The annual it@cork Leaders Awards (#TechLeaders19) took place on 18^th October in Rochestown Park Hotel.

For the 13^th year running, the sold out event was an overwhelming success. The awards night shone a light on those who are leading the charge for the region’s tech community and those who are paving the way for the continued success of tech in the South-West region.

From global multinationals to schools and start-ups, the awards recognise those who have delivered outstanding results in the use of technology in their respective organisations and businesses. Some of the key highlights from the night include:

• Dignitaries in attendance – Deputy Michéal Martin, Deirdre Clune MEP, Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan, Cllr. Oliver Moran and An Tánaiste Mr Coveney who delivered a superb key opening speech.
• Trend Micro Excellence in Education Award – the winner Mayfield Community School will receive also €5,000 which will go towards new equipment and developing inclusive STEM programs in the school.
• Two new award categories – were introduced in 2019. (1) it@cork Skillnet Best Work Place Award is an award that recognises excellence in the promotion of a learning & development company environment as well as promoting a positive approach to mental health and wellbeing. (2) it@cork Community Award: recognises positive initiatives and commitment to the promotion of STEM in the South-West region.
• Towards 2020 – the theme of this year’s awards was a celebration of all the previous Hall of Fame winners who have contributed immensely to the tech industry in the region, and a nod to the present and future leaders who will bring the Irish tech industry into the next decade.
• Tech Persons of the year Award winners – were tech trailblazers Shemas Eivers and Teddy McCarthy, founders of Client Solutions Ireland.
• The event also received a wide spread of media coverage before and after the event including articles in the Irish Examiner, Evening Echo, Tech Central and Breaking News, our hashtag #TechLeaders19 trended number 1 on the night.

The quality and volume of nominations for this year’s awards was exceptional.

Excellence in Education– Sponsored by Trend Micro

Winner – Mayfield Community School

Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Sponsored by Aspira

Winner – McAfee

Best WorkPlace Award – Sponsored by it@cork Skillnet

Winner – VMware

Multi National Company of the Year Award – Sponsored by Ronan Jermyn Daly

Winner – McAfee

Smart Technology Innovation Award – Sponsored by Cork Smart Gateway

Winner – Keelvar

One to Watch – Sponsored by KPMG

Winner – Rinocloud

Tech Start Up of the Year – Sponsored by IBM

Winner – Workvivo

Chairman Community Award 

Winner – iWish