—— 2026 AWARDS NOW OPEN

About Consensus

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A PLATFORM

For credible innovation.

Consensus is an Australian innovation awards program designed to identify and validate organisations with genuine commercial potential.

At its core, Consensus exists to provide independent assessment at a critical stage of growth, when organisations are entering the market, refining their model and seeking to build credibility.

The program focuses on early-stage and emerging businesses, typically just prior to launch and within the first 18 to 36 months in market, where external validation can influence investment decisions, partnerships and long-term positioning.

Unlike traditional business awards, Consensus is built around a structured evaluation process. Each entrant is assessed against defined criteria by experienced industry professionals, ensuring outcomes are based on substance, not perception.

Consensus operates as more than an awards program.

It is a growing platform that connects founders, industry leaders, investors and decision-makers through a combination of awards, events and ongoing engagement.

Through this ecosystem, Consensus provides a pathway from validation to opportunity, supporting organisations as they move from early traction to broader recognition and growth.

1200+

independent evaluations conducted since 2000

200+

award winners identified across multiple industries

160+

panel of senior industry judges

9/10

winners go on to achieve significant success

A COMMUNITY

Built around Excellence

Consensus brings together a diverse network of:

  • Entrepreneurs and founders

  • Industry leaders

  • Investors

  • Researchers

  • Advisors

  • Emerging innovators

Together, they form a community committed to advancing innovation, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for future growth.

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WHY CONSENSUS EXISTS

Validation, Confidence, Capital, Opportunity

In a crowded marketplace, it can be difficult for emerging organisations to stand out from the noise.

Investors are inundated with opportunities. Industry leaders are constantly evaluating new technologies. Customers are increasingly cautious about who they trust.

Independent validation provides confidence.

Consensus exists to bridge the gap between innovation and recognition, helping organisations demonstrate credibility through a rigorous evaluation process that has been refined over more than two decades.

For founders, it provides validation.

For investors, it provides confidence.

For industry, it provides a proven framework for identifying what comes next.

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  • “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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