Cracking the Code: How to Shine in Your Tech Trailblazers Award Entry Advice Posted by Rose Ross | 17/09/2025 If you’re considering entering the Tech Trailblazers Awards — and you really should — make sure your submission stands out from the crowd. Having been at the heart of these awards for over a decade, I’ve seen countless submissions — the brilliant, the not so brilliant, and everything in between. So if exposure to thousands of potential customers across our secret panel of judges, podcasts, PR and socials, here’s my take on what you’ll find in the entry forms and how to make each section sparkle. This is your time to shine as a winner in the Tech Trailblazers. Eligibility: Are you a fit? Before you get carried away with your killer story, let’s make sure you’re in the game. Startups must have been founded on or after 21st May 2018, and no, if you’re on Series D or beyond, I’m afraid these awards aren’t a fit. The Tech Trailblazers celebrate emerging innovation and future unicorns The Basics: Setting the Scene This is the admin bit — company name, website, who we can contact, your social handles, and, of course, your logo. Make sure everything is up to date and accurate, it ensures we can reach you with questions and let you know if you’ve won. Fingers crossed. The Heart of the Entry: Your Story Here’s where you really get to show off. The entry form is divided into sections, each with its own word count and scoring criteria — so every word counts. Your Solution (250 words / 20 marks) Tell us what you’ve built. Be concise, but don’t be shy. Highlight what’s unique, whether it’s IP, tech wizardry, or a novel approach. • The Problem (250 words / 15 marks): Every hero needs a villain. What challenge are you slaying? Make it clear why the world needs your solution. Market Fit (250 words / 15 marks) Show us you’ve thought beyond the tech. Who’s buying it, why, and how does it sit in the wider landscape? Readiness & Competition (250 words / 15 marks) Are you market-ready, still beta-testing, or scaling fast? And who are you up against? Don’t dodge this — knowing your rivals shows maturity. Customer Proof (250 words / 15 marks) Judges love evidence. Share customer adoption, testimonials, traction — whatever demonstrates that real people see real value in what you’re doing. Case Studies: Your Trump Cards Optional, but incredibly powerful. You’ve got up to 500 words each for two case studies. Use them to bring your story to life — think customer journeys, ROI, or a transformation that your tech enabled. This is where you can win over the judges and leave them thinking, “They’ve really nailed it.” Final Tips from Me Stick to the word counts. Clarity wins every time. Don’t assume all the judges know your niche. Explain it as you would to an intelligent but non-specialist audience. Passion shines through. Show us why you are a true Tech Trailblazer. Entering awards isn’t just about winning (though that’s always a bonus). It’s about honing your story, raising your profile, and joining a global community of innovators. So, take the time to get it right — and maybe I’ll be cheering you on as one of our next Tech Trailblazers!