This award recognises a leader from the blockchain industry who is a pioneer, visionary, strategic thinker and role model. The Blockchain Leader of the Year Award recipient will also be recognised as an influencer in the industry and have demonstrated their engagement with the community (keynote speaking, advocacy, & media interviews) in helping to improve on and champion the use of blockchain technology.

Eligibility

• This is an individual award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Individual entrants must be over the age of 18.
• Entrants should either hold Australian citizenship, have resident status, or be able to validate that their main residence is in Australia.
• Nominees must be actively involved in the blockchain industry and have demonstrable evidence of their positive influence on the Australian blockchain industry.

This award is a tribute to the dedicated community builders who have passionately worked towards knitting a cohesive and thriving Australian blockchain community. It recognises those individuals who, through their tireless efforts, have nurtured connections, fostered collaboration, and created spaces for knowledge sharing and growth. These leaders have not only brought individuals and groups together but have also been pivotal in shaping an inclusive and engaged blockchain ecosystem in Australia.

Eligibility

• This is an individual award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Individual entrants must be over the age of 18.
• Entrants should either hold Australian citizenship, have resident status, or be able to validate that their main residence is in Australia.
• Applicants must have made a significant contribution to the growth of the blockchain community, education & development or collaboration among blockchain community members.

The “Creative Leader of the Year” award celebrates remarkable individuals in the blockchain and digital currency industry who have made significant creative and artistic impact particularly in the fields of art, gaming, and NFTs.

Eligibility

• This is an individual award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Individual entrants must be over the age of 18.
• Entrants should either hold Australian citizenship, have resident status, or be able to validate that their main residence is in Australia.
• Applicants must have demonstrated exceptional creativity, leadership and innovation in the fields of art, gaming, and NFTs.

The recipient of this award stands as an inspiration to fellow creatives, inspiring them to embrace the limitless possibilities of blockchain technology in shaping the future of art and gaming.

This award recognises the exceptional contribution towards improving diversity and inclusion within the blockchain industry for those from diverse backgrounds and/or actively campaigned for a more inclusionary blockchain industry, in a way that has had a positive and long-term impact.
Successful nominees will have demonstrated, through their actions, leadership and/or innovation in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Activities could include:

• Advancing diversity awareness and understanding within the blockchain industry
• Promoting policies, programs and practices that strengthen a culture of inclusivity

Eligibility

• This is an individual award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Individual entrants must be over the age of 18.
• Entrants should either hold Australian citizenship, have resident status, or be able to validate that their main residence is in Australia.
• Applicants may be anyone who has made a significant contribution to improving diversity and inclusion within the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.

This category honours promising and exceptional individuals who are rising stars in the blockchain industry. This award recognises emerging leaders who have demonstrated remarkable innovation, accomplishments, and potential early in their careers. The Rising Star award celebrates individuals who show promise, drive, and a strong commitment to excellence, positioning them as future leaders in the blockchain space.

Eligibility

• This is an individual award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Individual entrants must be over the age of 18.
• Entrants should either hold Australian citizenship, have resident status, or be able to validate that their main residence is in Australia.
• Nominees must have entered the blockchain industry within the 18 months, indicating their relatively recent arrival to the space.
• Demonstrable achievements or contributions to the blockchain sector in Australia, showing significant promise and potential, are essential.
• Candidates should exhibit a clear passion, as evidenced by projects, collaborations, or initiatives they have been a part of or led.

This award celebrates the fresh perspectives, dynamic approaches, and the audacious spirit of those who are poised to become future leaders. Whether through groundbreaking projects, disruptive ideas, or fostering collaboration, the Rising Star awardee embodies the promise and potential of what the next generation holds for the blockchain and digital currency community. Their journey, though in its early stages, is an inspiring testament to their dedication and passion. 

This award recognises a digital currency exchange that excels in providing a seamless, secure, and innovative platform. The award honours an exchange that demonstrates exceptional commitment to user experience, security, regulatory compliance, and industry engagement.  This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.

Activities could include:

• Pioneering unique trading features.
• Ensuring top-tier security standards.
• Active engagement and support for the cryptocurrency and blockchain community.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• Open to businesses from both Australia and internationally, provided international businesses are actively operating within or have a significant business presence in Australia.
• Exchanges must provide their registered DCE number.
• Supporting documentation that showcases achievements will bolster the nomination.

