Just one week left to submit your entries into the UK’s foremost inclusive technology awards – celebrating the amazing people who use tech to make the world a better place.

The Tech4Good Awards, now in their ninth year, are organised by AbilityNet and BT and look to recognise the organisations and individuals who create and use technology to improve the lives of others.

The awards are free to enter, and this year’s nine categories include those for young pioneers, an ageing society, inclusive design, and diversity. Past winners include the world’s smallest farming robot, a device that saves water and a robot that goes to school for children with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

Andy Wales, Chief Digital Impact and Sustainability Officer, BT, said: 

"BT is keen to find and support disruptive new technologies that improve people’s everyday lives. A new world is being shaped and created by the rapid acceleration of technologies, and we need a culture in the UK that celebrates tech for good entrepreneurs, who are at the forefront of making sure no one is left behind. And it’s even more exciting when these new ideas come from young people.”

Mark Walker, Head of Marketing and Communications at AbilityNet, who organise the awards, said:

“We are so enjoying receiving the entries for this year’s awards. There is such depth and breadth to the ideas, talents and skills that go into making this technology, and the awards are the perfect way to celebrate them.”

“For example, last year’s Connected Society Award was won by Small Robot Company who are on a mission to radically transform how we farm. An excellent example of seeing a problem and harnessing technology to create a win-win solution for all.

“We’re looking forward to discovering the new ideas and recognising those in the country who have been working hard this year to create technological solutions to the challenges that many face.”

Any business, charity, individual or public body in the UK is eligible, and submit their entry by 6pm on 10 May via the Tech4Good Awards website.

This year the ever-popular Tech4Good People’s Award, which all shortlisted entries automatically enter, is being powered by Crowdfunder.co.uk. All finalists will be given access to a Crowdfunder campaign which will help them tap into new funding, networks and business development opportunities.

People can nominate themselves or others across nine categories:

·      Accessibility Award – sponsored by Microsoft

·      Ageing Society Award – sponsored by UnLtd

·      BT Young Pioneer Award

·      Connected Society Award – sponsored by Samsung

·      Community Impact Award – sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group and Good Things Foundation

·      Digital Volunteer of the Year Award – sponsored by Do-it Life

·      Inclusive Design Award – sponsored by Scope

·      Tech4Good for Africa Award – sponsored by Comic Relief

·      Tech4Good Diversity Award – sponsored by Nesta

Entries are judged by an expert panel of judges who have worked across the technology, digital and charity sectors and have the job of narrowing down 250+ entries to just 36 finalists.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony hosted by BT on 17 July at BT Centre –a lively and inspiring occasion for all.

For more information and to enter go to:  www.tech4goodawards.com/enter-now