EQUALS in Tech Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the EQUALS in Tech Award judges?
The EQUALS in Tech Awards finalists and winners are selected through a multi-stage review process. Applications for the three Workstream Awards are independently evaluated by experts, which may include EQUALS Principals’ focal points, EQUALS workstream leads and members, previous EQUALS in Tech Awards winners, subject-matter experts from partner organizations and representatives of supporting organizations. Finalists and winners are then selected by the EQUALS Programmes Committee.
What are the judges looking for in a nomination?
We are looking for innovative initiatives, programmes, projects, products and services that use technology to advance digital gender equality and help close the digital gender divide. Eligible applications are assessed against the following criteria:
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Impact: demonstrated contribution to reducing the digital gender divide and measurable results achieved
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Reach: number of women and girls reached and geographic scope of implementation
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Scalability and replicability: potential to expand or be replicated in other contexts
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Innovation: novelty and originality of the solution or approach
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Collaboration: effective partnerships and ecosystem engagement supporting sustainability and adoption
Applications must relate to a specific, ongoing initiative or project and align with one of the three award categories.
What do winners get?
Winners join a strong, active community of support and expand their networks among organizations with shared goals. Winning an EQUALS in Tech Award offers opportunities to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, activists, researchers, and leaders from intergovernmental agencies, academia and the private sector. EQUALS frequently asks winners to promote their work through various channels.
Can I apply for more than one category?
Each application may be submitted under one award category only. If you wish to submit more than one eligible initiative or project, a separate application should be submitted for each.
Which countries are eligible for nomination?
The call for applications is open worldwide. Eligible organizations and entities from all countries and regions are encouraged to apply.
Does it cost anything to nominate myself or others?
No. In efforts to make our awards as inclusive as possible, there are no fees associated with nomination.
When will winners be informed?
Finalists and winners will be contacted directly by the EQUALS Secretariat following completion of the evaluation and selection process. The Secretariat will also confirm participation in Awards-related communications and recognition activities.
When is the deadline for nominations?
The deadline for applications is 7 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. Applications received after the deadline cannot be considered.
I was not able to complete the application form in one session. Can I edit my response now?
Yes, you can modify and edit your responses before submitting your nomination.
I was previously a finalist for the EQUALS in Tech Awards (or the GEM-TECH Awards). Can I apply again this year?
Yes! We encourage you to apply again. Please be sure to explain if and how your project has evolved since you last applied for the Awards.
My initiative or project dates a few years back. Can I still apply for the Awards?
Yes. As long as the initiative or project is still ongoing and has not concluded at the time of application, it is eligible for consideration.
How can I support and promote the Awards?
We encourage you to support the Awards by sharing the Call for Applications across your personal and professional networks and communication channels. If your organization is interested in financially supporting the Awards or partnering with EQUALS, please contact us at EQUALS@itu.int.