Judging the 2020 Tech4Good Awards and the finalists revealed
Robin Christopherson | 20 Aug 2020OK, so the finalists for this year's Tech4Good Awards were announced a week or so ago, but this post is really to provide a quick insight into the judging process, as well as to flag that you can now sign up for the free online ceremony where the winners will be announced on 24 September.
Being a judge for T4G
It's an understatement to say that being a judge deciding between numerous excellent and innovative entries each year isn't easy. Luckily you're one of many, from different sectors and disciplines, but being the chair of judges in addition - who must ensure that the overall process is thorough and fair - adds that little extra bit of pressure on top of an already tough, but terrifically enjoyable, experience.
Of the many dozens of entries submitted across the various categories, there's so much hard work and commitment (often above and beyond a day's work), innovative use of technologies (both tried and tested and completely cutting-edge), eye-opening impact to date and potential for broadening future benefit, to make you appreciate afresh each year just why these amazing awards exist.
If it wasn't for awards such as Tech4Good, it's far less likely that we'd be aware of (and able to celebrate) worthwhile initiatives like Every1Mobile that entered in the Africa Award. E1M delivers life-changing digital social impact programs to the poorest of the poor in sub-Saharan Africa through the mobile devices they already have in their hands. They distribute vouchers for discounted health products available from local corner shops and medicine vendors in areas of little or no internet access via good old SMS.
Back here in the UK, Digital Health Award finalist, Elemental, is connecting stakeholders, health providers and patients at high risk via hundreds of 'digital social prescribing hubs'. Social prescribing has a key role to play in preventing a wide range of health conditions and improving health and wellbeing and is highlighted as a priority for the future of healthcare in the NHS Long Term Plan. It enables health and social care providers to connect patients to non-medical activities and support in the community to reduce health risks and health inequalities - addressing everything from transport and housing to diet and exercise.
These are just two randomly chosen examples of the excellent ways that organisations are using technology to transform people's lives for the better.
As judges we reviewed every entry and scored them against criteria around impact, innovation, sustainability and much more - we then all came together over Zoom for a 3½ hour final discussion where we thrashed out the finalists in each category.
Find out more about all the finalists.
The Tech4Good awards Ceremony 2020 - join us online
We're very proud to invite you to the 10th AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards Ceremony.
• 6pm BST, Thursday 24 September 2020
Register for ceremony now >>
In the 10 years since BT and AbilityNet hosted the first ever Tech4Good Awards Ceremony, we've celebrated the achievements of hundreds of people who use tech to make the world a better place and built a network of partners who continue to help us build a digital world accessible to all.
Expect inspiring stories of innovation and social good from businesses, charities, volunteers and young people. We'll be announcing winners in nine categories as well as introducing the very special winner of this year's Tech4Good Special Award - so register now to guarantee your front row seat.
As the chair of judges, but also as a blind person who knows first-hand the power of tech for good across our education, working and social lives, I'd encourage you to join us in celebrating so many fantastic achievements with both people and technology at their very heart.
Further reading
Blog: Tech4Good Awards 2020 Finalists announced
Blog: 5 reasons the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards blew our minds
Webinar playback: How to win a Tech4Good Award?
Find out more about the Tech4Good Awards 2020