What Are The HR Tech Awards?
The HR Tech Awards are designed to help HR and business buyers understand which technology providers are creating practical value in the market. Entries are reviewed across areas such as customer impact, product differentiation, software experience, company strength, and measurable outcomes.
Discover providers solving real HR and workforce challenges.
Earn independent recognition for meaningful product innovation and customer impact.
Highlight practical HR technology that goes beyond hype.
Why The Program Matters?
Independent judging process
Practical focus on measurable business impact
Categories built around real HR buyer needs
Winner recognition can be used in marketing without a separate badge licensing fee
What People Are Saying
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lighthouse who dedicated time and expertise to determine the award winners. It’s crystal clear the team is invested in knowing the providers and helping all practitioners in the process. Thank you for the honor and for making an impact!"
Tom Fischer, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Experian
"This recognition is a testament to the unique problem-solving capabilities of our platform, which includes enhancing customer satisfaction and overall company evaluation."
Mike Stafiej, CEO, ERIN
The 2027 Lighthouse Tech Awards program will open for submissions on Tuesday, December 1st, 2026.
Deadline for entry: Friday, January 29, 2027 at 11:59pm
Main Categories for Entry
- Talent Management (performance, OKRs, succession, engagement, diversity, career planning, and other relevant technologies)
- Employee Experience (voice of the employee, surveys, employee feedback, employee engagement, and other relevant technologies)
- Talent Acquisition (sourcing, matching, candidate experience, assessments, onboarding, and other relevant technologies)
- Core HR/Workforce (HRIS, payroll, time and attendance, employee help desk, and other related technologies)
- Total Rewards and Employee Wellbeing (compensation, benefits, perks, recognition, wellness, mental health, and other related technologies)
- Talent Analytics (data visualization, business intelligence, dashboards, KPIs, metrics, and other related technologies)
- Learning and Talent Development (learning management, content authoring/management, virtual/augmented reality, and other related technologies)
Subcategories
Note: each entry has a category + subcategory pairing to make them as relevant, targeted, and practical as possible for employers and HR technology buyers to find the right technology for them
- Best Talent Intelligence Solution: solution that enables employers to leverage data and insights for more strategic talent decisions
- Best Comprehensive Solution: solution that solves the core challenges of businesses in the enterprise market
- Best Advance in Practical AI: solution that leverages generative AI, machine learning, robotic process automation, and/or natural language processing for practical impacts to people and the business
- Best Midsize Business-Focused Solution: solution that targets the unique needs of midsized businesses (200-2,000+ employees)
- Best Frontline-Focused Solution: solution that solves challenges for employers and workers in a frontline or high-volume context
- Best Innovative or Emerging Tech Solution: solution that brings new features and capabilities to the market or solves an old problem in a new way this area
- Best Global Solution: solution that supports the unique needs of a global employer, such as languages, localization, and other key priorities
- Best DEI-Enabling Solution: solution that supports critical diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Best Virtual/Hybrid Solution: solution that enables employers and the workforce to collaborate and work remotely or in a hybrid environment
- Best Culture Building Solution: solution that strengthens and enables corporate culture
- Best Analytics, Measurement, and Business Impact Solution: solution focused on helping customers measure results and outcomes
- Best Small Business-Focused Solution: solution that targets the unique needs of small businesses (1-200 employees)
Frequency Asked Questions
Q: What is the process for submitting an entry?
A: Applicants must complete the entry form and submit it via the submission portal which securely collects contact information for each firm. Links and additional details included on the Submit page.
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Q: Are my entries private and/or confidential?
A: Yes, all entries are judged by individuals that have signed nondisclosure agreements preventing them from discussing anything they read or review during the awards judging process.
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Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
A: Yes, if you believe your technology has applications in more than one category you are welcome to submit in as many categories/subcategories as you like. Applicants may also create more than one entry for the same category if desired to share multiple customer case studies or use cases for the product.
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Q: How do I pay for my entries?
A: Your entry must be paid upon submission of your entry form. Payments are collected securely via Stripe. Stripe is one of the world's largest and most secure payment processors. Visit stripe.com for additional details.
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Q: What are the limitations on usage of the awards badge if my company wins an award?
A: Unlike some other programs, we do not charge a license fee to use the awards badge on your website, social media channels, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
As such, you are welcome to use the badge on marketing materials, sales collateral, and other locations. Some winners even use a high-resolution version of the badge to include it on their event stands and booth designs!
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Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Entries are judged on five key areas:
- problem(s) the technology solves in the market
- case study
- differentiation analysis
- software evaluation
- company evaluation
More information can be found in our entry form.
One tip from judges in previous years: include measurable results in your case study! This helps to stand out from other entries.
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Q: Who judges entries?
A: For obvious reasons, judges will remain anonymous to protect the independent judging process. Judges are drawn from industry positions (CXOs, talent leaders, and other business professionals), academia, and other relevant and independent subject matter experts.
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Q: How many companies submit for the program?
A: In order to respect each company that submits, we do not list companies that do not win awards on the site. However, those firms receive information about how their entry could be improved for potential future submissions.
That said, dozens of companies enter the program each year hoping to have their investments in technology and service validated through the program, and every single winner receives helpful feedback on their "stand out" features from the perspective of our judging panel.
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