Shortlist Announced for NI’s 2025 Women in Tech Awards

Monday 14 April 2025

Northern Ireland’s Women in Tech Awards has today announced the top tech talent shortlisted for this year’s flagship ceremony.

The only event of its kind in Northern Ireland will return to Belfast’s Europa Hotel on Thursday 22nd May, when more than 300 guests from across the local business sphere will come together to celebrate tech’s trailblazers for their remarkable impact on the sector locally.

This year’s judging panel which was chaired by Lorraine Acheson, Managing Director of Women in Business included Barbara McKiernan, Vanrath; Louis Kingston, Sync NI; Gillian McColgan, Angel Investor, Board member and Women in Business Ambassador; John Healy, Chair, Invest NI and Audrey Osborne, Techstart

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, Lorraine said: “Elevating these exceptional finalists as role models is paramount to creating a more inclusive tech sector here in Northern Ireland. At Women in Business, we see the power of visible role models and how they can embolden aspiring women to drive their careers forward. The importance of that cannot be overstated when only one in five STEM jobs here are currently filled by women, according to the Department for the Economy.

“With the Women in Tech Awards, we continue to showcase local success stories and their incredible impact on the NI economy, so these women may go on to inspire a can-do attitude in the next generation of innovators. Credit must go to our judging panel for selecting this year’s shortlist after extensive deliberation. We look forward to celebrating every finalist and their achievements come May.”

The 2025 Women in Tech Award finalists are:

C Level Woman of the Year

Edel Madden - Xsell
Faye Thomas - Vyta
Judith Millar - CSIT / NI Cyber
Laura Haldane - SciLeads
Lyn Harris - Herbert Smith Freehills
Mimi Munchetty - Alchemy Technology Services

Digital Transformation Leader of the Year

Donnamarie Robertson - Landlord and Tenant Protection
Edel Madden - Xsell
Loraa White - Music Video Marketplace
Lyn Harris - Herbert Smith Freehills
Rebecca Vogel Faulkner - Connected Health

Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Allstate Northern Ireland

Claire Nixon - Adepta Partners
Donnamarie Robertson - Landlord and Tenant Protection
Jill Sowerby - Carbon6
Loraa White - Music Video Marketplace
Louise Doyle - Needi

Tech Team of the Year

Cliona O’Boyle – BT Ireland Innovation Centre (BTIIC)
Jill Rafferty & Romita Pandita - PwC
Joan Breen - DailyPay
Kate Brown - Danske Bank
Lauren McGaughey - Openreach NI
Shaniece Nesbitt - Reward
Susan Stewart and Communications Manager Digital Product Team - Allstate NI

One to Watch in the Future sponsored by BT

Christina Matier - Codec
Claudia Scott - PwC
Kate McAleenan - DailyPay NI
Kelly Skillen - Frontline UK
Lauren McGarry - Queen's University Belfast
Rebecca Vogel Faulkner - Connected Health
Tatum Maxwell - Danske Bank

Green Impact Award sponsored by Danske Bank

Emma McKenna - Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre
Karen Killops - Vyta
Maria Diffley - Sustain IQ
Sonya Kerr – Catagen

Tech Advocate of the Year sponsored by MHS

Claire Mulholland - TP ICAP
Claire Nixon - Adepta Partners
Jana Hoferkova - PwC
Judith Millar - CSIT / NI Cyber
Laura Heery - EY
Michelle Doherty - PwC

Outstanding Apprentice sponsored by Version 1

Allanna Campbell - Funds Axis
Darcie Grace - Kainos Software Ltd
Lauren Shannon - SciLeads
Laurie Montgomery - Danske Bank
Rebekah Humphrey - Frontline UK

Male Advocate of the Year sponsored by NIE Networks

Chris Owers - First Derivative
Jonathan Sinclair - Inclutech
Jude Copeland - Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Peter Gurney - Fujitsu Services Ltd
Steven McDowell - Reward

Outstanding Woman in Tech sponsored by VANRATH

Winner announced on the night

Now in their fourth year, the upcoming Women in Tech Awards boasts several prestigious category sponsors including Allstate NI, BT, Danske Bank, NIE Networks, MHS, Version 1 and title sponsor VANRATH.

VANRATH Managing Director Barbara McKiernan added: "Northern Ireland is full of brilliant, talented women doing incredible work in the tech sector and the Women in Tech Awards are all about celebrating them. These women are helping shape the future of the industry here, and recognition like this really does make a difference. It challenges outdated ideas, inspires the next generation, and helps create a more connected and supportive community.

“This year’s finalists are a real inspiration – a powerful reminder of the talent and potential we have right here in NI. We need more women leading and building tech businesses, because when there’s more diversity at the top, we get better ideas, stronger teams, and a more exciting future for the entire sector."

All finalists will join the Women in Tech Award Finalist Alumna, a group specially created to offer exceptional women the opportunity to network with like-minded businesswomen and to fast-track opportunity for both personal and professional development.

For more details on entry or to book a ticket for May’s flagship event, click here.

Monday 14 April 2025