Women in Technology announces winners of the 29th Annual WiT Awards

Women in Technology (WiT), one of Australia's most respected and active technology industry associations, has announced the winners of the 2026 Women in Technology (WiT) Awards, celebrating outstanding women, allies, organisations and teams making a meaningful impact across Queensland's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sectors.

Held on Friday, 25 September, the 29th annual WiT Awards brought together leaders from industry, government, research, education and the broader technology community to recognise achievements in innovation, research, leadership, entrepreneurship and community impact.

The prestigious awards showcase the individuals and organisations helping shape a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous future for Queensland, highlighting contributions across industry, public sector, research, regional communities and emerging technologies.

The 2026 WiT Awards attracted nearly 200 nominations across 11 categories, showcasing the diversity of women leading advancements in biomedical research, technology, environmental science, health tech and more.

The winners of the 2026 Women in Technology Awards are:

1.    Consumer Strength Champion: Dr Sarah Flaim

2.    Emerging Science Star: Dr Katie O'Connor

3.    Emerging Tech Star: Dr Jessica Korte

4.    Employer of Change: Virgin Australia

5.    Excellence in Industry Leadership: Michelle MacRae

6.    Excellence in Research: Dr Nikky LaBranche

7.    First Nations Change Maker: Becki Cook

8.    Future Focused Business Achiever: Lisa Sarago

9.    Lifting Communities: Associate Professor Melissa Fanshawe

10.  Public Sector Excellence: Female Founders team within the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI)

11.  Raising the Regions: Kaye North

The 2026 Highly Commended recipients are:

·  Emerging Science Star: Dr Sarah Hartman

·  First Nations Change Maker: Djookian Co-Founders Kirby Bentley & Leah Kaslar

·  Lifting Communities: CSIRO Robot Responders

·  Public Sector Excellence: CSIRO Robot Responders

·  Raising the Regions: Dr Lou Puslednik

The 2026 winners were selected from an exceptional group of finalists representing the breadth and diversity of Queensland's technology and STEM community. Their achievements reflect the important role of innovation, research, leadership and collaboration in creating positive outcomes for industry and society.

Women in Technology Chair, Iyari Cevallos, said, "This year's theme, 'Inspiring Excellence,' is about celebrating the ambition, talent and determination that drive women in STEM to achieve extraordinary things.

"Our 2026 winners are leading with courage, challenging the status quo, driving innovation and creating impact across Queensland and beyond.

"They are raising the bar in their fields while inspiring the next generation to see what is possible. Their achievements demonstrate the strength of Queensland's STEM community and the vital contribution women make to its future."

The WiT Awards also recognise the contribution of organisations supporting inclusive workplaces, empowering communities and advancing opportunities for women and girls across STEM.

The 2026 WiT Awards are made possible with the support of major category partners, including:

·  Powerlink Queensland, supporting the Lifting Communities Award.

·  The University of Queensland (UQ), supporting the Excellence in Research Award.

·  Queensland University of Technology (QUT), supporting the First Nations Change Maker Award.

·  Auto & General, supporting the Emerging Tech Star Award.

For 29 years, the WiT Awards have provided a platform to celebrate achievements, raise the visibility of women in STEM and connect the sector's emerging and established leaders.