The it@cork Leader’s Awards (#techleaders19) is the annual event that recognises achievement, innovation and commitment to the tech sector in the region. For the 13th year running, the it@cork Leaders Awards event was an overwhelming success. The sold out awards night shone a light on those who are leading the charge for the region’s tech community and those that are paving the way for the continued success of tech in the South West region. From global multinationals to schools and start-ups, the awards recognise those who have delivered outstanding results in the use of technology in their respective organisations and businesses. Some of the key highlights from the night include:

• Dignitaries in attendance: An Tánaiste Simon Coveney, Deputy Michéal Martin, Deirdre Clune MEP, Cllr. Christopher O'Sullivan, Cllr. Oliver Moran
• Trend Micro Excellence in Education Award - The winner Mayfield Community School will also receive €5,000 which will go towards new equipment and developing inclusive STEM programs in the school. 
• Two new award categories – were introduced in 2019: (1) it@cork Skillnet Best Work Place Award is an award that recognises excellence in the promotion of a learning & development company environment as well as promoting a positive approach to mental health and wellbeing. (2) it@cork Community Award: recognises positive initiatives and commitment to the promotion of STEM in the South-West region. 
• Towards 2020 - the theme of this year’s awards was a celebration of all the previous Hall of Fame winners who have contributed immensely to the tech industry in the region, and a nod to the present and future leaders who will bring the Irish tech industry into the next decade.
• Tech Persons of the year Award winners - were tech trailblazers Shemas Eivers and Teddy McCarthy, founders of Client Solutions Ireland.
• The event also received a wide spread of media coverage before and after the event including articles in the Irish Examiner, Evening Echo, Tech Central and Breaking News, our hashtag #TechLeaders19 trended number 1 on the night. 

Congratulations to all of the 2019 it@cork Tech Leaders Awards winners and finalists. The Leaders Awards winners are as follows: 

• Trend Micro Excellence in Education - Mayfield Community School 
• Corporate Social Responsibility  - McAfee
• Best Workplace - VMware
• Multinational of the Year – McAfee
• Smart Technology Innovation -Keelvar
• The One to Watch – Rinocloud
• Tech Start-Up of the Year – Workvivo
• Tech Persons of the Year - Mr Shemas Eivers and Mr Teddy McCarthy from Client Solutions 
• it@cork Chairperson Community Award Winner – iWish

Check out the gallery below to see some pictures from the awards night.