The Innovation PNG Awards celebrate organisations and local communities who are solving real problems in Papua New Guinea through new ideas, smart technology and practical innovation.
Open to businesses, government agencies and innovators of all sizes, the awards recognise initiatives that improve productivity, services, sustainability and community outcomes across PNG.
First launched in 2019 by Business Advantage International in partnership with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI), the Innovation PNG Awards have become the country’s leading platform for recognising innovation in both the private and public sectors.
After successful awards programs in 2019, 2023 and 2025, the Innovation PNG Awards return in 2026 as a standalone awards program, continuing to highlight the depth, creativity and impact of innovation across PNG.
Entries will be reviewed and shortlisted by an independent panel of local and international judges, with winners announced at a breakfast awards event in June 2026.
Key Dates
Key dates for 2026:
- 6 March 2026
Entries open - 22 April 2026
Awards entries close - 6 May 2026
POMCCI TechBrek (venue TBC)
Shortlisted finalists announced - 3 June 2026 (date TBC)
Submit your entry HERE
Awards process
The Innovation PNG Awards follow a clear and transparent process, from launch to judging and announcement of winners.
The awards will be judged by an independent panel of international and local experts. By entering the awards, all entrants acknowledge that the judges’ decision is final.
Entry deadline
You have until 5pm (Port Moresby time) on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to enter. Entering the awards is free.
Prizes
The three winners – one for each category – will be announced at a special Awards Breakfast in June 2026.
Winners will receive 2 tickets to the Awards Breakfast, a unique crystal glass winner’s trophy, and have the chance to speak at the event about their innovation.
Awards Categories
In 2026, there are three awards categories:
The Innovation PNG Award for Small Business
Open to businesses with less than 10 employees
Sponsored by Kina Bank, Major sponsor of the Innovation PNG 2026 Awards
The Innovation PNG Award for Corporate Innovation
Open to businesses with 10 employees or more
Sponsored by Vodafone
Young Innovator of the Year
Awarded to an individual under 30 years of age on 22 April 2026. A business or government agency may nominate them, or individuals may nominate themselves.
Sponsored by MoniPlus
Innovation is about solving problems with new ways of thinking.
As part of your entry, you will be asked to tell the judges about your innovation, why it was created, the results it has delivered so far, and its future potential. You will also have the opportunity to upload supporting materials.
Entries are now open. Submit your innovation and be recognised among Papua New Guinea’s leading innovators.
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2025 Innovation Award for Small Business winner Boas Sengi presented by Kina Bank CEO Ivan Vidovich with Andrew and Mark Pesce. Credit: BAI
Highlights from 2025
The winners of Papua New Guinea’s major awards for innovation were announced at a special Gala Dinner on the eve of the 2025 Innovation PNG Conference and Expo at the Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby.
Awards were determined by an expert judging panel chaired by inventor and futurist Mark Pesce, who praised both the quality and diversity of entries.
“The sheer breadth and quality of entries for this year’s awards made the judges’ job both very difficult and also highly enjoyable,” says Pesce, who is himself the inventor of 3D on the World Wide Web, and is also the keynote speaker at this year’s Innovation PNG conference.
“Our heartiest congratulations go out to every one of the dozens of entrants. Innovation is clearly alive and well in PNG.”
Winner of the 2025 Innovation PNG Award for Small Business (Sponsored by Kina Bank)
Environmental Health Development Agency (Lae)
Awarded for its Water SHE Technology — an all-in-one water, sanitation and washing station designed for village communities.
Special Commendations:
- Bobatom Tech and Consultancy (Port Moresby) – e-learning platform
- Gotronical Engineering (Mt Hagen) – sago extraction machine
- Project Support Services (Lae) – solar-powered mills for smallholder farmers
2025 Winner of the Large Business Innovation Award (Sponsored by Remington Group)
Nasfund
Recognised for its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate invoice processing, resulting in a 40% productivity increase within its accounts department.
Special Commendations:
- CreditBank – digital customer onboarding
- MiBank – agent network model
- Kramer Asia Pacific – climate-resilient engineering solutions
- Markham Culvert – use of concrete canvas for drainage infrastructure
2025 Winner of the Innovation PNG Award for Digital Government (Sponsored by Nasfund)
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
Awarded for the development of an online police clearance application system, integrating digital payments with biometric fingerprint capture.
2025 Winner of the Innovation PNG Award for Female Innovator of the Year (inaugural – Sponsored by Moni Plus)
For the first time in the awards’ history, this category was jointly awarded:
- Alumita Chan, Pacific Palms Property – for leading the EDGE environmental certification of Steamships’ Port Moresby headquarters
- Penelope Aisi, BSP – for leading the development of the Wantok Wallet mobile wallet
For more information about our award winners from 2025, click here.
Contact Us
For more information, or to stay informed, email: events@businessadvantageinternational.com
Co-hosts 2026
