Yerevan, Armenia: On the second day of the 2024 World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT 2024), The World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) announced that 21 recipients from three different continents were selected to receive the 2024 WITSA Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards, including a special WITSA Chairman’s Award, as well as a WITSA Eminent Person Award. WITSA is the leading recognized voice of the global digital technology industry, with members from 80 countries and economies. The WITSA Awards recognize the entities that have either made, or hold the highest promise to make, the most significant contributions in the use of technology to better the lives of humankind as judged from the entries received in 2024.
“The Judging committee for the 2024 Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards had the honor of reviewing nearly 130 unique and remarkable award submissions,” said WITSA Chairman Dr. Sean Seah. “I would also like to congratulate all of the winners for the superb job that they are doing in bringing the benefits of digital technology to citizens, governments, industries and communities engaged in virtually every human endeavor; thus, contributing to WITSA’s vision of “Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital, Innovation & Tech industry for the sustainability and well-being of all stakeholders in the global community," continued Dr. Seah.
The Awards recognized a public/private collaboration that develops digital solutions based on artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning technologies; a mobile e-wallet with a focus on financial inclusion of diverse segments of users; an advanced solution that excels in improving traffic management and safety by using real-time data analysis and deep learning technology; a project utilizing AI to promote human-centered ethical travel; an innovative telemedicine system utilizing artificial intelligence to aid in remote examination and automation; an educational initiative that offers teenagers tuition-free access to essential digital skills such as 3D modeling, animation, game development, programming, graphic design, filmmaking, and robotics; a pioneering mobile application designed to address the growing mental health crisis among children utilizing advanced AI technology; an AI-powered IoT digital meter reader enabling a smarter future energy grid; an innovative AI solution designed to enhance energy and resource efficiency within 5G networks; a tech company that created Digital Employees, where staff can call for help through digitized processes and collaborate to perform jobs or solve problems from daily operations; and a mobile intelligent network diagnostic system that enables exceptional customer experience by dramatically improving complaint handling and reducing average resolution time.
Governments were also recognized for SME digitalization initiatives; an airport authority seeking to achieve autonomous operation and enhanced efficiency through the digitalization of end-to-end operational processes; a first-of-its-kind AI environmental pollution recognition system with machine and deep learning technologies that improves air quality, water quality, sanitation and vehicle noise control; a project using advanced 3D printing technology combined with AI-aided segmentation of medical imaging data to create realistic anatomical models improving the accuracy and safety of surgeries; an information security online class system integrating cybersecurity policies with online cybersecurity teaching; a startup ecosystem facilitating collaboration between enterprises and startups; and a national digital wallet initiative digitizing and consolidating official identification documents such as identity cards, driving licenses, and disability badges, simplifying citizens’ lives, saving time, minimizing bureaucracy, and empowering citizens with greater control over their personal documentation.
The Awards also recognized a mentoring network connecting women looking to embark on or progress in their security careers, with experienced mentors across the cyber, security, national intelligence and STEM-related industries; and a woman leading a national entity responsible for implementing country-wide digital applications for health, social security, and social welfare.
“The nominations submitted to this year’s awards program spanned WITSA’s global membership,” stated WITSA’s CEO, Dato’ Dan E. Khoo. “We are delighted that we were able to recognize some of the very best tech solutions from governments, institutions, individuals, and industry,” continued Dato’ Khoo.
The WITSA Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards is one of WITSA’s catalytic global platforms that began in the year 2000 at the World Congress on IT in Taipei. As the leading recognized international voice of the global tech industry, WITSA has utilized its unprecedented reach into the digital industries of 80 member countries and economies in order to honor the most deserving candidates from around the world.
The following are the winners of the 2024 WITSA Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards:
WITSA bestowed its highest award, the Eminent Person Award to Dr. Garo H. Armen, Chairman and CEO of Agenus, Inc. for his pioneering immunotherapies to fight cancer.
The 2024 WITSA Awards received a large number of highly qualified nominees, amassed through WITSA’s network of digital tech industry associations across the globe. WITSA therefore decided to also recognize a Runner-up and Merit recipient. While not being selected as winners of one of the award categories, these nominees nevertheless displayed first-rate use and innovation in tech.
Photos of the WITSA Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards