Entry Process & Guidance

Entries for the Cybicon Awards for Innovation & Enterprise close on 4 June. If you are considering submitting an entry, the steps below will guide you through the process clearly and efficiently. We also recommend downloading the Entry Checklist to help you stay organised throughout.

Step 1: Register Your Interest

If you are not yet certain about entering this year, or are considering future participation, you can register your interest to join our mailing list. This ensures you receive timely updates on categories, deadlines, and key announcements.
If you have already decided to enter this year, you can proceed directly to the entry platform.

Step 2: Review the Timeline

Familiarise yourself with the full awards timeline and add all relevant dates to your calendar. This will help you plan your submission and internal approvals well ahead of the deadline.

Step 3: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that your organisation, project, or programme meets the eligibility requirements for the awards. Only eligible activities will be considered during judging.

Step 4: Select Your Categories

Choose the category or categories you wish to enter. Each category includes a clear description and defined criteria. You may enter multiple categories where relevant.
If you have registered your interest, you can request the application questions in advance. Please note that the application questions are not the same as the criteria; they are designed to help you present your work clearly and in line with the judging framework.

Step 5: Prepare a Strong Entry

We strongly recommend reviewing the Judges’ Top Tips, compiled from our “Ask the Judges” sessions. This short guide offers practical insight into what judges look for and can significantly improve your chances of being shortlisted.
For deeper guidance, you may also wish to watch our extended Dos and Don’ts of Award Writing webinar.

Step 6: Register on the Entry Platform

From 3 February 2025, entries can be submitted via our online platform, AwardStage. A direct login link will be available in the main site navigation.

Once logged in:

  • Select your category

  • Assign a working title to your entry (this can be edited later)

  • Download the application questions to prepare your responses offline

All submissions are completed online, but preparing answers in advance is recommended. You can save your entry as a draft, return to it at any time, and start additional entries if required. No payment or commitment is required until final submission.

Step 7: Optional Entry Support

If you would like tailored guidance, we offer one-to-one award entry consultation sessions. These confidential sessions are designed to help you strengthen your submission and clearly communicate impact. Further details are available on request.

Step 8: Complete and Submit Your Entry

Once your responses are finalised, return to AwardStage to complete the online form. You can download a PDF copy of your completed application for internal sign-off before submission.

Step 9: Plan Payment

If payment by company card is not possible, and you require invoicing or bank transfer, please notify us in advance and submit any required supplier forms early. Leaving payment arrangements until the deadline may result in delays.

At submission, you can choose to pay by card or online transfer. An invoice will be issued automatically for your records. Purchase order numbers may be accepted where required.

What Happens After Submission

Judging Process
Entries are assessed by experienced judges with relevant sector expertise. Judging goes beyond numerical scoring and includes structured discussion and comparative evaluation.

The process includes:

  • Initial scoring by three judges per category

  • Due diligence review of high-scoring entries by additional judges

  • A final judging day where the shortlist and winners are confirmed

Shortlisting and Feedback
If your entry is shortlisted, you will be notified by email the day after Judging Day, followed by public announcements on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Your project summary will also be published on the awards website.

If your entry is not shortlisted, detailed written feedback will be made available via AwardStage.

Awards and Recognition
Judges may award Gold, Silver, Bronze, and One-to-Watch distinctions where appropriate. Awards are not automatic; all shortlisted entries must meet defined quality thresholds.

Winners will be announced at the Hybrid Awards Ceremony on 24 September 2025, held at BMA House, London. Virtual attendance is encouraged for international participants.

Post-Awards Feedback
After the ceremony (or after shortlist announcements if not shortlisted), all entrants receive a complimentary feedback report through AwardStage. Benchmarking information can also be requested to support future improvement.