Women in Technology names finalists for 2026 WiT Awards

Women in Technology has announced the finalists for its 2026 WiT Awards, with the shortlist spanning individuals, teams and organisations across Queensland's technology and STEM sectors.

Now in its 29th year, the awards program recognises work in research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, education, community impact and industry leadership. The finalists are spread across 11 categories, including Emerging Tech Star, Excellence in Research, Employer of Change and First Nations Change Maker.

Women in Technology Chair Iyari Cevallos said the field reflected a broad cross-section of the state's innovation community following a rigorous judging process.

"The WiT Awards continue to showcase the extraordinary depth of talent, innovation and leadership that exists across Queensland's technology and STEM sectors. Every finalist has demonstrated not only excellence in their field, but also a commitment to creating positive impact through technology, whether that be advancing research, driving business innovation, supporting communities, or inspiring future generations.

"Our finalists represent the future of Queensland's innovation economy. They are researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists, educators and leaders who are solving complex challenges, creating opportunities and driving meaningful change through technology and science.

"The WiT Awards are about more than recognising achievement. They are about highlighting role models, celebrating progress and demonstrating what is possible when talented people are empowered to thrive and lead. The calibre of this year's finalists is exceptional, and their collective impact will continue to shape our industries and communities for years to come.

"On behalf of the Women in Technology Board, I congratulate every finalist on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the 2026 WiT Awards Gala."

Finalist spread

In Consumer Strength Champion, the finalists are Dr Sarah Flaim, Consumer Priorities in Allergic Rhinitis - Allergy Research Group at QUT, and Katherine Robinson. The Emerging Science Star shortlist includes Dr Katie O'Connor, Dr Catherine Kim and Dr Sarah Hartman.

Emerging Tech Star finalists are Dr Somayeh Hussaini, Dr Jessica Korte, Dr Harshala Gammulle, Dimitri Josephine and Dr Sarah Hartman. In Employer of Change, the finalists are Powerlink Queensland and Virgin Australia.

For Excellence in Industry Leadership, the finalists are Professor Sara Couperthwaite, Michelle MacRae, Melissa Witheriff and UniQuest. Excellence in Research includes Dr Somayeh Hussaini, Dr Emma Bolderson and Dr Nikky LaBranche.

First Nations Change Maker finalists are Becki Cook, Sabrina Koina and Djookian. In Future Focused Business Achiever, the shortlist features Lisa Sarago, Dr Raisa Monteiro and Dr Natalie Saez.

The Lifting Communities category includes Associate Professor Melissa Fanshawe, CSIRO and Sophia Arkinstall. Public Sector Excellence finalists are the Female Founders team within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Dr Katie O'Connor and CSIRO.

Raising the Regions finalists are Kaye North, Associate Professor Susanna Cramb and Dr Louise Puslednik. Several finalists appear in more than one category, including Dr Somayeh Hussaini, Dr Sarah Hartman, Dr Katie O'Connor and CSIRO.

Sector recognition

The awards reflect the breadth of institutions in Queensland's technology and research landscape, with finalists drawn from universities, government, established companies, research bodies and community-focused initiatives. They also highlight the range of work being recognised, from academic research and public sector programs to commercial leadership and regional engagement.

Women in Technology says the awards have recognised women, allies, organisations and teams in the sector for almost three decades. The group has 12,500 members and affiliates, along with a broader support network of more than 73,000 people across Australia.

Major category partners for this year's awards include Powerlink Queensland for Lifting Communities, the University of Queensland for Excellence in Research, Queensland University of Technology for First Nations Change Maker, and Auto & General for Emerging Tech Star.

The finalist list highlights the strong role universities and publicly backed research continue to play in Queensland's technology sector, while also showing the presence of corporate and government-backed programs in the state's innovation system. Powerlink Queensland, Virgin Australia, UniQuest, CSIRO and the Female Founders team within a state government department are all among the finalists.

By bringing together early-career researchers, senior industry figures, regional leaders and First Nations nominees, the shortlist offers a snapshot of where recognition is currently falling across Queensland STEM. It also highlights the visibility of community and public sector work alongside more traditional measures of scientific and business achievement.

For almost three decades, the WiT Awards have celebrated Queensland's most inspiring women, allies, teams and organisations in technology and STEM.