may be well versed with our awards categories — but did you know we’ve added about 14...

5 July, 2022
George Hedon, Founder & CEO, Pause Awards

Our new vision:
The home for champions

You’ve seen the new website. You’ve heard how it was built. Now, it’s time to get down to the intent...

27 June, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

Awards LIVE Briefing and Entry Kit

Pause Awards ’22 LIVE Briefing will give you an expert advise and insider tips how to enter your company with...

22 June, 2022
Pause Awards 2022, announcements and important news

We’re looking for our final few judges – could you be one?

It’s a brand new year to showcase and celebrate the most forward-thinking businesses in Australia – and we’re looking for...

8 June, 2022
Pause Awards 2021 cover

Final Deadline is Looming

With 15 days left until the end of Pause Awards 2021, here are 15 reasons why you should consider entering...

1 September, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

Early Entries end This Week

This Friday is the last day to enter Pause Awards with Early Entry fees. We suggest you take up this...

12 July, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

Need Help Entering Pause Awards?

We know everything about the Pause Awards. However, if you have a specific query or would like our professional advice,...

6 July, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

2021 Award Category Guide

We have put together these examples of different themed category sets that you may find motivating for your business to...

1 July, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

How to Enter The Pause Awards in 7 min?

Yes, you can get your submission done within the same time it would take you to drink that excellent latte....

25 June, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

Pause Awards 2021 opens for entries

Enter before 16 July to take advantage of discounted Early Entry fees (A$265), and you can save yourself 20% off...

9 June, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

New categories revealed for Pause Awards 2021

Pause Awards 2021 opens for entries this week with ten new exciting, and important categories. Pause Awards categories have doubled...

5 June, 2021
Pause Awards 2021 cover

Meet the Judging Board 2021

The 2021 Pause Awards judging board is a stellar lineup. You can check the complete list of judges, but here...

13 May, 2021

See 2024 Winners


Read more

Category tracks



The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.


Categories


  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.


  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.


  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.


  • Work Sweet Work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.


  • Company of the Year

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.


  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.


  • Defiant Ones

    Recognises firms that lead technological innovation, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.


  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.


  • I Wish I'd Done That

    Applauds ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.


  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

    Recognises young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.


  • Singularity

    Highlights AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.


  • Women in Business

    Celebrates female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.


  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.


  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.


  • Ethical Leadership New

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.


  • Going Green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.


  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.


  • Design First

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.


  • Going Global New

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.


  • Great Pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.


  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.


  • New Model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.


  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, setting new standards for success.


  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.


  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.


  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.


  • Ecosystem Star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.


  • Future Builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.


  • Quiet Achiever New

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.


  • Splash Down Under New

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.


  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.


  • Venture Cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.


  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.