Celebrating Visionary Leaders & Institutions Redefining Inclusive AI-Era Education

Welcome to the ITL Awards 2026, an esteemed recognition dedicated to celebrating leaders who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to championing AI, Digital and People practices in talent management and development in the Education sector.

At the heart of every successful Institution lies a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences. The ITL Awards 2026 seek to honor those visionary leaders who have gone above and beyond in fostering a culture where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Read the Press Release →

Award criteria and timeline

Nominations are assessed using SoftwareVerdict’s proprietary GRID Framework, evaluating impact across governance, resilience, inclusion, and data strategies. This rigorous process ensures winners demonstrate measurable technology transformation for inclusive excellence.

Key focus areas include AI-driven personalization, superior student experiences, and future-proof systems emphasizing scalability, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

Explore methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the mission of ITL Awards® 2026?

    The ITL Awards celebrate universities, schools, and leaders redefining education through transformative technology, fostering inclusivity, diversity, equitable leadership, and resilient ecosystems in the AI age.

  • What are the award categories?

    Categories include the Higher Education Chapter (AI-enabled equitable education, digital infrastructure, inclusive innovation) and K-12 School Chapter (edtech integration, student-centric experiences, sustainable tech ecosystems).​ Sub categories are: Visionary Leadership Award, Inclusive Talent Strategy Award, Community Engagement Award, Talent Empowerment Award

    Each category aims to honor leaders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and innovation in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in talent management and development practices.

  • Who can participate in the awards?

    Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Heads of Department, senior academic leaders, Marketing, People Leaders plus universities, institutions, and schools worldwide demonstrating technology-driven educational excellence.

  • Is there any cost involved in participating or nominating someone for the awards?

    There is no cost involved in the nomination process. We firmly believe in acknowledging and honoring initiatives aimed at benefiting society as a whole. Open globally via the SoftwareVerdict portal.

  • How can my organization become a sponsor of the ITL Awards® 2026?

    Becoming a sponsor of the ITL Awards® 2026 is simple and seamless. Contact the awards organizing committee to explore available sponsorship packages and select the level that best aligns with your organization’s objectives and branding preferences. The committee will work closely with you to customize your sponsorship package and ensure maximum visibility and impact for your brand. For more information on sponsorship packages and opportunities, please contact our team at lucy@softwareverdict.co

  • What are the sponsorship opportunities available for the ITL Awards® 2026?

    Sponsorship opportunities for the ITL Awards® 2026 are available at prestigious levels, including Innovation Partner, Elite Partner and Knowledge Partner sponsorships. Each level offers unparalleled visibility and benefits, providing sponsors with an exclusive platform to align their brand with excellence and innovation in the global Human Resource Development industry. Partnering with ITL Awards and SoftwareVerdict positions sponsors as leaders in the field, showcasing their commitment to advancing talent management and development on a global scale.

  • Are there specific sponsorship categories or packages available for the ITL Awards® 2025?

    Yes, sponsorship packages for the ITL Awards® 2026 are available at different levels, including Innovation Partner, Elite Partner and Knowledge Partner sponsorships. Each sponsorship level offers distinct benefits and visibility opportunities for sponsors to showcase their commitment to the talent management and development industry and align their brand with excellence and innovation.

  • Will my organization receive recognition for sponsoring the ITL Awards® 2026?

    Yes, sponsors of the ITL Awards® 2026 will receive recognition and visibility through various channels, including event materials, promotional materials, press releases, and digital platforms. Sponsors may also have the opportunity to showcase their expertise and contributions to the talent management and development industry.

     

  • Who serves as the Knowledge partner for the ITL Awards 2026?

    The Knowledge partner for this award program is the Digital Strategy Institute, offering expertise and insights to ensure the award maintains a high standard of excellence. SchoolXP and TopCISO are two more sponsors.

  • How are the winners selected?

    Winners are selected via SoftwareVerdict’s GRID Framework, assessing governance, resilience, inclusion, data strategies, and evidence of impact in personalized learning and sustainability.

  • When will the winners be announced?

    The winners of the ITL Awards 2026 will be announced on our website and through our social media channels. Stay tuned for updates on the announcement date and join us in celebrating their achievements.

  • Can I nominate myself for the awards?

    Yes, self-nominations are welcome for the Inclusive Talent Leadership Awards. If you believe you have made significant contributions to championing innovation and creating talent strategies for the growth of the Organization, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

  • How can I stay updated on the awards process and announcements?

    To stay updated on the ITL Awards 2026, including nomination deadlines, judging criteria, and winners’ announcements, we recommend following us on our social media channels and subscribing to our newsletter. You can also visit our website for the latest updates and information.

     

  • Who should I contact if I have further questions or inquiries?

    If you have any further questions or inquiries regarding the ITL Awards 2026, please feel free to contact our team at support@softwareverdict.co or visit

© 2026 SoftwareVerdict | All rights reserved
SoftwareVerdict and its logo are trademarks of SoftwareVerdict.