Eligibility, Deadlines, Categories, and More

The 2026 LIGHTHOUSE TECH Awards program will open for submissions on November 1st, 2025.
Deadline for entry: Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 11:59pm

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Categories for Entry

See official FAQs page or the Submission page for additional information

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)

Benefits of Participation

Winners receive the following benefits:

  • Recognition in the live virtual award winners event - Winners will be showcased Lighthouse 7th Annual awards livestream
  • Recognition in partnership with UNLEASH America — "Best in Class" Winners will be showcased live on stage at UNLEASH America 2026 in Las Vegas, gaining exposure to thousands of HR and business leaders.
  • Pre-Awards Promotional Post — All applicants are eligible for a pre-announcement promotional spotlight across Lighthouse Research & Advisory channels, increasing visibility even before winners are revealed.
  • Public acknowledgment of technology value — Recognition among HR and HCM buyers seeking proven solutions that deliver measurable business results.
  • Promotional opportunities for increased exposure — Inclusion in Lighthouse’s media and partner promotions, as well as social amplification through the UNLEASH and LHRA networks.
  • Winner’s badge and optional published case study — Winners receive a digital badge and may opt to have their story featured in an official Lighthouse case study for use in marketing and client communications.
  • Winner Podcast Series Feature — Exclusive participation in the LHRA Winner Podcast Series highlighting leading innovators and the stories behind their success.
  • Other Benefits to be announced soon!

Want to be seen by HR and talent technology buyers?

SUBMIT AN ENTRY