Digital Health and Care Awards 2026

NB: Private organisations are only eligible to enter the Data Driven Innovation and Industry Collaboration Award.

Data Driven Innovation and Collaboration Award

In association with

Data-driven innovation, including the use of data, AI, automation and digital technologies, can transform health and social care by improving prevention, treatment and service delivery. When combined with effective collaboration between public, private and third sector partners, these innovations can deliver meaningful and measurable benefits.

This award recognises collaborative projects that use data to drive real-world transformation across health and social care. Judges will look for strong partnership working, proactive and preventative approaches, and clear evidence of impact on outcomes, service capacity and value for the public.

Technology Enabled Independent Living Award

In association with  

Supporting independent living and self-managed care is a key component of Scotland's Digital Health and Care Strategy. Digital technology can play a huge role in empowering individuals to manage their own care journey. This award celebrates the individuals and organisations from across health, social care, housing and the third sector, who are embracing technology to support people to live independently.

Digital Health and Care Team Award

True transformation is rarely delivered by one individual - indeed, it benefits from a range of perspectives and skills. This award recognises teams across Scotland's health and social care sector who have developed their skills and internal culture to deliver transformative digital projects that have improved the delivery of services.

Digital Inclusion Award

Despite our increased reliance on technology over the past three years, there are still many people in Scotland who are digitally excluded. This award will celebrate an individual or organisation that has used digital technology to tackle digital exclusion and reduce inequalities within health and/or social care.

Digital Service Transformation Award

In association with  

Successful digital transformation in health and social care has the potential to improve the way in which services are delivered to ensure personalised support. This award will celebrate an individual or organisation that has developed and deployed an innovative digital approach, allowing for the effective delivery of health, social care or housing support.

Digital Leader Award

In association with 

Our Digital Leader Award recognises an individual that has played a key role in creating the environment and culture that has enabled a successful, large scale digital transformation project within health and social care.

Rona Dougall will host this year's Digital Health and Care 2026 Awards.

Rona Dougall is a journalist and television presenter based in Edinburgh. She began her career in the Radio Forth newsroom, before becoming Scotland Correspondent for Sky News.

During her 16 years there she covered many headline stories, including the Dunblane massacre, the trial of the Lockerbie bomber at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands, the death of Princess Diana from Balmoral, the opening of the Scottish parliament and several Scottish elections.

She was also part of the British BAFTA award winning team with covered the terrorist attack at Glasgow airport. She has been the presenter of Scottish Television’s flagship politics and current affairs programme “ Scotland Tonight ” since it began in 2011.

She chairs discussions with guests in the studio, as well as interviewing big names from the world of politics and showbusiness – from Donald Trump to Ricky Gervais.

18:30 Drinks reception

19:15 Guests seated

19:30 Welcome from host and guest speaker

19:45 Dinner

21:15 Awards Ceremony

22:15 Networking

23:00 Carriages

What are the Digital Health Awards?

The 9th annual Digital Health & Care Awards are Scotland’s premier celebration of digital innovation across health and social care.

Who is eligible to enter?

All public and third sector organisations are eligible to enter. We also have a collaboration category that private sector companies can enter. Projects must be based in Scotland.

How do I enter?

You can apply online using our nomination form, which is here. The process should not take longer than 20 minutes. There are six categories, which you can read about in the "Categories" tab.

Can I save my entry?

You can save your entry and come back to it later.

How many categories can I apply for?

The number of submissions is not limited. A project may be submitted in different categories.

Can I nominate my own project?

Yes!

When is the closing date for the Digital Health Awards?

Entries are due to close at 11:59pm on Monday 15th December, 2025.

Is it free to enter?

Entries are free of charge.

When will I know if I have been shortlisted?

The shortlist is due to be announced in early January 2026.

How will I know if I’ve won?

Winners will be announced at the Digital Health & Care Awards ceremony on 10 February 2026.

When and where will the ceremony be held?

The ceremony will be held on the evening of the 10th of February 2026, at the George hotel in Edinburgh.

Will I receive tickets to the awards if I’m shortlisted?

Yes, all shortlisted nominees will receive a complimentary place at the awards dinner. 

What is the dress code for the evening?

The dress code is black tie/cocktail.

For sponsorship and partnership enquiries, please contact: steven.perrie-clyde@holyrood.com

For nomination equiries, please contact: lizzie.kelly@holyrood.com

For all other enquiries, please contact: holyroodevents@holyrood.com