This year’s Digital DNA Awards will be held at Belfast’s Ormeau Baths on Thursday 1st July.

Now in their sixth year, the Digital DNA Awards are the most important and highly sought-after awards for the Northern Ireland Tech Industry.

Held in partnership with MCS Group, the Digital DNA Awards celebrate the very best tech talent from companies of all sizes in the world of digital and tech.

Developers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, alongside start-ups, FDI’s and project teams will all be vying to pick up a prestigious Digital DNA trophy.

In addition to the 13 highly sought-after awards, the show will see Sarah Friar receive the Global Recognition Award, which recognises the outstanding contributions made by someone from Northern Ireland on the world of technology and someone who is passionate about supporting the local tech community when they can.

Recognising the contribution of the Northern Ireland native, who now works and lives in San Francisco, Digital DNA CEO Simon Bailie said: “Sarah is someone who many within the NI Tech community will know, either as one of the original founders of Ormeau Baths, her work with Ladies Who Launch or as the CEO of Nextdoor.

“I am delighted that Sarah has accepted this year’s award as she is a fantastic champion of the NI Tech scene and a worthy recipient of this year’s award.”

Whilst COVID-19 restrictions mean a full return to an in-person celebration will not be possible until 2022, organisers have confirmed a small live audience will be present in Ormeau Baths, making this year’s event a first of its kind and truly hybrid experience for everyone involved.

Bailie  said he is excited about the return of a live audience.

“The Digital DNA Awards have become an important part of the NI Tech sector so we are thrilled that we can bring this year’s event to such a significant venue as Ormeau Baths, which has played a central role in the growth of the tech sector here in recent years,” he said.

“It’s also fantastic that we can bring back an element of our live audience, which will help create that unique atmosphere of a Digital DNA event.”

Claire Dowds, General Manager of Ormeau Baths, added: “Ormeau Baths is best known as the home of the NI tech startup ecosystem, with 100s of local tech start-ups having passed through its doors in recent years thanks to programs such as Propel and Ignite.

“The team at Digital DNA always puts on a show and we are thrilled that they have selected our venue to showcase and celebrate the very best of the Northern Ireland tech sector.”

Organisers have confirmed the shortlisted nominations for all 13 categories will be revealed online over the course of this week.

To register to watch the Digital DNA Awards visit https://hopin.com/events/digital-dna-awards-2021.