Business founders, financial services executives and computing educators are among the finalists for the 2026 Scotland Women in Technology Awards, following more than 200 nominations across 10 categories.
The shortlist was announced at headline sponsor Morgan Stanley’s Glasgow office. Winners will be revealed at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel on Thursday 5 November.
Now in their ninth year, the awards recognise contributions across career stages, from rising stars and career changers to mentors, innovators and leaders. They also recognise gender diversity allies, diversity initiatives and inclusive recruitment practices.
Sheryl Newman, founder of Appetite for Business, is shortlisted for Inspirational Woman of the Year alongside Hypercube product manager Ivona Voroneckaja, dressCode founder and computer science teacher Toni Scullion, and ScottishPower cyber governance lead Emma Mackenzie.
The Female Innovator category includes StructuredAF founder Alex Sheach, AffectiveHalo founder and chief executive Esma Benssassi, Morgan Stanley executive director Colette Robinson, and Megan Reutin, global head of data science, advanced analytics and AI at Grünenthal.
Silka Patel, founder and chair of Scotland Women in Technology, said: “Since founding SWiT 18 years ago, I have been a big believer in the position that if you cannot see it, then you cannot be it. This year’s incredible shortlist which includes computing teachers, tech associates, company founders and vice presidents at globally renowned firms highlights that representation does indeed exist, and gender championship is happening across the breadth of roles that exist within the tech sector – from the grassroots to global networks. I cannot wait to celebrate each of our finalists in November.”
Lloyds Banking Group, Leidos and Gigged AI are competing for Inclusive Recruiter of the Year. The Diversity Initiative shortlist comprises the ScotlandIS Scholarship with Education Academy Scotland, dressCode’s Hopper Awards and the Ada Scotland Festival.
Modulr’s Chloe Masterson, whose role is in AI and automation, appears in both the Career Changer and Rising Star shortlists. Fellow Rising Star finalists are Asha Mullen, associate digital consultant at Storm ID, and Bolu Omosowon, software engineer at JPMorganChase.
Other categories recognise unsung heroes, mentors, gender diversity allies and everyday leaders, with finalists working across organisations including Morgan Stanley, JPMorganChase, Adobe, Dropbox and Kaluza.
Marina Carson, executive director at Morgan Stanley, said: “When women thrive in technology, innovation thrives. Morgan Stanley is proud to headline sponsor the Scotland Women in Technology Awards, recognising those breaking barriers, driving change, and shaping the future of our industry.”
In Case You Missed It:
The Royal Bank of Scotland is the awards’ gold sponsor.
SWiT has also appointed Margaret Totten, chief revenue officer at Yavrio, as vice chair. A board trustee since 2019, she previously served as the organisation’s treasurer.
