Scotland Women in Technology announced the shortlist for its 2025 awards on October 9 in Glasgow, honoring 38 individuals and groups from 27 organizations across 10 categories for advancing diversity in the tech sector. The event at JPMorgan Chase highlighted a record 300 plus entries, showing strong commitment to gender equity as Glasgow and Edinburgh lead with 18 and 14 finalists respectively.
Record Breaking Entries Signal Tech Diversity Boom
The SWiT awards drew more submissions this year than ever before, with over 300 entries flooding in from across Scotland. This surge points to a growing push for inclusion in the tech world, where women now make up 23.5 percent of the workforce, up from 18 percent just two years ago. Organizers say this reflects real action in companies to build fairer teams.
Experts note that such growth helps close the gender gap that has lingered for years. In Scotland, tech firms are seeing benefits like fresh ideas and better problem solving from diverse groups. The awards celebrate those leading this change, from startups to big banks.
One judge shared that picking finalists was tough due to the high quality of stories. Many entries showed how small steps, like mentoring programs, lead to big shifts in company culture.
Key Categories Showcase Career Shifts and Hidden Heroes
The Career Changer of the Year category stands out for its inspiring tales of people switching paths into tech. Finalists include those from psychology and beauty industries, proving tech welcomes varied backgrounds. This award underscores how flexible careers can boost innovation.
In the Inspirational Woman of the Year race, five strong contenders compete, each with stories of leading teams through challenges. Their work in AI, data science, and software testing inspires others to aim high. Judges praised their dedication to mentoring juniors amid fast paced tech changes.
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes behind the scenes efforts, like mentors and culture builders who often go unnoticed. These finalists from places like postcode lotteries and developer groups show quiet impact matters.
Finalists Breakdown by Category
To give a clear view of the competition, here is a table summarizing the categories, sponsors, and number of finalists. This helps see the spread across Scotland’s tech landscape.
| Category | Sponsor | Number of Finalists | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising Star Award | Arnold Clark | 3 | Emerging talent in early careers |
| Career Changer of the Year | FanDuel | 4 | Bold shifts into tech roles |
| Mentor of the Year | Harvey Nash | 4 | Guidance for others in the field |
| Gender Diversity Initiative of the Year | 2i Testing | 4 | Programs promoting inclusion |
| Inclusive Recruiter of the Year | Hymans Robertson | 3 | Fair hiring practices |
| Everyday Leader Award | NatWest | 4 | Daily leadership in teams |
| Unsung Hero Award | Lloyds Banking Group | 4 | Overlooked contributions |
| Inspirational Woman of the Year | Wheatley Group | 5 | Standout personal achievements |
| Gender Diversity Ally of the Year | Avaloq | 4 | Male and group supporters |
| Judges Choice | Morgan Stanley | 3 | Special judge picks |
This table captures the breadth of recognition, with initiatives and individuals both in the mix.
Spotlight on Top Finalists and Their Impact
Here are some highlighted finalists who embody the spirit of the awards:
- Dr Clare Daly, Founder of Dynamigo, in Career Changer: Her move from psychology to tech startup shows how non traditional paths fuel creativity.
- Amanda Stewart, Managing Director and CTO of Illuminate Technology, in Inspirational Woman: She leads with a focus on sustainable tech solutions.
- Joe McGonagle, Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase, in Gender Diversity Ally: His support for women in finance tech sets an example for allies.
- Ada Scotland Festival, in Gender Diversity Initiative: This event brings together hundreds to discuss equity in computing.
These picks draw from organizations like IBM, FreeAgent, and Grünenthal Group, linking to broader trends like AI ethics and data strategies. Recent global reports echo this, noting diverse teams outperform others by 35 percent in innovation.
Ceremony Details and Sponsor Support
Winners will take the stage at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on November 6, 2025, for a night of celebration. The event promises networking, speeches, and awards that highlight progress. JPMorgan Chase serves as headline sponsor, with CreateFuture as gold backer, plus others like NatWest and Lloyds.
Silka Patel, founder of SWiT, stressed the need for action over talk on gender equity. She noted the awards prove Scotland’s tech scene values diversity. Mark Napier from JPMorgan Chase added that investing in women drives company success.
This gathering ties into wider efforts, like recent UK tech conferences pushing for equal pay. It offers practical tips for readers on joining inclusive workplaces.
Why SWiT Awards Drive Lasting Change in Tech
These awards go beyond trophies; they spotlight role models who tackle issues like underrepresentation in leadership. With Scotland’s tech sector growing fast, events like this help attract talent and keep it. Finalists’ stories solve real problems, such as building mentor networks or inclusive hiring tools.
Readers facing career hurdles in tech can learn from these examples. The rise in entries shows momentum, but more work lies ahead to reach full equity. Share your thoughts on these finalists in the comments below and spread the word to support women in tech.
