It’s time to celebrate the Island’s technological innovators.

The Ministry of Education and Business Development has launched the nomination phase of the 2014 TechAwards.

The awards were first presented by the Department of E-Commerce in 2006 and recognise the contributions of Bermuda residents and Bermuda-based organisations and companies in the field.

Minister of Education and Economic Development Grant Gibbons said: “The TechAwards go a long way in showcasing Bermuda as a sophisticated technology and e-business jurisdiction every day, everywhere, for everyone. We look forward to the public’s participation in this community-driven effort as we launch the nomination process to seek out those innovative achievements worthy of merit.”

This year nominations are being sought in four separate categories — International Innovation of the Year, Local Innovation of the Year, Innovative Youth Programme of the Year and Mobile Application of the Year.

Last year’s winners included MediaMine LLC, Bermuda Aerial Media, the Mount Saint Agnes Academy App and the East Park Mobile App, with Bermemes winning the People’s Choice Award.

The nominations will be collected on www.techawards.bm until October 31, after which they will be submitted to a panel of judges who will select three finalists in each of the categories for public recognition.

The public will also have the opportunity to have their voices heard, with voting on the People’s Choice award taking place throughout October on the TechAward Facebook Page. The five nominees who receive the most likes will be recognised.

Winners will be announced on November 20 in conjunction with the Global Entrepreneurship Week’s (GEW) Celebration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Joining the Department of E-Commerce on the GEW Bermuda Host Committee is the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative of Bermuda and Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy said the BEDC was pleased to be a part of the initiative, saying it gives the local entrepreneurial community an opportunity to showcase their talent and reward innovators.

He added: “I look forward to seeing who will be nominated for this year’s TechAwards and to celebrating the achievements of our local innovators.”