teCh aWarDs 2024
cEleBratInG innOvAtIon
elEvAtinG teCh
The Digital Isle Tech Awards 2024 celebrate the innovation, talent and dedication driving the Isle of Man’s thriving tech industry. Designed to honour exceptional individuals and organisations on the Isle of Man, these awards recognise the remarkable contributions to the Island’s digital transformation. The 2024 categories are:
- Digital Trailblazer: Honouring an individual or team that is leading the way in emerging technologies and digital transformation.
- Tech Team of the Year: Honouring a team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and success in delivering outstanding tech projects.
- Women in Tech Award: Celebrating the achievements of women who have made significant strides in tech, inspiring others and breaking barriers in the industry.
- Community Impact Champion: Acknowledging those who have used technology to make a meaningful and positive impact on the local or global community.
- Tech Educator of the Year: Recognising an individual who has excelled in teaching, mentoring, or guiding the next generation of tech professionals.
- Student Technologist of the Year: Celebrating the achievements of a student (from secondary school, college, or university) who has demonstrated exceptional skills, creativity, and potential in the field of technology.
- Tech Supporter of the Year: Recognising our supportive ecosystem, the organisation or team that has provided exceptional support, resources, or partnerships that have significantly contributed to the growth and success of the tech sector.
IntrOdUcinG tHe 2024 FinAliSts!
After a rigorous review of nominations, our expert judging panel has completed their evaluations, and we’re thrilled to announce this year’s shortlisted finalists. Explore the inspiring stories behind our finalists below, showcasing why they’ve been selected and the incredible contributions they’ve made.
The public vote is officially OPEN, giving you the chance to support your favourites and help decide the winners. Voting will close at 2pm on Thursday 28 November, and the winners will be revealed during Digital Isle 2024.
eSIM GO
Digital Trailblazer
eSIM Go disrupts mobile markets by enabling organisations to become MVNOs without technical expertise or upfront costs. Their automated platform integrates seamlessly with 1,000+ tier-1 operators globally and allows rapid market entry, transforming loyalty programmes and customer engagement. Proven in the travel eSIM market with 300+ partners like Lufthansa and Uswitch, eSIM Go now extends its "MVNO-in-a-box" model to the UK, addressing a 60M-subscriber market. The hyper-scalable solution aims to replicate success across major Western markets, aligning with industry forecasts of $100B MVNO revenues by 2029. eSIM Go redefines telecom innovation, delivering services in days, not months.
GRANT SMITH
Digital Trailblazer
Grant Smith revolutionised Games Global’s platform with cutting-edge infrastructure to tackle industry challenges like platform stability under high demand. By reducing latency and downtime by 40%, Smith improved user engagement, satisfaction, and operational efficiency. This stability boosted active users, retention rates, and partner trust, cementing Games Global’s reputation as a leader in digital gaming. Designed for scalability, the platform supports new technologies and wider geographic adoption, providing a blueprint for industry-wide innovation. With sustainable solutions that evolve alongside user demands, Smith ensures Games Global remains at the forefront of gaming excellence.
JOSHUA SINCLAIR
Digital Trailblazer
Webstartiom’s groundbreaking Maestro AI addresses the digital transformation challenges faced by SMEs, integrating advanced AI with built-in compliance protocols to reduce liabilities and align with industry standards. Led by CEO Joshua Sinclair, Maestro AI has driven measurable impacts, including increased SME revenues and improved customer retention through personalised marketing strategies. Scalable across industries like healthcare and finance, the solution adapts to regulatory demands while remaining future-proof. Webstartiom’s innovative approach positions it as a global leader, providing versatile tools for businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
CSOC ANALYSIS TEAM
Tech Team of the Year
The CSOC Analysis Team automated cyber security reporting using Power BI, significantly enhancing efficiency. By centralising security data and training team members on Power BI, reporting times dropped from 10 hours to under one hour per week. Close collaboration enabled seamless integration of tools and standardised analytics, reducing errors and boosting productivity. Open communication and technical skill-sharing helped overcome data integration challenges, fostering a robust, adaptive team dynamic. Their innovation streamlined workflows and bolstered the organisation’s cyber security posture.
FORGE CORE TEAM - GAMES GLOBAL
Tech Team of the Year
The Forge Core Team created Forge, a cloud-native Remote Gaming System that revolutionised game delivery. Leveraging diverse perspectives, they ensured seamless collaboration across 57 nationalities. Innovations like AWS-based infrastructure and AI-driven monitoring reduced game release cycles by 30%, enabling operator scalability and player engagement. Transitioning from the legacy Veyron system without downtime exemplified their teamwork. Challenges in integration and scalability were overcome through mentorship and leadership forums, achieving measurable impacts, including rapid compliance reviews and high-profile partnerships.
TEAM AFUNDI
Tech Team of the Year
The Afundi team developed JobHunt.im, an automated job board for the Isle of Man. Collaboration between brand strategists, designers, and developers resulted in a vibrant, user-friendly platform. Unique features include a web scraper integrated with a seamless backend API, ensuring accurate and updated job listings. Despite challenges in data integration, the team’s combined skills and brainstorming sessions led to a successful launch. JobHunt.im exceeded goals, simplifying job searches and enhancing the user experience through innovative design and functionality.
