2021 Women in AI Awards accepting nominations

The 2021 Women in AI Awards are now open to all women working, leading, creating and demonstrating innovation in AI across Australia and New Zealand. The awards celebrate the best work in AI by women across the region.

Beth Carey, Australian Women in AI Ambassador and CEO of Pat, updated the criteria for applicants to the WAI Awards 2021 Australia - New Zealand.

“The awards will now be open to all female leaders and innovators in industry, university, government and start-ups. This acknowledges the global impact female AI professionals are having as well as increasing the talent pool of our small ANZ population,” said Carey.

The awards strive to close the gender gap in the field of AI. Celebrating the many women making contributions to the industry helps educate the next generation of female leaders in AI, and increases female representation and participation in the field.

Kylie Ahern, CEO and founder of STEM Matters, noted that in 2016 Australia had the lowest percentage among countries in the Asia–Pacific region for girls electing to take STEM subjects in school (27%).

Ahern added that reports acknowledge a range of barriers for female entrepreneurs, including unconscious gender bias, lack of visibility, less capital, fewer professional networks, lack of research and reporting, under-representation in high-growth industries and lower confidence.

“The awards offer a chance to not only celebrate the women who have overcome these challenges, and help to address many of them, but also broaden the exposure of VCs to the depth of talent in Australia. Lifting that awareness also helps to sustain economic growth for the AI sector — the more stories out there, the more awareness there is,” said Ahern.

With 11 categories of entry, the awards provide an opportunity for Australia and New Zealand to support and reward the excellence of women working in the AI sector, and improve pathways for future generations. To find out more, or to enter the awards, click here.

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