148 finalists recognised as the National Women in Tech Awards spotlights female talent, innovation and leadership across the UK technology sector.
Seventeen outstanding women were named winners at the 7th National Women in Tech Awards in Birmingham on Saturday 3 October, following a nationwide search highlighting the talent shaping the future of technology.
Held at the Birmingham Conference & Events Centre (BCEC), the black-tie ceremony brought together figures from technology, education and the public and private sectors, recognising women who are leading change, developing new ideas, mentoring others and using technology to make an impact.
This year’s awards attracted 148 finalists across 17 categories, demonstrating the breadth of female talent working across the UK technology landscape.
From apprentices and rising stars at the beginning of their careers to academics, entrepreneurs, innovators, cyber security professionals and established technology leaders, the finalists reflected the many different routes into, and opportunities within the sector.
THE 2026 WINNERS
Apprentice Award
Katie Albon – MBDA Missile Systems UK
Academic Award
Halima Bhayat – Ursuline High School
Knowledge Exchange Professional of the Year
Chynna Pascual – Aston University
Tech Professional (Non-Coding) Award
Dawn Emmerton – Mitie Waste and Environmental
Best Use of Tech in a Public or Private Sector Project Award
Sheryll Ricketts – Littlepay
Project Delivery Lead Award
Charalampia Komopoulou – Red Hat
Digital Transformation Champion of the Year
Rebecca Llewellyn – NHS England
Inclusive Tech Champion of the Year
Amandip Jheeta – NTT Data
Mentor of the Year
Natalia Gomez Fernandez – The Metrics Lab
Innovator Award
Uliana Salo – Thedogs LTD
AI Champion of the Year
Tamanna Haque – Jaguar Land Rover
Tech For Good Award
Roya Rahimi – University of Wolverhampton
Rising Star Award
Meera Tamboli
Shining Star
Maria Nugroho – SAP
Start-Up Founder Award
Torty Sivill – Decima2
Tech Entrepreneur Award
Hanna Roos – Aavalynx
Woman in Cyber Security Award
Ayesha Abdul Majeed – BT Group
MORE THAN AN AWARDS CEREMONY
Now in its seventh year, the Women in Tech Awards has grown into a national platform focused on increasing the visibility of women in technology and highlighting role models across the industry.
The awards were created to challenge perceptions about who belongs in technology and to ensure that the work, stories and successes of women across the sector are seen and heard.
Under this year’s #WomenShapingTech message, the 2026 event brought together finalists, business leaders, technology professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and supporters from across the country.
The awards were organised by B Events, founded by Ifraz Ahmed and Anita Chumber, who have spent more than a decade creating events that increase visibility, showcase success and bring communities together.
Ifraz Ahmed and Anita Chumber said:
“Seven years ago, we wanted to create a platform where women working in technology could be recognised and, importantly, seen. To stand in a room this year surrounded by 148 incredible finalists from across the country showed us just how far that vision has travelled.
“Every finalist has a story worth sharing. Whether they are starting their career, leading major transformation, developing new technology, building businesses, mentoring others or breaking down barriers, they are showing the next generation what is possible.
“Representation matters. When people can see someone like themselves succeeding, leading and creating change, that path becomes more visible and attainable. That is why these awards continue to matter.”
SHAPING THE FUTURE: WOMEN, INNOVATION AND THE HUMAN SIDE OF AI
A highlight of the evening was a keynote address from Professor Hanifa Shah of Birmingham City University, author of Orbit Shift and Architect of STEAM at Birmingham City University.
Centred around “Shaping the Future: Women, Innovation and the Human Side of AI”, Professor Shah drew on her own journey and experiences to share personal insights into leadership, overcoming barriers and the importance of inspiring the next generation of women in technology.
Her keynote also explored the opportunities presented by AI while bringing the conversation back to the people behind technological progress – and the importance of ensuring that innovation, leadership and the future of technology remain fundamentally human.
The ceremony was hosted by Deb Leary, who guided guests through the stories and impact of this year’s finalists and winners.
THE B EVENTS EXPERIENCE
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a B Events experience without energy, entertainment and a packed dance floor.
Hit The Dhol brought their unmistakable energy and sound to the evening, while The Undercover Artists took the atmosphere to another level, getting guests out of their seats, singing, dancing and joining in.
It provided the perfect injection of fun into an evening with an important purpose – bringing the room together and creating some of the night’s most memorable moments.
RECOGNISING THE PEOPLE SHAPING TECHNOLOGY
An independent judging panel reviewed nominations and supporting information before discussing the highest-scoring finalists and determining the winners.
While 17 awards were presented on the night, the organisers also highlighted the calibre of all 148 finalists and the contribution each is making within their field.
The National Women in Tech Awards 2026 was supported by Headline Sponsor Birmingham City University, alongside sponsors and partners including SCC, NTT DATA and Millennium Point.
Their support helps the awards provide national visibility for women working across technology while creating role models for those considering or developing careers in the sector.
The evening brought together the UK’s growing Women in Tech Awards community – connected by innovation, ambition, collaboration and a shared commitment to a more inclusive future for technology.
For the 17 winners, the night marked a significant career milestone. For the 148 finalists, it put their work and impact firmly in the spotlight.
And for the next generation, the message was clear:
You can see it. You can aspire to it. You can be part of it.
#WomenShapingTech