2026 Leadership & Impact Categories
Nominations Open: September 1 – October 30, 2026
While products showcase innovation, it’s the people behind them who make true progress possible. The CODiE Leadership & Impact Awards recognize the executives, teams, and rising leaders whose vision, creativity, and leadership shape the future of technology.
AI Leader of the Year
Recognizes a leader who is responsibly advancing artificial intelligence strategy and innovation with measurable impact on business or society.
Breakthrough Leader of the Year
Celebrates an emerging leader (35 or under) who has demonstrated exceptional potential, innovation, and early career impact in the technology industry.
CODiE Icon Award
Recognizes the organization that has made a defining and lasting contribution to the technology industry through sustained innovation, measurable influence, and exemplary leadership. This award honors long-term impact, celebrating those who have shaped how technology evolves, connects, and empowers.
- Industry Impact: How significant and enduring is the organization’s influence on the technology landscape?
- Innovation Legacy: Has it demonstrated continuous advancement or introduced pioneering achievements that changed the market?
- Leadership Excellence: How has it exemplified vision, mentorship, and thought leadership within its field?
- Market Adoption: What is the scale, reach, and consistency of use across industries or audiences?
- Ethical Standards: Does it reflect a commitment to responsible innovation, inclusion, and transparency?
- Measurable Outcomes: What tangible improvements, efficiencies, or benefits has it created for users or the industry?
- Cross-Sector Relevance: Does its innovation extend beyond its original domain to influence multiple sectors?
- Thought Leadership: Has it helped shape industry dialogue, standards, or educational and policy advancements?
Customer Success Leader of the Year
Recognizes an executive who has redefined how organizations drive customer adoption, satisfaction, and long-term value.
Digital Transformation Leader of the Year
Recognizes a leader who has successfully driven enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives that deliver measurable, lasting impact.
EdTech Leader of the Year
Honors an individual whose leadership has significantly advanced learning outcomes and educational innovation through technology.
People & Culture Leader of the Year
Honors a leader who has built exceptional workplace culture by prioritizing inclusion, engagement, and talent development.
Startup Leader of the Year
Celebrates a founder or executive of a company under five years old who is setting the pace for innovation in their sector.
Women in Tech Leadership Award
Honors a woman whose leadership is driving innovation, growth, and equity across the technology sector.
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