The ITU Telecom World Awards recognize the most promising innovative tech solutions with real-world social impact.
As the UN specialized agency for ICTs with 193 Member States, over 700 private sector entities and 155 years of industry expertise, ITU understands the critical role of digital technologies in accelerating social and economic development in emerging and developed markets.
Our Awards celebrate the innovation and creativity of ICT-based applications and initiatives changing lives for the better around the world – and provide an international platform to:
- Highlight best practice
- Share ideas on using tech for development
- Network with peers, mentors and industry
- Mobilize investment
- Create new business opportunities for ICT solutions for social good
About the Awards
The ITU Digital World 2021 SME Awards were open to any start-up or SME using tech creatively to solve socio-economic challenges – anywhere in the world.. We received the highest number of submissions ever in the history of the Awards this year.
Read our full Awards Terms & Conditions. Any queries? Contact us directly.
Our jury
A distinguished jury of experts selected a shortlist of SME Awards applicants to pitch their solutions based on social impact, innovative use of ICTs, business model, scalability and environmental sustainability.
Winners in each category were selected from this shortlist and announced on the final day of the event during the high-profile Awards Ceremony.
Read our Jury Terms & Conditions. Any queries? Contact us directly.
ITU Digital World SME Awards 2021 Categories
The SME Awards 2021 were an opportunity to recognize excellent innovative tech solutions, build resilience and foster investment in tech SMEs in five categories:
Connectivity
Smart cities,
smart living
E-health
Digital finance
EdTech
The benefits
Win UN recognition as an innovative ICT4D solutions provider
Benefit from international visibility before, during and after the event
Network with peers, industry experts, mentors and UN representatives
Take part in the SME Programme of capacity building and skills workshops, business matchmaking and networking events
ITU Virtual Digital World 2020 SME Awards Winners and Finalists
Winning the Award has given us unparalleled exposure, access to markets, finance and new opportunities - it has truly been a game changer for our business.