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Ally Watson

How Ally Watson is pioneering tech careers for women

Navigating the unpredictable waves of the 2020 pandemic, Ally Watson, CEO and Founder of Code Like a Girl, led her...

15 November, 2024
Canva

How Canva transformed a simple idea to become global leader

In an engaging interview hosted by Mary Meeker, General Partner at Bond, Canva co-founder Melanie Perkins shared the story of...

15 October, 2024
Mira Murati

Maybe those shouldn’t have been there in the first place

In a recent statement that has sparked considerable debate, Mira Murati, CTO of OpenAI, claimed that AI will eliminate some...

27 June, 2024
OpenAI robot

Talking robots and AI Agents, two insane demos

Welcome to Time Under Tension, where they bring you their favourite insights from the generative AI technology around the world....

25 March, 2024
Pause Awards at SXSW Sydney

Looking at 100 years from now in Solar, EVs and MedTech

Discover the insights from a panel discussion at SXSW Sydney featuring Slava Kozlovskii (Founder and CEO of evee), Professor Renate...

20 October, 2023
VC 2050

What does the Australia’s VC landscape look like in 2050

Explore the evolution and future trajectory of Australia’s venture capital scene through the insights of industry leaders, discussing challenges, diversity,...

19 October, 2023
Amy Webb and Adam Spencer

Do we want to live in a Black Mirror world?

Amy Webb, the renowned quantitative futurist, sits down for a captivating conversation with Adam Spencer, the Australian comedian, and media...

17 October, 2023
iPhone 15

iPhone 15 event: everything about Apple’s new product line

Apple’s major event brought forth the iPhone 15 series, USB-C charging, Neural Engine and a carbon-neutral Apple Watch. Read a...

14 September, 2023
Twitter to X

Twitter to X: a rebrand to challenge tech giants and empower users

Twitter is now X — and the one thing marketing gurus and contrarians have in common is their condemnation of...

4 August, 2023
BODD Technologies

Mapping the future of fit and function

Dive into the journey of Bodd Technologies, the innovative company revolutionising the fit and wellness industry. Learn about their growth,...

23 June, 2023
Ai Platforms

Top AI tools you need to try now

It seems like everyone has waited on ChatGPT to arrive to release their own versions of AI. Anyhow, it’s madness...

29 March, 2023
ChatGPT

Deep dive with ChatGPT about Aussie tech ecosystem

My next guest is a true leader in the field of artificial intelligence. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a cutting-edge...

17 January, 2023
Starward whiskey, award winner San Francisco

Venture snapshot: down but not out

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

26 July, 2022
Birchal founders, party, equity crowd sourcing

Best equity crowdfunding year in Australia – $86m!

Aussie equity crowdfunding has hit a new high, with $86 million raised from more than 43,000 investments in FY22 making...

22 July, 2022
Prof. Martin Green, father of solar cell, innovator

Professor Martin Green
– The father of solar cells

A world that’s struggling to solve climate change is more than ever in need of smart solutions and green energy,...

10 July, 2022
Dr John O'Sullivan, inventor of WiFi, CSIRO, Pause Awards Hall of Fame 2020 winner

Dr John O’Sullivan
– The inventor of modern WiFi

You may or may not have already heard of our very first Hall of Fame winner. And oh boy, was...

10 July, 2022

The Reign in the North

For a sparsely populated country (5.4 million people spread over 338,424 kilometres) with average temperatures that hover around -20°C, with...

1 February, 2021

What went into creating Vincent, a hyper-real digital human

Until very recently, directly mapping an actor’s performance onto photorealistic digital humans using real-time rendering was considered impossible. We’d seen...

21 January, 2020

See 2024 Winners


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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.