Celebrating Excellence, Innovation and Growth: honoring top contributions to Southeast Europe’s innovative tech companies and forward-looking business services providers.
Honoring Southeast Europe’s Visionaries
Organized by the Association for Innovation, Business Excellence, Services, and Technology (AIBEST), the SEE FORWARD Awards 2026 shine a spotlight on the region’s most inspiring stories of innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth.
Who can enter:
Who can enter:
-
Innovative technology companies - Forward-looking business services providers
- Public sector leaders and institutions
- Southeast European governments & local authorities
- Industry partnerships and cross-sector collaborations
Why Enter the SEE FORWARD Awards
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REPUTATIONWinning a category in the SEE FORWARD Awards 2026 can significantly enhance your business's reputation. It stands as a testament to your quality, reliability, and innovation, boosting your credibility with customers, partners, and the industry at large. -
PUBLICITYAwards create compelling stories for your PR and marketing efforts. They provide content for press releases, social media, and other marketing channels, highlighting your achievements and distinguishing you from competitors. -
NETWORKINGThe SEE FORWARD Awards gather top professionals and decision-makers from across Southeast Europe, offering valuable opportunities to gain recognition, build connections, and engage with key industry leaders. -
MORALEWinning an award category is a fantastic morale booster for your team. It recognizes their hard work and success, fostering pride, and enhancing motivation and loyalty. -
TRUSTThe SEE FOEWARD Awards are renowned in the industry, particularly as this is the eighth edition. Moreover, AIBEST is a trusted partner in Bulgaria and the region, not only for business structures but also for governments and local authorities. -
BENCHMARKINGEntering awards allows you to benchmark your business against peers and competitors, offering valuable insights into your industry position and identifying areas for improvement or innovation.
Rules
- Eligible companies include those providing sourcing, business, and technology services, Shared Service Centers (SSCs), R&D Centers, software development, and ICT companies.
- All Southeast Europe municipalities and governments are also eligible.
No, submission is completely free of charge for all eligible participants. This includes:
- Municipalities from Southeast Europe
- Government institutions
- AIBEST member companies
- Non-member companies and organizations
Submissions should correspond to information and projects ongoing anytime between September 2025 and September 2026.
Yes, all companies are allowed to submit more than one entry and in multiple categories.
Yes, but ensure that each entry is tailored to the specific criteria and requested information in the category entry form.
Conflicts of interest will be taken into consideration before submissions are released to the Judges.
The AIBEST Team and the Judges will treat submissions as highly confidential. The Judges' decision is final.
As per tradition, the winners will be announced during the SEE AWARDS Awards & Cocktail 2026. Each applicant who is not an AIBEST member will receive a complimentary ticket to attend the ceremony.
For any additional questions, please contact us at events@aibest.org or at +359 8770 42142.
Awards Cycle
Entries Open
Now is time to prepare and submit your award entries. Please take the opportunity to review our categories and guidance sheet to assist in your submission.
Entries Close
Don't miss your final opportunity to submit entries for the 2026 SEE FORWARD Awards. You have the option to enter in one or several categories.
Entries must be received no later than 23:59 PM on September 15, 2026.
Entries must be received no later than 23:59 PM on September 15, 2026.
2026 SEE FORWARD Awards & Cocktail
Our prestigious awards are celebrated with an unparalleled event attended by leading figures in the hi-tech industry. Winners will be announced at the 2026 SEE FORWARD Awards & Cocktail at Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia.
Tickets
Awards Categories
Winners will be announced at the 2026 SEE FORWARD Awards & Cocktail at Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia.
SEE FORWARD Awards & Cocktail 2026
Join state officials, diplomats, local government representatives, and over 100 VIPs from leading technology and high value-added business services companies, along with investors, telecoms, banks, legal and real estate firms, HR agencies, and more.
What to expect on the big night:
What to expect on the big night:
- Stylish Cocktail Reception: Start the evening with signature cocktails, great conversations, and an elegant atmosphere.
- Celebration of Excellence: Honor the companies and leaders shaping the future of the industry across Southeast Europe.
- Curated Culinary Experience: Enjoy refined bites and seasonal flavors crafted for a sophisticated networking evening.
- Music & Atmosphere: Unwind, connect, and celebrate with vibrant live music and an energetic ambiance throughout the night.
Previous winners include:
