The Tech Awards is a programme that aims to honour and award innovators from around the world who use technology to benefit humanity. Three Laureates in each category are honoured, and one Laureate per category receives US$50,000.

Individuals, for-profit companies, and not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply. The purpose of The Tech Awards programme is to "inspire global engagement in applying technology to humanity's most pressing problems by recognizing individuals, organizations, and companies that are utilizing innovative technology solutions to address the most urgent issues facing our planet."

The categories are:

1. Environment
2. Economic Development
3. Education
4. Equality
5. Health

Nominations and applications are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• The technology application significantly improves the human condition in one of the five award areas: economic development, education, environment, equality, or health.
• A serious problem or challenge with global significance is addressed by this use of technology.
• The application of this technology, which may be either a new invention or an innovative use of an existing technology, makes a noteworthy contribution that surpasses previous or current solutions.
• The technology application has the potential to serve as an inspiration or model for further innovation.
• The technology application is in the field and has demonstrated a measurable benefit.
• Nominators and Applicants may submit their nomination/application in one category only.
• The Tech Award Laureates, including those named as category winners, are ineligible for The Tech Awards in the year immediately following the one in which they are honoured but may apply in subsequent years for technological innovations different from the one(s) for which they were already recognised.
• Individuals not recognised in a given year may reapply in subsequent years and - with continued progress and evidence of impact - are encouraged to do so.
• Nominations and applications must be submitted online in English.

Click here for more information about the award and to apply online.

Click here to access the nomination form.

Click here to read about award recipients.

Tech Awards website on November 6 2009, and email from David Whitman to The Communication Initiative on December 22 2009.