
We're looking forward to showcasing new webdiste and entirely new submissions and judging experience, but most of all the winners will now form a Startup Index and the top voted will be automatically entered into the Top 10 list of most performing impactful businesses.
16 July 2021
24 September 2021
15 October 2021
10 November 2021
Nov/Dec 2021 TBC
Anyone in the world can apply for the Pause Awards, not just Australians! Awards are aimed at startups, scaleups and progressive corporates. Government departments, agencies, not-for-profits are welcome. Awards are not industry specific. You can enter as many projects in multiple categories.
WHY ENTER?
Here are the top benefits:
- Apply from anywhere in the world.
- Challenge yourself – compete with the best in class.
- Build credibility with the Pause Fest stamp of approval.
- Tell your success story to the world.
- Invite to speak at Pause Fest events.
- Boost your brand by winning a designer trophy.
- Get featured in Pause Award comms.
A few companies that won in 2020.

AWARD CATEGORIES
Pause Awards champion people in the startup, scaleup and businesses that not only go the extra mile but are also entrepreneurial, driven by purpose, plugged in the community and create positive impact in the world through their business. All industries worldwide may apply.
Hammer Award
For nailing it
This award recognises a company's success – on their own terms – in the market. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
B-GOOD Award
For a good business
This award recognises a company that has done well for the community and the world through their commercial practice. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Company, NGO, B-Corp.
Out of the Garage Award
For scaling global
This award recognises a company's global growth, expansion, and success. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
INDI Award
For indigenous, migrant and ethnic champions
This award recognises a successful company with its founders from indigenous or ethnic heritage that gained success in the market. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
Super Connector Award
For being the community champ
This award recognises a person for a significant contribution to the success of their clients or the community. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone.
BATON AWARD
For lifelong mentor
This award recognises an experienced and trusted advisor who elevated someone's career. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone.
Prodigy Award
For being exceptional
This award recognises a young person with exceptional qualities or abilities. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone under 30 years of age.
Creative Genius Award (NEW)
For smart execution
This award recognises a person that created and implemented smart and sustainable creative or business strategies successfully in the marketplace. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone.
Unexpected Twist Award
For a great pivot
This award recognises a person or company that has taken an unexpected pivot in their business or career. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone
Underground Award (NEW)
For early stage mavericks
This award recognises an early stage startup that has done well in its first two years. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startups under 2 years old.
I Wish I’d Done That Award
For sheer brilliance
This award recognises a company's simple and clever idea in a niche market. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Company.
Exit Planet Award (NEW)
For the best exit
This award celebrates the company's major milestone, the exit or IPO. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Who can apply: Startup and Scaleup.
Do You Know Who I Am Award
For the silent achiever
This award recognises a person that has been responsible for the success of their company from the backstage. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone.
Inception Award (NEW)
For visionary thinkers
This award recognises a person that came up with the transformative idea that can change the world for better. No implementation required, this is just an idea challenge! Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone.
Big Noise Award
For media cut through
This award recognises a company that has delivered clever marketing tactics. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
Circular Pioneer Award (NEW)
For making a difference
This award category recognises a company that is pioneering their circular efforts. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
You have Ethics Award (NEW)
For the right values in life and business
This award category recognises a company that is promoting accountability, good governance, leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and solving societal problems. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
Work Sweet Work Award (NEW)
For a great workplace culture
This award recognises a company that has managed to improve or attain outstanding levels of employee engagement, retention and satisfaction. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
Going Green Award (NEW)
For delivering impact and scale
This award recognises a company that is actively leading and delivering impact and scale through sustainable efforts in clean energy, climate change, healthy environment, social and economic justice etc. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
Inside Out Award (NEW)
For unlocking hidden potential
This award recognises a person that unlocks innovation potential inside the company to deliver new value and change the world. Awarding: Individual. Who can apply: Anyone.
Defiant Ones Award (NEW)
For new tech breakthroughs
This award recognises a company that defines the future of the industry they play in. Awarding: Company. Who can apply: Startup, Scaleup, Corporate.
The Hall of Fame
For future builders
This award recognises a game-changer who paved the way by breaking new grounds and inventing new categories. Awarding: Individual. Internally decided.