The global benchmark for IT excellence

Name: CIO 100 Awards & Conference UK
Start: 2026-09-24T09:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-24T17:00+00:00
Location: Royal Lancaster London, UK

The CIO 100 UK celebrates the most innovative and impactful technology leaders across the UK. Recognised as one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, the CIO 100 honours CIOs and senior technology executives who drive meaningful business outcomes through digital leadership, strategic vision, and technology innovation.

With a global heritage spanning more than three decades, the CIO 100 has become a trusted platform for recognising achievement, sharing insight, and connecting an influential community of technology decision-makers.

The benefits of CIO 100 recognition

Join an exclusive global community of the world’s top IT leaders, recognised for outstanding technology leadership.

Elevate your profile among peers, strengthening your influence and visibility across the industry.

Celebrate the achievements of your team and organisation in delivering innovative IT strategies and initiatives.

Raise the profile of your profession and inspire the next generation of IT leaders.

How to apply

Application process:

Applicants can only enter on behalf of themselves.

The application process has been redesigned to attract diverse candidates by accepting multiple different formats: text, video, audio and interview.

Applicants should focus on delivering clear, evidence-based answers that show measurable impact, strong leadership, and alignment between technology and business goals. They should demonstrate how they shaped culture, collaboration, and strategic direction through specific actions rather than broad statements. Finally, submissions should highlight standout achievements with concise examples that showcase meaningful outcomes and what differentiates their leadership.

To read the full guidance for applying, please view the
Guidance Criteria Document.

You can also view the questions to view at a glance.

If you have any questions regarding your application, please email
events-uk@foundryco.com and a member of our awards team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Application criteria:

Applicants must operate at the highest level of technology and transformation strategy and delivery. CIO 100 recognises leaders who shape organisational direction, contribute to board‑level decisions, and influence major technology investments.

The applicant must also have been at their current organisation for one year up until the date CIO 100 submissions open.

Consultants, IT vendors, software/hardware suppliers and market research or information services companies will not be eligible for the CIO 100. Additionally, individuals currently applying for 2026 Next CIO or 2025 Next CIO and Next CSO cohort members will not be considered.

We welcome the use of AI in preparing applications. However, judges will take its role into account during evaluation. While AI may support the process, the CIO 100 criteria prioritises authentic personal contribution, leadership, and impact. Submissions should clearly reflect the applicant’s own work and achievements.

Applications will not be published and only shared with the judging committee.

Entry deadline: 21 May 2026

Enter online