There are projects that incorporate technology. And there are projects that, in addition, truly transform an organization, improve citizens’ lives, or boost digital talent with tangible impact. It is precisely to highlight this difference that the [projects/programs] were created. DOK Summit Awards – Technology with Purpose: awards designed to highlight digital transformation initiatives that go beyond mere promises, demonstrating results, vision, and transformative capacity.
In a context where we constantly talk about artificial intelligence, digitalization, competitiveness or talent, these awards introduce a more demanding and more interesting question: what projects are generating real impact?
These awards aim to recognize those who lead change.
One of the most important aspects of this competition is its focus. The DOK Summit Awards don’t highlight the technology provider, but rather the organization driving the project. In other words, the public or private organization that has identified a challenge, implemented a solution, and transformed technology into a useful tool for progress.
That nuance is important because it connects very well with the very spirit of DOK Summit. The event is conceived as A space to address digital transformation from a practical, strategic and applied perspective, connecting technology, market, talent and the public sector. In that context, recognizing projects with purpose is not something secondary: it is a way of making visible what it really means to move forward.
Three categories for three ways to generate impact
The call for applications establishes three categories.
The first one is Best business digital transformation projectDesigned for initiatives capable of improving competitiveness, efficiency, productivity, or strategic positioning. Here, simply implementing technology is not enough: innovation, maturity, scalability, sustainability, and the ability to manage change within the organization are also valued.
The second category is Best digital project with impact on citizens. In this case, the focus shifts to social impact, innovation in digital public services, collaboration among stakeholders, and accessibility. This category is particularly interesting for administrations, public entities, or initiatives that have successfully used technology to improve their relationship with citizens and generate measurable social value.
The third one is Best project for promoting digital talent and technological trainingThis category directly addresses one of the ecosystem’s major challenges: how to train, retrain, attract, and develop future-oriented digital skills. Particular emphasis is placed on skills development, future potential, diversity, inclusion, technological ethics, and contributions to open standards and digital sovereignty.
Who can apply and why it’s worth doing so
The The call for applications is open to public or private organizations that lead digital transformation projects with demonstrable impact.. Each entity may submit one application per category, and the projects must have been developed within the 24 months prior to May 2026. In collaborative projects, the application may only be submitted once, either by the lead organization or by an associated entity with prior consent.
But beyond the requirements, the important thing is to understand what this opportunity represents.
Applying to the DOK Summit Awards is a way to showcase excellent work. It’s a way to place a project within a broader conversation about meaningful digital transformation. It demonstrates that technology not only serves to modernize processes, but also to improve organizations, regions, and communities.
It’s also a positioning opportunity. Because the winning projects won’t just receive a commemorative statuette: they’ll also have a presentation space at DOK Summit, an interview/article on the event’s official blog, and promotion across DOK’s communication channels. In other words, the recognition doesn’t end on stage: it also translates into valuable visibility within the event’s ecosystem.
Calendar for preparing the candidacy
The participation process is now defined. Applications must be submitted using the form available on the congress website and must be completed in Spanish.. The application period opens on May 12 and closes on June 19. The submission period will begin in 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CEST). A verification and pre-selection phase will follow, in which the organizing committee will choose three or four finalists per category before the jury’s final decision. The winners will be announced in July, published starting in September, and presented at the DOK Summit on November 23 or 24, 2026.
It’s therefore advisable not to leave it until the end. The best applications are usually not those that say the most, but rather those that best explain the challenge, the solution, the differentiating factors, and the impact achieved.
Recognizing projects that help explain where we are going
DOK Summit 2026 aims to establish itself as the A leading event in the Basque Country focused on digital transformation, talent and competitiveness, with an international scope and a strong connection to real-world cases, applied innovation and future challenges.. Within that logic, the awards are not a decorative addition: they are a way of grounding the event’s narrative in concrete examples.
Because sometimes a strategy is best understood when it is seen in action.
And that is precisely what these awards can contribute: projects that help to give a name, context and results to the digital transformation that is so often invoked in the abstract.
If your organization is promoting one of these projects, perhaps this is the time to share it.
See the complete information about the call for applications.
Submit your application to the DOK Summit Awards.
Technology is not rewarded in and of itself, but rather the impact it generates.
The DOK Summit Awards recognize organizations leading technology projects with tangible results in business transformation, digital citizenship, and digital talent development. Applications will be accepted from May 12 to June 19, 2026, and winning projects will be presented at the DOK Summit itself, as well as receiving editorial coverage and promotion through the event’s channels..