Pearcey QLD Awards

Recognising Outstanding ICT Entrepreneurs in Queensland


Nominations are open for the 2026 Queensland Pearcey ICT Entrepreneur Award

The Queensland Pearcey Award recognises an outstanding mid‑career ICT entrepreneur who has taken a risk, made a difference, and is an inspiration within Queensland’s technology community.


 How to Nominate

To nominate a candidate, complete the Queensland ICT Entrepreneur Nomination Form. You will be asked to provide nominator and nominee
contact details, along with a nomination summary and responses to the
three selection criteria
outlined below.

We recommend completing the nomination using the Word document template (download), as it ensures consistent formatting
for the judging panel.

Once the entry form is completed, please upload it through the Queensland submission portal to finalise the nomination.

How to Submit — Summary of Steps

  1. Download the Queensland ICT Entrepreneur Nomination Form (Word template).
  2. Complete the form, including contact details, nomination summary, and responses to the three criteria.
  3. Save and finalise the completed nomination form.
  4. Upload the completed form via the Queensland nomination submission portal.
  5. Submit to complete the nomination.

 Responding to the Selection Criteria

When addressing the selection criteria, please keep your responses clear and focused, providing enough detail for judges to understand what the nominee has achieved and why it was significant.

Helpful things to include:

  • What the nominee did and why it was significant
  • A few concrete examples or outcomes
  • Any risks they took or decisions they led
  • How they’ve supported or inspired others
  • Enough context to understand the impact

There is no strict word limit. As a guide, 150–250 words per criterion is usually enough to give a clear picture without extra detail.

Your nomination summary may also include:

  • A brief overview of the nominee’s career
  • Key moments in their entrepreneurial journey
  • Personal qualities that show their leadership and influence

Key Criteria

Please address the Pearcey Foundation’s three core criteria:

1. Risk

  • Boldness, initiative and execution of the adventure
  • Size (or potential) of business, revenue, offices etc.
  • The journey that led to the success

2. Difference 

  • The commercial impact of the contribution
  • The breadth and depth of the innovation
  • The industry impact of the contribution or venture

3. Inspiration 

  • Role model and inspiration to younger generation
  • Leadership and profile in the industry
  • Contribution to the wider community

Eligibility Notes

  • Nominees should be mid‑career ICT entrepreneurs contributing significantly to Queensland’s digital and innovation landscape
  • Candidates may come from any industry where technology is central to their impact
  • Self-nominations are not permitted

Assessment Process

  • All nominations will be reviewed by the Queensland judging panel
  • Judges will score submissions against the three Pearcey criteria
  • The judges’ scores are the key factor in selecting the 2026 Queensland Pearcey Award recipient

Deadline

  • Nominations close: Late August (date to be confirmed).
    Late submissions cannot be accepted.

View Selection Criteria View Selection Criteria Submit Nomination Submit Nomination

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Many thanks to our Queensland sponsors TechnologyOne for their much valued support.




Pearcey Queensland Awards

Nov 20, 2006

2006 Qld Award

The 2006 Queensland Pearcey Award has been won by Mr Brett Hooker, CEO of Sauce Software. The presentation was made on Thursday 2nd November 2006 at the Carlton Crest Hotel in Brisbane.

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Nov 29, 2005

2005 Qld Award

The co-founder of Brisbane company Sundata and chairman of Software Queensland, Kon Kakanis, has been named recipient of the 2005 Queensland Pearcey State Award.

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Nov 26, 2004

2004 Qld Award

Adrian Di Marco, founder and executive chairman of Technology One, one of Australia's largest publicly listed software companies, is this year's winner of the prestigious Queensland Pearcey Award.

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Mar 18, 2003

2003 Qld Award

Mr David Barbagallo (AM) was awarded the inaugural 2003 Queensland Pearcey Award for his contribution to the State's ICT industry.

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