CHARLOTTE DAVIES
Women in Tech Award
Charlotte Davies has redefined talent strategy at Games Global through innovative leadership. She introduced the Graduate Programme and Games Global University, fostering inclusivity and career growth for women in tech. Her “Cloud Up for Her” initiative empowers women with cloud computing skills, and “The Neuroverse” academy raises awareness about neurodiversity. These initiatives highlight her dedication to gender diversity and professional development. As a transformative leader, Charlotte inspires others through her people-first approach, setting benchmarks for inclusivity and innovation in the iGaming industry.
JADE ZORAB
Tech Educator of the Year & Women in Tech Award
Tech Educator of the Year: Jade Zorab pioneers accessible tech education through the Amber Gaming Compliance Academy, offering 50+ CPD-accredited courses with 105,000 completions. Her initiatives, like safer gambling campaigns and brand ambassador programmes, empower professionals to excel in compliance and eGaming. As a Love Tech trustee, Jade inspires young women to explore STEM through workshops and panels. Her mentorship has advanced careers, connecting emerging talent with industry opportunities. By combining innovative training with a commitment to inclusion, Jade bridges education and industry needs, fostering skill development and confidence for learners in tech and gaming sectors.
Women in Tech Award: Jade Zorab has revolutionised compliance in eGaming with innovations like Advennt, a global compliance library, and Amber Gaming Compliance Academy, which has hosted over 105,000 course completions. Jade’s leadership extends to championing gender diversity, reshaping Amber Gaming’s board for balanced representation and adopting inclusive hiring practices. As a Trustee of Love Tech, she inspires young women in STEM. Her thought leadership and mentorship create an innovative, inclusive tech community, making her a role model in the Isle of Man and beyond.
SHEILA BANGALORE
Women in Tech Award
Sheila Bangalore exemplifies transformative leadership through her mentorship at Games Global and advocacy for gender diversity in tech. She co-founded Leonas Capital to support female entrepreneurs and serves on boards like Global Gaming Women, championing initiatives such as the Board Buddy Program. Sheila’s influence spans industries through her speaking engagements and networks like Athena Alliance. Her commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and innovation inspires women at all career stages, setting a high standard for leadership in gaming and technology.
BRUCE ELLIOTT
Community Impact Champion
Memory Lane Games supports people living with dementia and their caregivers across 100+ countries, fostering meaningful conversations and addressing social isolation. Co-designed with Alzheimer’s Associations globally, the app delivers measurable benefits, including improved communication and maintained cognition. With 1.6 million minutes of gameplay, it’s transforming dementia care. Clinical trials show 92% of caregivers feel more relaxed, and 67% are happier. Leveraging Generative AI, the app creates personalised, multilingual games, making it scalable and impactful. Recognised by the Mayo Clinic as a “simple yet scalable solution,” it’s poised to benefit millions globally while remaining rooted in the Isle of Man.
STACUITY DEVELOPMENT TECH TEAM
Community Impact Champion
Stacuity’s innovative Isle of Man-based team, led by Mike Bromwich, has developed revolutionary software-defined mobile core solutions that transform telecoms by empowering service providers and enterprises with unparalleled control over mobile connectivity. Their API-first approach enhances operational efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings, with measurable impacts like eliminating costly site visits (£800 per truck roll). Integrated with global Tier 1 and Tier 2 providers across 120+ countries, Stacuity’s scalable solutions foster ESG benefits and bridge telecoms with IT. Partnerships with local and global firms, including MTGroup, Sure and Fuzzy Logic, position Stacuity as a leader in connectivity innovation and sustainability.
CHRIS KISSACK
Tech Educator of the Year
Chris Kissack simplifies AI concepts through engaging, jargon-free teaching, exemplified by his "AI Fundamentals" sessions for Digital Isle of Man. His mentorship has inspired achievements like Year 6 students debating AI’s role in education and guiding young entrepreneurs in Junior Achievement Isle of Man. Chris fosters inclusion by delivering relatable tech sessions for diverse audiences, from primary schools to professionals, and engaging hundreds of students at Love Tech 2024. His accessible approach bridges gaps in tech education, creating a supportive, inclusive environment where learners of all backgrounds thrive and engage with cutting-edge AI innovations.
DAN THOMAS
Tech Educator of the Year
Dan Thomas tailors his AI education to diverse audiences, blending interactive demos and discussions to captivate both tech novices and leaders. His mentorship inspires students, from guiding Code Club’s underrepresented youth to supporting new businesses like Webstartiom with actionable insights. Through his "Activate AI" sessions, Dan empowers learners to immediately apply skills in their fields. He champions inclusion by demystifying AI and Web3 for all, fostering a diverse learning community. Dan’s commitment to open dialogue and personalised guidance leaves a lasting impact on attendees, enabling them to confidently explore advanced tech concepts.
