Scotland’s Technology Innovators Recognised in 2026 Awards Shortlist

The shortlist for the Technology Scotland Awards 2026 has been announced, recognising the individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to Scotland’s critical and enabling technologies sector.

Spanning innovation, collaboration, talent development and leadership, this year’s finalists reflect the depth of expertise and ambition across Scotland’s growing critical and enabling technologies ecosystem.

Organised by Technology Scotland, the industry body and Cluster Management Organisation for Scotland’s Critical Technologies Supercluster, the awards celebrate the achievements of those advancing technologies, strengthening industry collaboration and developing the skills needed to support future growth.

The winners will be announced at the Technology Scotland Annual Dinner & Awards on Thursday 12 November 2026, at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow.

Congratulations to all of this year’s shortlisted individuals and organisations!

Rising Star Award

• Adam Hewitt – Coherent
• Anna O’Dowd – Vector Photonics
• Abhishek Purohit – QURECA

Excellence in Innovation Award

• Neuranics – Tunnelling Magnetoresistance (TMR) technology
• Singular Photonics – Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) sensors
• STMicroelectronics – Time of Flight (ToF) technology

Collaboration Award

• Photonics and Quantum Accelerator – A collaboration between University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University and University of St Andrews.
• University of Strathclyde, Extreme Performance in Optical Coatings (EPOC) – A collaboration between University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland, Helia Photonics Ltd and Gooch and Housego Ltd.
• Vector Photonics and Fraunhofer CAP

Talent Development Award

• Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Photonics
• Craft Prospect
• National Manufacturing Institute Scotland

Outstanding Leadership in Technology Award

• Steve Greenland – Craft Prospect
• Debra Phillips – Clarus Networks
• Jen Walls – Clas-SiC Wafer Fab