Overview

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has opened applications and nominations for the second edition of the Digital Prosperity Awards (DPA), recognising digital solutions, initiatives and partnerships that deliver economic and social impact.

Held under the theme “Building the Future, Today,” the awards aim to recognise projects that use technology to improve public services, support business growth, advance innovation and expand participation in the digital economy.

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Applications and nominations close on 4 January 2027, with winners expected to be recognised at an awards ceremony in 2027.

Award Categories

The second edition features seven categories across three pillars, covering digital transformation, innovation, sustainability and social inclusion.

Digital Enablers

• Public Sector Transformation: Implemented digital initiatives or policies that improve the accessibility, efficiency or quality of public services.
• Cooperation: Partnerships that deliver measurable digital-economy outcomes through shared implementation, governance or resources.

Digital Innovation

• Disruptive Solutions: Digital applications that introduce or significantly improve how people, organisations or markets operate.
• Digital Public Goods: Open-source software, open data, open AI systems or open standards that meet recognised digital-public-good requirements and can be reused or adapted.

Digital Society

• Sustainability: Digital initiatives supporting environmental protection, climate resilience or responsible resource management.
• Equality and Inclusion: Solutions expanding meaningful digital access and participation for underserved or excluded communities.
• Protecting Society: Digital initiatives or policies improving online safety, cybersecurity, trust or resilience while respecting applicable rights and safeguards.

Each of the seven categories will recognise two winners, one government and one non-government winner from a DCO Member State.

Flagship Awards

Alongside the category awards, three flagship prizes will recognise exceptional contributions to digital prosperity.

The DCO Member State Award recognises an outstanding contribution by an eligible SME, startup or civil society organisation that has won a category award and is based in a DCO Member State.

The DCO International Award recognises an eligible civil society organisation from either a DCO Member State or a country outside the organisation.

The Bridging the Gap Award recognises an eligible SME, startup or civil society organisation from a DCO or non-DCO Member State whose solution addresses a digital-economy gap identified through the DCO’s Digital Economy Navigator. Entries must demonstrate impact and the potential for scaling or replication.

The awards offer international recognition through the DCO’s platforms and networks. Further details of prizes and winner benefits will be announced by the organisers.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open to eligible organisations across the public, private and civil society sectors.

Potential applicants include government bodies, municipalities, public institutions, established companies, SMEs, startups, NGOs, foundations and other qualifying organisations.

Teams of at least two adults aged 18 or over may also apply with a jointly developed solution, provided they receive formal endorsement from an eligible institution, such as a university, research organisation, incubator, accelerator, company or public institution.

Organisations outside DCO Member States may also participate through specific international award pathways.

Eligible civil society organisations can apply through the relevant international stream, while other qualifying international non-government applicants may be considered for the Bridging the Gap Award, subject to the published requirements.

Eligibility And Selection Criteria

Applicants must submit a digital initiative, programme, partnership or solution that has already been implemented and produced evidence of results.

Digital technology must play a substantial role in delivering those outcomes. The awards therefore focus on demonstrated impact rather than concepts or proposals that have not yet been implemented.

Applications will be assessed against four main criteria: creativity and innovation; demonstrated performance and impact; social responsibility and sustainability; and collaboration and feasibility at scale. The selection process begins with administrative and eligibility screening, including independent reputational and integrity checks.

Eligible entries then progress through technical assessment and shortlisting, followed by evaluation by an international judging panel.

Shortlisted applicants will deliver a five-minute presentation, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. A separate cross-pillar assessment will determine the flagship prize winners.

How To Apply

Applications and nominations close on 4 January 2027. Participation is free of charge.

Applicants must register through the Digital Prosperity Awards platform, complete the application form in English and submit the required supporting information and evidence. An organisation or institutionally endorsed team may submit one application per category, but each application can be entered in only one category. Individuals and organisations can also nominate an eligible organisation through the official nomination form. Nominated organisations must subsequently complete the full application process to be considered for an award.

The awards ceremony is currently planned for March 2027, with the final date and venue to be announced.

Full eligibility requirements, category descriptions and application guidance are available on the official Digital Prosperity Awards website.

For enquiries, applicants can contact dpa@dco.org.

About The Digital Cooperation Organization

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) is an international intergovernmental organisation established in 2020 to accelerate the inclusive and sustainable growth of the digital economy.

It brings together 16 Member States, including Cyprus, and works with governments, businesses, civil society and international organisations to advance digital cooperation, innovation and economic participation.

The Digital Prosperity Awards form part of its efforts to recognise initiatives delivering measurable improvements in digital access, economic opportunity and social development.