Digital Business Ireland launches 2026 National Digital Awards programme.
Digital Business Ireland (DBI), the representative body for Ireland’s digital commerce and technology sector, has officially launched the 2026 edition of its National Digital Awards. Now in its sixth year, the programme aims to recognise excellence and innovation across a wide range of digital sectors.
Entries opened yesterday (1 September 2025), with businesses, individuals, and organisations invited to submit their achievements and benchmark themselves against Ireland’s leading digital performers. The awards will highlight outstanding contributions across categories including Websites, Innovation, and People.
“They shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals driving innovation, setting new benchmarks, and shaping the future of digital in Ireland”
Last year’s programme attracted over 600 submissions, with winners including HERSPORT, Fáilte Ireland, Heineken, and Waterways Ireland. These organisations were recognised for their digital achievements, with Waterways Ireland receiving the National Website of the Year Award.
The 2026 awards will feature new and returning categories, reflecting recent developments in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and accessibility. Categories such as Best New AI & Machine Learning Project, Digital Advocate of the Year, and the Progressing Diversity Award are expected to draw strong interest. Accessibility remains a key focus, with additional points awarded to entrants demonstrating inclusive digital practices.
Celebrating Ireland’s digital sector
“Year on year, the National Digital Awards have grown into one of the standout celebrations of Ireland’s digital sector,” said Digital Business Ireland chair Caroline Dunlea.
“They shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals driving innovation, setting new benchmarks, and shaping the future of digital in Ireland. Each year the standards rise, and we are excited to see the 2026 Awards build on that momentum and recognise the leaders who are setting the pace in digital excellence and innovation.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin in February 2026. Entry is free, and DBI is encouraging participation from across the country.
Sponsors for the 2026 programme include Core Optimisation, Byrne Wallace Shields, Hibernia Venture Labs, and other industry leaders.
Founded in 2019, Digital Business Ireland represents over 8,500 businesses across sectors including retail, hospitality, professional services, travel, technology, transport, education, leisure, agri-business, and property. DBI provides services such as national conferences, training, networking, advisory support, insights, and policy development to help digital businesses grow and succeed.
Categories for the National Digital Awards
| Award Category | Award Sponsor |
| Best new AI & ML project | Hibernia Venture Labs |
| Marketing Campaign of the Year | Core Optimisation |
| Sustainable Business of the Year | SCBI |
| Digital Impact of the Year | Hibernia Venture Labs |
| eCommerce Business Of The Year | Strike Digital |
| Digital Trailblazer of the Year | Truffle Hog |
| Digital Advocate of the Year | Byrne Wallace Shields |
| Small Business Website of the Year | .ie |
| Mobile App Excellence Award | .ie |
| Next Generation Award (Under-30) | Strike Digital |
| Women in Digital Award | Core Optimisation |
| Progressing Diversity Award | Byrne Wallace Shields |
| New Website of the Year | Truffle Hog |
| Large Business Website of the Year | SCBI |
| Medium Business Website of the Year | .ie |
| Most Trusted Website of the Year | Rockwood Public Affairs |
| National Website of the Year | Byrne Wallace Shields |
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