Celebrating women in digital

Since 2018, Women in Digital has been championing women across Australia's technology and digital industries. Through its community, programs and national awards, the organisation helps create visibility for the leaders, innovators and changemakers shaping Australia's digital future.

Recognition matters. When women see others succeeding in digital and technology careers, it helps demonstrate what is possible and encourages the next generation of leaders to pursue similar pathways.  

That visibility is more important than ever. Women make up 51% of Australia's population but only 30% of the technology workforce, according to the 2025 ACS Digital Pulse Report.  

Increasing the number of women in technology roles also has serious economic benefits. The 2025 Women In Tech report from RMIT and Deloitte Access Economics found that it would represent a $6.5 billion boost for Aussie businesses. A more inclusive industry also means better products, better decisions and better outcomes for all Australians. 

The Women in Digital Awards play an important role in showcasing these stories and celebrating the people making a meaningful contribution to Australia's growing digital economy – a priority under Action 4 of the National AI Plan.  

The National AI Centre established the AI Leader of the Year Award in 2025 to recognise outstanding leadership in the adoption and application of artificial intelligence. The award celebrates individuals and organisations using AI to solve challenges, improve productivity and create positive outcomes for their customers, employees and communities.

The impact of these awards extends beyond a single evening.

The 2025 AI Leader of the Year was Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks, CEO and co-founder of Ovum. Her story is a compelling example of what’s possible when purpose meets technology.

As a young doctor, Ariella witnessed women being misdiagnosed, dismissed and left searching for answers. Driven to change that experience, she built Ovum: an AI-powered health partner designed specifically for women. Ovum helps women track, understand and advocate for their own health, while also building the world's first women-specific AI health dataset – tackling a gap in medical data that has disadvantaged women for generations.

The judges recognised Ariella for her visionary use of AI, and her exceptional passion, clarity and tenacity in building a product that genuinely transforms lives.

Since winning the award, Ovum has continued to go from strength to strength, recently announcing a $4 million capital raise to accelerate the growth of its AI-powered healthcare platform.

Stories like Ariella's demonstrate the depth and ambition of Australia's AI ecosystem – and why it matters to celebrate the leaders driving it forward.

Do you know someone doing exceptional work in AI? A colleague leading a transformative project, a founder building something bold, or an innovator quietly solving problems that others have overlooked?

Nominations for the 2026 Women in Digital Awards are now open. The AI Leader of the Year Award recognises individuals who are using AI in ways that create real, positive change – for their organisations, their industries or their communities.

Nominating someone can be genuinely career-changing. In 2023, more than 88% of nominees said they had more career confidence after completing a Women in Digital nomination form. Recognition has a lasting effect, and your nomination could be the moment that changes someone's trajectory.

As AI adoption continues to grow across Australia, the National AI Centre is committed to supporting initiatives that help build a diverse, innovative and responsible AI ecosystem.  

Women in Digital's work aligns strongly with this goal. By creating opportunities, raising the profile of women in technology, and helping connect leaders across industry, government and the broader innovation community, the organisation is helping build the foundations of a stronger digital Australia.

We are proud to support Women in Digital and the important work the organisation does to strengthen Australia's digital future. We look forward to celebrating this year's finalists and recognising the next AI Leader of the Year at the Women in Digital Awards 2026.