PriceCheck Tech and e-Commerce Awards to honour local innovation

The PriceCheck Tech and e-Commerce Awards are aimed at recognising outstanding South African organisations and individuals in the e-commerce and technology industries, and nomination submissions open 1 June.

The focus of this year’s awards is local innovation and the judges are Dan Guasco, Michele Lozzo, Geoff Cohen, Mich Atagana, Matthew Buckland, Toby Shapshak and Lynette Hundermark – all of whom are recognised as innovative minds and leaders in the industry.

Kevin Tucker, founder and CEO of PriceCheck – Africa’s largest product discovery and comparison service – says that with e-commerce and tech being on the rise in South Africa, it’s important for the growth of the industry to recognise and reward the leading players in their respective fields.

“Many merchants and tech businesses are very innovative and successful and it’s important to shine a spotlight on these successes and innovations. While the finalists get their time in the limelight for the awards, we also want to make sure the popular nominees receive recognition too,” he said.

This year’s awards see some exciting changes and additions to the programme including a category of Best Tech Used by an NGO.

“South Africa has many NGOs and we’ve seen that many are using/have built incredible tech either to perform their roles as NGOs, or to perform basic functions like accepting donations. I hope this award encourages the public to recognise and nominate an NGO or charitable organisation that is utilising technology to accelerate the exceptional work they do in their community,” said Tucker.

Another new category is Best Niche Shopping Service. “We felt it was important for those shopping sites offering a niche product to be rewarded for their efforts, rather than compete with the big players who offer it all,” he said.

A small business/entrepreneurial competition will also be included for the first time. The winner of this category will be selected based on a presentation of their business plan, as well as a written submission, and will receive expert guidance and analysis from the panel of judges.

“We’d like to bring recognition to all the tech and e-commerce services, sites and individuals, with the hope that South Africans will discover a new place to shop or tech to use. It’s also important that we recognise those that excel – to inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Tucker.

“Throughout the year, we’re also hoping to foster a culture of learning throughout the course of the competition. It is our hope that the nominees will learn from one another and together, really enhance South Africa’s reputation as an innovator in the tech and e-commerce space,” he added.

Nominations for the awards open on Thursday, 1 June 2017 and will close on 15 June; the voting will commence on 3 July (open until 28 July) and the annual awards ceremony will take place at The Westin Cape Town Hotel on 14 September 2017.