Last month, the Belfast Telegraph announced the launch of their inaugural IT Awards, supported by law firm Carson McDowell.
There are 13 individual categories available for entry, to be judged by a panel of expert adjudicators.
The first four judges have today been confirmed.
Professor Karen Rafferty: Head of QUB School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Professor Rafferty leads research and education activities that involve nearly 100 academics and over 2,000 students at Queen's University.
She has over 15 years' experience within the fields of software engineering, sensor fusion and real-time software development and over 10 years' experience working within the areas of virtual and augmented reality and multi sensorial systems.
Professor Rafferty's research encompasses the use of application, tools and technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to positively disruptive practices and systems.
"I am really honoured to lead the judging panel for the IT awards and really excited to see the range of applications we receive," she said.
"This is a brilliant initiative and one that is timely and important for Northern Ireland in terms of recognising all the achievements of our local industrial network."
George McKinney: Director of technology and services, Invest NI
Mr McKinney's career started courtesy of a sponsorship from Michelin Tyres that led to a Masters degree in engineering. After eight years with Michelin, he moved to work in the design and print industry for 12 years, rising to become managing director of a full service marketing communications business.
Following a management buy-out, Mr McKinney moved into the ICT sector for two years before joining Invest NI in 2004 as a regional manager. He has occupied a series of roles at the economic support body and most recently was named director of technology and services in March 2019. He also holds an MBA.
Noel Brady: Managing director, Nb1 Ltd
A long serving member of the ICT sector in NI, Mr Brady has held senior public and private senior roles in CFM Group, Fujitsu and Sx3. He's now celebrating his 15th year as managing director of his own company Nb1, which provides services to all sectors.
Nb1 has assisted companies win tenders ranging from £30,000 to £350m. Mr McKinney is on record stating that writing tenders is an "art form" and that it is "one of his favourite things to do".
Mr McKinney is also joint-chair of the ICT Digital Services Forum, set up by CPD to review and plan for future digital projects planned for the Northern Ireland public sector.
He said: "The ICT industry is extremely important to the economy, reputation and future of Northern Ireland. These awards will allow us to celebrate the achievements of our world-class people, companies and solutions involved in this space.
"This is an industry which should be singled out. As a 35-year veteran I'm honoured to be a judge."
Allen Martin: Partner, Kernel Capital
Mr Martin is a partner with Kernel Capital, one of the largest and most active sources of equity finance for technology companies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
He is a qualified chartered accountant, corporate finance and investment professional and an experienced board director, with extensive skills across leadership, finance, fundraising, strategy, and governance. Mr Martin joined the Kernel Capital team in 2014 from Invest NI, where he was an executive within Invest NI's corporate finance division, responsible for leading and project managing key elements of Invest NI's access to capital strategy.
Mr Martin's earlier career involved corporate finance roles with Ulster Bank a Grant Thornton. He holds a diploma in company direction (IOD).
Source: Belfast Telegraph
