The Pause Awards ’23 heralds a new era in celebrating Australian innovation, where visionaries and change-makers converge to shape a future defined by groundbreaking ideas and transformative endeavours.
This page is your one-stop shop for all the exciting stats from the entire year, including top winners, articles, sponsors, average funding, and where entries come from.
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.
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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.
