—— 2026 AWARDS NOW OPEN

Our Vision

WHAT’S NEXT IN 2026 AND BEYOND?

We’re building the World's Most Successful Innovation Awards Ecosystem

For more than 25 years, Consensus has identified organisations with the potential to shape industries, challenge convention and create lasting impact.

Our vision is to build upon this foundation and create a globally recognised ecosystem that supports innovation from validation through to commercial success.

We believe that great ideas deserve more than recognition.

They deserve opportunity.

That is why Consensus is evolving beyond a traditional awards program to become a platform that connects innovators, investors, industry leaders, partners and decision-makers through meaningful engagement and collaboration.

As we look to the future, our focus remains clear:

TO IDENTIFY WHAT COMES NEXT AND ENSURE ITS SUCCESS.

OUR MISSION

To discover, evaluate and support innovative organisations with genuine commercial potential through independent assessment, industry recognition and strategic connections.

By bringing together expertise, opportunity and credibility, we help emerging organisations accelerate their growth and maximise their impact.

THE FOUNDATION

Of our future

As Consensus continues to evolve, our vision is guided by six interconnected pillars that support the identification, development and advancement of innovation.

Together, these pillars represent more than individual initiatives. They form a connected ecosystem designed to help emerging organisations gain recognition, build valuable relationships, access new opportunities and achieve long-term success.

From independent evaluation and industry recognition to community engagement, showcase opportunities and future investment pathways, each pillar plays a vital role in shaping the next chapter of Consensus.

By strengthening these foundations, we are creating a platform that extends far beyond awards, supporting innovators throughout their growth journey and helping to build the industries of tomorrow.

RECOGNITION

Through the Consensus Awards, we continue to identify and celebrate organisations demonstrating innovation, excellence and commercial potential.

Built upon a structured evaluation process and more than two decades of experience, the awards remain the foundation of everything we do.

CONNECTION

Innovation thrives when the right people meet.

Consensus creates opportunities for founders, industry leaders, investors, advisors and partners to connect through events, networking and collaboration.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we help create relationships that drive innovation forward.

COMMUNITY

Consensus is building a national network of alumni, judges, sponsors, partners and supporters united by a shared commitment to innovation and excellence.

Our community extends beyond the awards process, creating ongoing opportunities for engagement, learning and growth.

SHOWCASE

Through industry showcases and special events, Consensus provides organisations with opportunities to present their ideas, products and solutions to influential audiences.

These experiences create visibility, foster collaboration and open doors to future opportunities..

INVESTMENT

The Consensus Winners Fund.

Designed to support high-potential organisations identified through the awards process, the fund aims to create a pathway from validation to investment.

By connecting promising businesses with capital and expertise, we seek to accelerate growth and unlock future success.

EDUCATION

Consensus is committed to fostering innovation beyond today's organisations by supporting education, research and industry collaboration that inspires future generations.

Through partnerships with universities, researchers, students and industry stakeholders, Consensus contributes to a stronger innovation ecosystem that connects academic knowledge with real-world commercial opportunity.

  • “The Consensus Awards have a history of celebrating some of the most cutting-edge and innovative Australian tech companies, counting world-famous firms Atlassian and WiseTech Global as former recipients. I have no doubt that this year’s recipients will follow in their success.”

    Previous Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who has presented Consensus Awards twice

  • “Julian Day at Consensus Awards encouraged us to enter in 2004 when we were launching our first product, JIRA. It focussed us to document exactly what our offering was, sharpen our USP’s, define our target market and confirm our go-to-market strategy. It was the first of many Awards we received but by far the most significant. It was so valuable as it gave us the encouragement to leverage off the win and promote technology assessed by a large independent panel of industry experts.”

    Mike Cannon-Brookes & Scott Farquhar, Atlassian Founders - Consensus Awards 2004 Winner

  • "We entered to validate our technology against the knowledge of a large number of industry expert judges and to ensure we were on track in terms of our offering to the market, our go-to-market strategy and our marketing material. Winning an Award opened doors for us around the world and put us on a steep growth path.”

    Richard White, Founder & CEO of ASX listed WiseTech Global - Consensus Software Awards Winner 2008

  • “Recstra entered the Consensus Awards in 2017. The application and presentation process was a real eye-opener. The judging panel were incredibly astute and looked at every aspect of the Recstra model during the presentations phase. We were humbled to win the award and to follow in the footsteps of such esteemed company as Atlassian and WiseTech Global is a real boost for us. Winning the award gave us access to the Consensus Network and I have received valuable counsel from many of the judges as we navigate our start-up phase. I would have no hesitation in recommending like-minded businesses to nominate for the Consensus Awards. The media coverage and ability to 'lean' on our win has definitely converted new clients.”

    Craig Watson – Recstra Founder - Consensus Awards 2017 Winner

  • "Winning the Consensus Award in 2018 gave Solo Cover a tremendous boost and provided an invaluable opportunity to network with leaders within the sector, as well as with other entrants. We are proud to join the ranks of previous winners which have gone on to become esteemed champions, such as Atlassian, WiseTech Global and Astute Payroll."

    Jay Cooper – SAMI Insurance Founder - Consensus Awards 2018 Winner

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