The “Organisation of the Year” award celebrates outstanding businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to the Australian blockchain industry. This award acknowledges a company’s achievements over the past 12 months, as well as its’ reputation and presence within the industry.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• Open to businesses from both Australia and internationally, provided international businesses are actively operating within or have a significant business presence in Australia.
• Applicants must have showcased outstanding achievements, advancements, and positive impacts in the blockchain sector.
• Tangible accomplishments, be it in terms of technology advancements, market disruptions, or educational initiatives, are a pivotal criterion.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.

The recipient of this award stands as a shining example of excellence and leadership within the Australian blockchain ecosystem, inspiring others to elevate their contributions and shape the future of decentralised technologies.

This award spotlights innovative projects, whether within businesses or standalone, that have significantly influenced the Australian Blockchain industry, setting new benchmarks in technology application, impact, and value delivery.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Open to businesses from both Australia and internationally, provided international businesses are actively operating within or have a significant business presence in Australia.
• Applicants can be an initiative or venture, either part of a larger organisation or an independent endeavour, focused on leveraging Blockchain and Web3 technology for specific goals or outcomes.
• Tangible results, adoption rates, and value generation are essential evaluation metrics.
• Ethical practices, transparency, and adherence to industry standards are vital.
• Supporting documentation that elucidates the project’s achievements will bolster the nomination.

This award recognises the providers of blockchain technologies and services that are delivering solutions that significantly transform their clients’ operations. This award showcases the talent, leadership and impact of our service providers who are contributing to the growth of the industry.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Open to businesses from both Australia and internationally, provided international businesses are actively operating within or have a significant business presence in Australia.
• Nominees should have demonstrated a consistent track record of technological innovation in the blockchain and digital asset sector.
• Evidence of specific technologies, platforms, or tools developed that have made a significant impact on the industry, be it in terms of scalability, security, user adoption, or other notable benchmarks.
• Innovations that have contributed to the broader understanding, accessibility, and potential of blockchain technologies are of particular interest.

Awardees are distinguished not just by their technological prowess but also by their impact on the Blockchain industry, setting benchmarks and pioneering solutions that inspire progress and transformation.

Recognises educational institutions, whether universities, TAFEs, schools, or online platforms, that have demonstrated exceptional excellence in providing blockchain education across various modes and delivery models. This award celebrates their ability to deliver high-quality and accessible blockchain education, catering to diverse learning needs and preferences.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Open to businesses from both Australia and internationally, provided international businesses are actively operating within or have a significant business presence in Australia.
• Open exclusively to educational institutions, including universities, TAFEs, schools, and online learning platforms.
• Nominees must have showcased a robust and comprehensive blockchain, Web3 and/or digital currency curriculum, ensuring a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights.
• Evidence of initiatives or programs aimed at enhancing blockchain and/or digital currency education, incorporating a variety of learning modes and delivery models, is essential.
• Innovative teaching methodologies, tools, or resources that cater to diverse learning needs and preferences will be given special consideration.

The category highlights institutions that have made significant contributions in equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to thrive in the blockchain industry. Through their innovative and inclusive educational approaches, they have played a pivotal role in fostering a well-trained and capable workforce for the blockchain ecosystem, both online and offline.

The “Outstanding Professional Services in Blockchain” award recognises exceptional organisations that have delivered exemplary services in the blockchain industry, including but not limited to legal, tax, security, analytics, and advisory.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Open to businesses from both Australia and internationally, provided international businesses are actively operating within or have a significant business presence in Australia.
• Open exclusively to businesses providing professional services tailored to the blockchain and digital currency sector.
• Nominees must demonstrate a consistent record of delivering exceptional services with tangible impacts on their clients.
• Businesses should provide evidence of innovative solutions or methodologies addressing specific challenges or opportunities in the blockchain industry.
• Demonstrable commitment to staying current with regulatory perimeters, technological advancements, and market dynamics to provide informed services is essential.
• Client endorsements, case studies, or testimonials that highlight the firm’s proficiency, influence, and exceptional service quality will be taken into account.

This award celebrates an early-stage Australian blockchain business demonstrating significant expansion and influence during its foundational years. Concentrating on businesses within a 1-5 year operational window, the award emphasises robust expansion, innovation, scalability, and profound industry resonance. Additionally, it acknowledges enterprises with a distinct future vision, and active community engagement, and a passionate, effective team.

Eligibility

• This is a business award.
• This award acknowledges achievements over the past 12 months.
• Open to businesses domiciled in Australia only.
• Businesses must have been in operation for a duration of minimum of 1 year and maximum of 5 years.
• Have up to 10 employees, including contractors.
• Can be in the pre-revenue phase.
• Must hold an ABN.

This category recognises the achievements of companies that have evolved into prominent players within the blockchain and digital currency ecosystem, solidifying their position and impact in the industry.