Award your Impact. Accelerate your Mission.

The Growing Further Spotlight Award does more than celebrate innovation – it actively accelerates it. We identify and reward the most promising startups solving critical problems in key industries. Winning brings more than a prize; it brings credibility, opens doors to investment, and grants immediate access to our lifelong community of founders and partners.

Key Dates Apply for the 2026 Awards

WHY APPLY?

The Value Beyond the Prize
While finalists are eligible for a significant cash prize, the true value of winning is unparalleled access and credibility:

Lifelong Community Access

Immediate and free entry into the Growing Further Network for peer support and mentorship.

Strategic Visibility

Be featured across our channels and presented to our network of partners and investors.

Industry Credibility

Use the “Growing Further Award Winner” seal to build trust with customers and investors.

Scaling Opportunities

Priority consideration for pilot partnerships and programs within the Growing Further Launchpad.

Award Categories

Your innovation must fit into one of the following four categories, aligned with key sectors shaping our future:

Real Estate & Supply Chain

Proptech, building innovation, construction tech, retail supply chain logistics, and future-of-work solutions.

Utilities & Energy

Renewable energy generation, storage, and distribution; grid optimization; circular economy; and water technology.

Data & Networks

Advanced software, Al & machine learning, IoT, connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Agriculture & Resources

Agtech, sustainable farming, food security, carbon capture & utilisation, and resource management.

  • Real Estate & Supply Chain 

    Proptech, building innovation, construction tech, retail supply chain logistics, and future-of-work solutions. 

  • Utilities & Energy 

    Renewable energy generation, storage, and distribution; grid optimization; circular economy; and water technology. 

  • Data & Networks 

    Advanced software, AI & machine learning, IoT, connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. 

  • Agriculture & Resources  

    Agtech, sustainable farming, food security, carbon capture & utilisation, and resource management. 

OUR JUDGING PANEL

A transparent & rigorous process to select the most impactful innovators.

Awards in each category will be judged by a panel of leading experts from venture capital, entrepreneurship, and industry. Our judges bring decades of experience in evaluating business models, technological innovation, and scalable impact.

David O'Meara

Founder, Growing Further

Johnnie Wilkinson

Head of Greenman Group,
Strategic Partner

James McEvoy

GFORM

Catherine Choo

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Max Bley

Greenman Energy

UNMISSABLE DEADLINES

Upcoming Events

18 NOVEMBER 2025

Applications Open
Applications for the 2026 awards show are open

2 APRIL 2026

Applications Closed
Applications for the 2026 awards show are closed

11 JUNE 2026

Awards Ceremony
Our winners will be announced at our awards show in Dublin

Additional Dates

  • 24 November 2025:  
    Applications Open.
    Official launch of the 2026 Growing Further Awards.

  • 2 April 2026:
    Applications Close.
    Final deadline for submissions.

  • 23 April 2026:
    Finalists Announced.

  • 22 May 2026:
    Submission of Finalists Video Pitch to Judges.

  • 10 -11 June 2026:
    In-Person Interviews with Judges.

  • 11 June 2026:
    Awards Ceremony in Dublin.

How do I apply to the Awards?

Applying is straightforward and completely free.

  1. Check your eligibility and choose your category.
  2. Prepare your answers. You will be asked about your team, innovation, business model, traction, and the impact you aim to create.
  3. Submit your application through our online form by the deadline. There is no fee to enter.

Apply Now Terms & Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Spotlight Awards?

To ensure a fair and focused competition, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Your company is a start-up or early-stage business.
  • You have been actively trading for no more than 5 years.
  • You have fewer than 30 employees.
  • Your core product or service fits into one of the four categories listed above.
  • You have a demonstrable prototype, pilot, or commercial product (not just an idea).

Do I need to be at a certain stage of growth?

No. Founders at different stages are encouraged to apply. Some applicants may be early-stage with strong traction, while others may be further along and looking to scale. The judges focus on impact, innovation, and potential rather than revenue size or team size.

What are the judging criteria?

Applications are evaluated based on three factors:

  • Impact: the importance of the problem you are solving and the change you aim to create.
  • Innovation: the originality and effectiveness of your approach.
  • Potential: your ability to grow and make that impact scalable.

Is there a cost to apply?

No, there is no application fee.

Do I need to be based in a specific country?

No. The Awards are international. We welcome applications from founders worldwide.

Where are the Awards held?

This year’s Awards will be hosted in Dublin, Ireland. All finalists will be invited to pitch their company live on stage to the judging panel and an audience of peers, partners, and investors.