The Inclusion Excellence Awards
Recognizing excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Showcase your progress. Celebrate your impact. Lead the change. To be included – Sign up or nominate someone before the application deadline of 27 June 2025!
Applications open
20 March 2025
Applications deadline
27 June 2025
Inclusion Excellence Virtual Event
25 September 2025
Inclusion Excellence Dinner
3 December 2025
Impact deserves a spotlight. The Inclusion Excellence Awards 2025 recognise individuals and organisations making a measurable impact in Inclusion across the tech industry. Presented in partnership with Booking.com and VDS (Valencia Digital Summit), these awards honour the companies that have gone above and beyond in their Inclusion efforts. The stage is yours!
The finalists will be invited to the Inclusion Excellence Virtual Event in September, in Amsterdam, to present their Inclusion journeys. Winners will be honoured at the Inclusion Excellence Dinner co-hosted by Booking.com in Amsterdam on 3 December 2025.
Find Your Inclusion Excellence Award Category
The Progress Award
- Eligibility
- For companies showing bold, meaningful steps. This award recognises those who have made the most year-on-year progress in their Inclusion journey, measured by their DEI Scan results between 2024 and 2025.
- The organisations that have moved the dial the furthest, regardless of their starting point.
- Not required DLiT membership Required DEI Scan 2024 and 2025
- Benefits
- LinkedIn social media badge to celebrate your achievement
- The finalists will be invited to the Inclusion Excellence Virtual Event in September (Amsterdam) to present their Inclusion Journey.
- Winners will be honoured at the Inclusion Excellence Dinner in December (Amsterdam).
The Champion Award
- Eligibility
- For individuals within DLiT community who lead from the front, driving cultural and structural change in tech.
- This award honours a standout DLiT community member who has consistently shown up as a force for inclusion—inside their organisation, across the tech ecosystem, and within our network.
- Required DLiT membership
- Benefits
- LinkedIn social media badge to celebrate your achievement
- The finalists will be invited to the Inclusion Excellence Virtual Event in September (Amsterdam) to present their Inclusion Journey.
- Winners will be honoured at the Inclusion Excellence Dinner in December (Amsterdam).
The Impact Award
- Eligibility
- For organisations or teams delivering measurable, lasting Inclusion outcomes.
- This award recognises those who have achieved significant, demonstrable impact through their Inclusion efforts—whether through policy changes, structural redesign, measurable outcomes, or systemic culture shifts.
- Not required DLiT membership Required DEI Scan 2025
- Benefits
- LinkedIn social media badge to celebrate your achievement
- The finalists will be invited to the Inclusion Excellence Virtual Event in September (Amsterdam) to present their Inclusion Journey.
- Winners will be honoured at the Inclusion Excellence Dinner in December (Amsterdam).
Why Apply?
Gain Recognition
Your efforts deserve the spotlight. Celebrate your achievements and show the world your commitment to DEI excellence.
Competitive Advantage
Gain recognition as a company that leads with purpose — a powerful edge in recruitment, business development, and partnerships.
Sales Opportunities
Connect with other DLiT members and tech leaders looking for best-in-class companies and collaborators.
Inspire Others
Be a role model for the tech industry. Share your story and motivate others to join the DEI movement.
Tangible Credibility
Showcase your commitment to DEI with badges, certificates, and media coverage that reinforce your role as a changemaker.
Promote Achievements
Celebrated across DLiT's channels, LinkedIn, newsletters, and at VDS — reaching a highly engaged audience.
Expand Your Impact
Network with industry leaders, gain visibility, and strengthen your position as a DEI innovator.
Exclusive Events
Join thought-provoking discussions with fellow finalists and winners, DEI changemakers, and tech leaders at the DEI Excellence Awards Virtual Event and DEI Excellence Dinner at Booking.com.
Featured DEI Report
Get featured in our annual the State of DEI in European Tech report and contribute to setting the standard across the continent.
Meet the Jury
FAQ
Who can apply?
Whether you’re a trailblazer in diversity or just starting to make strides, there’s a place for you! Eligibility varies by award category. Check the specific requirements for each award on top of this page to find your fit.
Submissions are open to individuals, internal teams, and entire organisations.
Candidates can apply directly or be nominated by others.
Applications are submitted via a secure online form.
Still have questions? Please contact us.
Can I apply, or be nominated for, multiple awards?
Yes, you can. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply, or be nominated for, all three awards.
Is there a cost to apply?
Participation is free for the Progress and Impact Awards. For the Champion Awards a DLiT membership is required. You can join us any time. Discover the DLiT memberships here.
How are the winners selected?
All individuals, teams and organisation who applied or got nominated will be informed of the next steps by email. They will be asked to submit:
- A very short video highlighting their DEI story and outcomes
- A detailed application form outlining their DEI actions, stakeholders, and results.
- Scoring criteria and reflection prompts will be provided to guide strong submissions
Do I need to personally attend the DEI Excellence Awards Virtual Event?
While attendance isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage all finalists and winners — both individuals and company representatives — to join us for the DEI Excellence Awards Virtual Event. It’s a unique opportunity to celebrate your achievements, connect with other changemakers, and be part of an inspiring gathering dedicated to advancing DEI in tech.
Can I become a sponsor or a partner of DEI Excellence Awards?
Yes, we’d be thrilled to explore sponsorship or partnership opportunities with you for the DEI Excellence Awards. To learn more about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact us.
In Collaboration with
Diverse Leaders in Tech
We equip and empower European tech companies to set the standard for DEI Excellence - at scale.