Some ideas don’t fit in a box - and that’s exactly what we’re open to.
Open to women innovating in education, community, business, or any field beyond traditional boundaries, this category celebrates out-of-the-box thinkers and cross-sector change-makers.
Sustainability
Recognising innovation protecting the planet and building a better future.
From conservation and clean energy to circular economies, climate adaptation, and sustainable design, this category champions women driving long-term, responsible change - whether through nature-based solutions or system-wide transformation.
First Nations Innovation
Honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women - those who identify as First Nations - whose innovations are grounded in culture, community, and connection to Country. From land and language to enterprise, STEAM, and education, this category celebrates First Nations leadership and creativity across all fields.
Innovation & Intrapreneurship in Government
Recognising innovation within local or state government departments and agencies.
This category includes digital tools, policies, strategies, or internal initiatives that improve services, systems, and public outcomes through fresh thinking and intrapreneurial leadership.
Emerging Innovator
Designed for early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs with bold ideas and big ambitions.
This category highlights the courage, creativity, and impact of women launching new ventures or taking their first big step into the innovation space.
Social Impact
Innovation creating positive change in communities, improve equity, or address social and environmental challenges.
This category spans initiatives that open access to education, employment, sustainability, or wellbeing.
Rural, Regional & Remote
Recognising innovation outside metropolitan areas - from farming and tourism to education, health, infrastructure, and arts.
This category champions solutions that improve livelihoods, community resilience, and access across regional, rural, and remote South Australia.
Youth Innovator
Showcasing the next generation of bold thinkers under 35.
This category recognises students or early-career innovators across STEAM fields who demonstrate academic excellence, originality, and a passion for positive change.
Maths & Data
Honouring women who use numbers, logic, and analytics to understand and improve our world.
From data science and computational maths to statistics, architecture, astronomy, and AI—this category celebrates the powerful role of mathematics and data in innovation.
Creative Industries
Design-led and arts-based innovation that connects, informs, and inspires.
The Creative Industries category includes visual design, music, media, storytelling, user experience, interior and industrial design, and cultural innovation-where creativity meets purpose.
Engineering
Highlighting advancements in the design and development of infrastructure, machines, and systems. From civil and electrical engineering to chemical and environmental, this category showcases practical solutions and bold thinking across construction, product design, and complex system development.
Technology
Recognising innovation in digital platforms, smart devices, and creative tech solutions.
From app development and media to smart appliances, software, and connected tools-this category showcases tech-driven ideas that solve real-world problems and reshape the way we live and work.
Science
Championing breakthroughs in the biological, physical, chemical, and earth sciences.
This category includes research and innovation in health, medicine, anatomy, microbiology, marine biology, physics, chemistry, and geology-driving discovery and improving quality of life through scientific progress.