JAMES KINLEY
Student Technologist of the Year
James demonstrated exceptional technical skill as a lead developer on a project importing policy records for Vodafone Germany, utilising advanced .Net Framework technologies to create a reusable, scalable solution. As a newcomer, he overcame the challenge of mastering complex systems, adapting quickly to deliver a high-impact solution that supported Vodafone’s market growth. His creative approach and problem-solving abilities earned praise from peers and supervisors. Currently pursuing a degree in Artificial Intelligence, James aspires to lead innovation in AI and continues to contribute valuable improvements to his team’s systems.
JAYDEN BIRKS
Student Technologist of the Year
As a Capture Artist for the King of Meat trailer, Jayden showcased creativity and technical acumen, quickly mastering new disciplines and specialist equipment. He led capture sessions, producing cinematic, action-packed shots that elevated the AAA game’s Gamescom trailer, viewed by hundreds of thousands worldwide. Overcoming limited experience, Jayden’s innovation and problem-solving significantly impacted the project’s success. Now an Assistant Editor and Capture Artist at Dark Burn, he continues to hone his skills, contributing to the high standards of the AAA gaming industry.
THOMAS HULL
Student Technologist of the Year
Thomas developed a machine learning proof of concept to detect atrial fibrillation, integrating MQTT for real-time IoT data communication. Despite initial inexperience with Python and machine learning, he taught himself to design and test models, overcoming technical challenges through research and supervisor guidance. His innovative project demonstrated high precision and explored federated learning for secure data handling. Now pursuing a master’s in Microelectronic Systems, Thomas aims to advance academic research and teaching, driving innovation in healthcare technology.
CONTINENT 8 TECHNOLOGIES
Tech Supporter of the Year
Continent 8 Technologies powers 75% of the EGR Power 50 and 95% of US iGaming giants with managed hosting, cloud, and cybersecurity services. Its global network spans 100+ locations, supported by industry-leading solutions like MFA and IDP/IDS, partnerships with AWS and Fujitsu, and initiatives like educational podcasts and industry collaboration with IGSA. Named Fujitsu’s "Rising Star of the Year," Continent 8 fosters growth for Isle of Man licensees, providing cutting-edge infrastructure to reach new markets. Committed to innovation, scalability, and long-term support, it remains the iGaming industry’s backbone, enabling global expansion while securing the sector’s future.
SIGHT MATTERS & SQR
Tech Supporter of the Year
Sight Matters collaborated with SQR to tackle digital accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. By conducting focus groups, they identified key usability issues in SQR’s app, directly connecting users with a cybersecurity company to address barriers. Changes included improved text sizes, colour contrast, and screen reader compatibility, ensuring an inclusive digital experience. This pioneering approach established accessibility as a right, not a convenience, and created a roadmap for future enhancements. The partnership’s long-term impact champions inclusion in the tech sector and sets a standard for empowering individuals with disabilities through technology.
vOte FoR yoUr WinneRs
mEet tHe 2024 JudGeS!
KYLE BRITS
Kyle is the Head of Fintech and Virtual Assets at Suntera Digital, a specialist division of the multijurisdictional TCSP, Suntera Global. Kyle works with VASPs, PSPs and other digital businesses who he supports and advises in relation to structuring, operations and regulatory compliance.
DEB BYRON
With a 36-year career in digital and cyber-security, Deb Byron sits on the Digital Agency Board, the IOM Chamber of Commerce Board and is an IOD Ambassador. She was also co-head judge for Media IOM ‘Awards for Excellence 2024’.
SAM DORRER
Founder of Flux Technology, Echo, and ZenCrypto, Sam Dorrer drives innovation in R&D engineering, fintech, and DeFi. With expertise in RWA and blockchain, Sam leads groundbreaking projects and inspires teams to excel in cutting-edge solutions and financial technologies.
JACK IGGLESDEN
Jack is Legal and Compliance Counsel at Plan.com and CoinCorner, specialising in telecommunications, cryptocurrency, digital assets, and eGaming. Providing expert legal services, with a focus on innovative digital sectors and regulatory compliance within the Isle of Man.
JESAMINE KELLY
Jesamine Kelly was born and educated on the Island. Having completed a Masters in Sequential Design she worked in graphic design before progressing into lecturing and leadership roles in further education in Merseyside.
Jesamine has been the Principal of University College Isle of Man since 2021.
SINEAD O'CONNOR
Sinead O'Connor is the Head of Regulatory & Compliance Services at DQ Advocates. As an experienced compliance professional and regular speaker, she specialises in areas such as Data Protection, AML/CFT, Anti-Bribery, CRS/FATCA, Conduct of Business compliance, and licence applications.
diGitAl isLe oF mAn
2023 teCh aWarDs
A huge congratulations to the winners of our first Digital Isle of Man Tech Awards! Created to recognise the exceptional individuals and organisations that have propelled our Island into the digital age, these awards are designed to honour their outstanding contributions and achievements in the tech sector.
Tech business of the year: CoinCorner
Tech supporter of the year: Suntera Global
Tech for good: Amber Gaming
Tech superstar: Kyle Brits
Tech mentor of the year: Adam Killip
Rising star: Jack Igglesden
We’re incredibly proud and thankful for your contributions to the tech sector on the Isle of Man.
