Consumer (HC-C)

For projects, products and services that targets or empowers consumer choice or engagement across all markets, including: Retail; Media; Entertainment; Arts and Culture; Gaming; Tourism; Banking, Insurance & Finance (retail); Real estate (retail).

Consumer focused industries are fast moving and highly competitive. Digital innovation enables economic participants to respond rapidly to market requirements, bypassing limitations including, for example, production and logistics.

• Media & Entertainment
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Banking, Insurance & Finance
• Real estate
• Games (students only)
• Digital Marketing / Advertising

Inclusions & Community Services (HC-IC)

For projects, products and services that target niche markets in order to break down the barriers that prevent some members of the community from fully participating in (and contributing to) society.

Innovations may be from: Urban, Rural and Remote Services; Indigenous services, eLearning & education; Health and Wellbeing; Sustainability and Environment; NGOs; Disability Sector; Sport.

For projects that target niche markets in order to break down the barriers that prevent some members of the community from fully participating in (and contributing to) society.

• Regional, Rural and Remote Services
• Indigenous Services
• Health and Wellbeing
• Community Services
• Sustainability and Environment
• Education

Industrial (HC-I)

For solutions that deliver automation through the integration of systems, technologies and processes for the following sectors includes but not limited to:

Agriculture; Mining; Oil & Gas; Energy; Manufacturing; Construction; Transport; Logistics; Utilities.

Industrial activity is focussed on next generation improvement, supporting the development and competitiveness of the marketplace. Digital productivity is core to optimising processes, reducing costs and to developing new product offerings

For solutions that deliver automation through the integration of systems, technologies and processes in the commodities sector.

• Manufacturing
• Resources, Energy & Utilities
• Agriculture
• Engineering & Construction
• Transport
• Supply Chain Logistics
• Sustainability & Environment

Business Services (HC-BS)

For solutions that drive and deliver business solutions with high levels of productivity and competitiveness. These may be solutions that deliver cross industry functions

Innovations may be from: Banking; Finance; Legal; Accounting; Architecture; HR; Administrative Services & Professional Services sectors.

For solutions that drive businesses to function more productively and competitively.

• Finance & Accounting solutions (Fintech)
• ICT Services solutions
• Security solutions
• Marketing solutions
• Professional Services (legal, HR etc.) solutions

Public Sector and Government (HC-PSG)

For services the core value of which is to deliver the digitisation of citizen services and improve efficiencies in the machinery of government. Solutions will be developed by all levels of government or government in collaboration with industry partners. Only nominations from Government owned or controlled entities or Government led delivered can apply.

This Award is presented for outstanding ICT innovation dedicated to delivering improved government service delivery or other Digital initiatives for the public.

For services that deliver the digitisation and improvement of citizen services and to improve efficiencies in the machinery of government.

• Government & Citizen Services
• Digital Government

Research & Development Project of the Year (CC-RDP)

Any Information and Communication Technology research and development, conducted by academic, non-academic institutions, or individuals to create innovative products, processes, and services. Such innovations are incomplete and yet to be marketed even though their features and functionalities can be demonstrated.

Start Up of the Year (CC-SU)

• The company registration date with the Government’s Company registration must not be more than three (3) years from the date of the APICTA competition;
• The individual founder(s) of the company and/or the product developers must still be a major shareholder(s) of the company; and
• The compan

For outstanding Digital innovation by a company in the start-up phase of their development.

Big Data Analytics Technology of the Year (CT-BDA)

Technology developed which utilises large volumes of data – both structured and unstructured that result in strategic analysis and better decisions. This may include advanced data analytics and unique algorithms.

It must demonstrate that the datasets are large enough to necessitate high-level programming skill and statistically defensible methodologies in order to transform the data asset into something of value.

Technologies developed which utilises large volumes of data – both structured and unstructured – that result in strategic analysis and better business decisions.

Internet of Things Technology of the Year (CT-IOT)

The use of IoT technologies for the inter-connectedness of physical devices to enable solutions to extract data or to create new information to improve efficiencies, accuracy and/or economic benefit and reduced human intervention.

These include new methods to enable businesses, governments, and consumers to connect to their IoT devices, sensor technology and smart technology including remotes, dashboards, networks, gateways, analytics, data storage, and security.

The use of IoT technologies to create new abilities to extract data or to create new information to improve efficiencies, accuracy and/or economic benefit and reduced human intervention

Artificial Intelligence Technology of the Year (CT-AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to perform operations analogous to learning and decision making in humans. Examples may include expert systems, robotics, self learning or programs for the perception and recognition of shapes in computer vision systems.

Typically, technologies should address central problems or goals of AI research include reasoning, knowledge, planning, learning, natural language processing (communication), perception and the ability to move and manipulate objects

For solutions which utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to perform operations analogous to learning and decision making in humans

Blockchain Application of the Year (CT-BLC)

The use or improve Blockchain technology for developing applications in the fields of finance, banking, real estate, etc. in order to enhance data security or contribute to promoting transparency in the society.

TThe application must have evidence that has been widely deployed in society and create high efficiency in cost, safety and transparency.

The use or improve Blockchain technology for developing applications in the fields of finance, banking, real estate, etc. in order to enhance data security or contribute to promoting transparency in the society.

Junior Students (HC-JS)

For the most outstanding Digital project undertaken by a student or group of students who are studying up to/including grade 9.

Generally refers to ICT projects by students involved in formal education prior to entering a tertiary institution, for example a university. While this category is generally aimed at secondary school student projects, entries from primary schools are not excluded, though it should be made clear to the primary school students that the same judging standards and criteria are applied equally to both primary and secondary school projects.

Senior Students (HC-SS)

For the most outstanding Digital project undertaken by a student or group of students who are in the last three years of secondary education before college or university.

Generally refers to ICT projects by students involved in formal education prior to entering a tertiary institution, for example a university. While this category is generally aimed at secondary school student projects, entries from primary schools are not excluded, though it should be made clear to the primary school students that the same judging standards and criteria are applied equally to both primary and secondary school projects.

Tertiary Student Project (HC-TSP)

This award recognises the most outstanding project undertaken by a tertiary (undergraduate) student or a group of students.

Any Information and Communication Technology project or research performed by a student or a group of students who are registered as active undergraduate students in a higher-learning institution, such as college or university during the APICTA Award competition or within 1 year period from his or her graduation date by providing proof of graduation certificate during delivery of the presentation.