The top 3 CIO and CTO awards to enter in 2025

By Aliyah Arikawe, apprentice in the B2B technology PR and marketing team

Every year, CIOs and CTOs across the world work tirelessly to drive innovation, lead digital transformation, and keep businesses at the forefront of technology. Yet in a world where technology leadership often remains behind the scenes, how do these leaders gain the recognition they deserve? 

That’s where industry awards come in. Winning (or even being shortlisted for) prestigious CIO and CTO awards is a powerful way to display expertise, validate leadership skills, and gain credibility in the industry. Not only does it boost the personal profile of your spokespeople, but it also reinforces your company’s reputation and helps attract new opportunities. 

With so many awards out there, which ones are actually worth entering?  

There are a range of key awards that have already finalized their shortlists for this year such as CIO 100, Computing’s Digital Technology Leaders Awards and Global CIO 100, but there are still valuable opportunities ahead. 

To save marketing and comms professionals some time, we’ve compiled a selection of the top CIO and CTO awards still open for nominations in 2025.  

And if you’re interested in finding out more about our awards process, check out the work we did for BT Wholesale securing them multiple award wins. 

Why enter CIO or CTO awards? 

As marketing professionals, you already know how valuable awards can be. But if you need to make the case internally here are some key points to help persuade decision-makers that it’s worth the time and effort:  

• Third-party validation: An award win or nomination is an independent endorsement of a CIO or CTO’s leadership and innovation. It adds authority and credibility – not just to their personal brand, but to the entire business. 
• Career growth: Recognition on this level can open doors to speaking opportunities, advisory roles, and even new career prospects. It positions your tech leaders as industry thought leaders, which reflects well on your brand. 
• Business impact: An award-winning CIO or CTO is a huge selling point, whether it’s for customers, investors, influencers or potential hires. The win or shortlist can be incorporated into marketing materials to highlight the industry-leading expertise your company has at hand.  
• Networking opportunities: Award ceremonies bring together the best minds in the industry. It’s a great opportunity for your CIO or CTO to connect with peers, potential partners, and future talent giving you access to influential leaders and decision-makers. 

So, if you’re a technology marketing professional who wants to boost the profile of your technical spokespeople, here are the awards you should have on your radar for 2025. 

The Top 3 CIO and CTO awards to enter in 2025 

1. Mobile Europe CTO of the Year Awards 

Why enter? This is a prestigious award specifically for CTOs in the telecoms sector, recognising the leaders driving innovation in mobile technology. 

• Entry deadline: 30^th May 2025 
• Entry fee: Free 
• Awards ceremony: 9^th September 2025 
• More info: Mobile Europe

My take: If you’re a CTO in telecoms, this is the one to go for. It’s widely respected in the industry and has great exposure. 

2. UK Tech Awards2025 

Why enter? The UK Tech Awards spotlight the most innovative and high-growth tech companies in the UK, recognising excellence across areas like innovation, leadership, and social impact. 

• Entry deadline: 27^th June 2025 
• Entry fee: Free 
• Awards ceremony: 13^th November 2025 
• More info: UK tech awards 

My take: For UK-based CIOs and CTOs driving tech innovation and growth, this award offers a prestigious platform to gain industry-wide recognition. 

3. Women in Tech Global Awards 

Why enter? The Women in Tech Global Awards celebrate outstanding women and allies driving innovation, leadership, and impact across the tech industry. With categories like CIO/CTO of the Year, these awards spotlight those shaping the future of technology. 

• Entry deadline: 1^st October 2025 
• Entry fee: $399 for the CIO/CTO of the Year category 
• Awards ceremony: TBC 
• More info: Women in Tech Awards 

My take: If you’re a CIO or CTO leading transformative change and championing diversity in tech, this global platform offers well-deserved recognition and a chance to inspire others. 

How to win a CIO or CTO award 

Winning an award isn’t just about listing your job title and achievements, it’s about telling a compelling story. Judges appreciate tangible results, so instead of simply saying, “I led  the redesign of our customer service process,” explain how it transformed the business, whether it simplified processes, enhanced customer experience, or drove business growth.  

Where possible, use data to validate your achievements; for example, “we reduced project completion time by 30%” is much stronger than a vague statement about improving efficiency.  

Create a strong narrative by sharing lessons learned, challenges, and successes; this will make your application more personal and memorable. Be sure to secure approvals/references from appropriate colleagues or clients as this adds weight and credibility to your nomination.  

Lastly, keep your application concise and clear – judges go through hundreds of entries, make yours easy to read and impactful 

And if awards are just one part of your broader visibility strategy, don’t miss our guide to making the most of your technology event presence – perfect for aligning recognition, PR, and long-term brand impact. 

Final thoughts 

Industry awards isn’t only about trophies and ceremonies, they signal to the market that your work matters. For tech marketers, they can shine a light on your team’s creativity, strategic thinking, and real business impact. Whether it’s a bold rebrand, a data-driven campaign, or a product launch, your work deserves to be seen.  

So, why not put yourself out there in 2025? You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.