The sustainability award recognises SMEs developing innovative digital solutions that create a positive and lasting impact on society and the environment for a more sustainable, inclusive, and responsible future.
The award celebrates SMEs that demonstrate how digital innovation can drive sustainable transformation by addressing environmental challenges, improving social well-being and inclusion, strengthening communities, and enabling more sustainable business and public-sector practices.
examples
Some of the digital solutions that can be presented, but not limited to these sectors:
Digital solutions reducing environmental impact, emissions, waste, or energy consumption
Solutions supporting climate resilience, resource efficiency, and circular economy models
Platforms improving accessibility, inclusion, healthcare, or citizen engagement
Digital services contributing to social cohesion, equality, and community well-being
Innovations enabling sustainable business operations, supply chains, or public services
Responsible technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, and data governance, advancing environmental and social sustainability
More details about eligible solutions can be found in the 'Impact areas' section below.
Deadline: 16 September 2026 // 23:59 CEST
Impact areas
environment
Digital technologies contributing to environmental sustainability, including:
- AI and data analytics for energy optimisation
- IoT solutions for resource and water management
- Carbon footprint monitoring and reporting tools
- Circular economy and waste management platforms
- Environmental monitoring and climate resilience technologies
- Smart mobility and sustainable infrastructure solutions
- ESG reporting and sustainability management software
- Blockchain solutions for supply chain traceability
society
Digital technologies that are improving people’s lives and societal outcomes, including:
- Digital health and well-being solutions
- Accessibility and assistive technologies
- Citizen engagement and participation platforms
- Community and social care solutions
- Inclusion and equality-focused digital services
- Technologies strengthening social cohesion and public value
- Responsible and trustworthy AI solutions promoting fairness, transparency and reducing bias
- Cybersecurity and privacy-enhancing technologies protecting citizens, patients, consumers and digital rights
- Digital identity and trust services
the winner
PortXchange
(Netherlands)
the finalists
Builtrix
(Portugal)
Vaayu
(Germany)
nominees
the jury members
Veronika Thieme
Associate Director – Europe
(The Carbon Trust)
Idriss Brockmann-Serbis
CEO
(NightlyCode GmbH)
Dagmara Franczak
Associate Director
(Trilligent)
1000, Brussels
Belgium
