Technology innovators in Bermuda have been recognised at the 2017 TechAwards.

The event was sponsored by the Department of ICT Policy and Innovation, and was held at the XL Catlin Conference Room in O’Hara House, Bermudiana Road.

The joint winners of the Innovation of the Year — International Focus category were the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, and First Atlantic Commerce.

The Bermuda Broadcasting Company team of Patrick Singleton, Tony McWilliam, Earlston Chapman, Gary Foster Skelton, Ian Rawlins, David Hills, Patrice Phillips and Gary Perry, was recognised for a variety of technological advances used during its coverage of the America’s Cup.

First Atlantic Commerce, represented by Chris Burns and Tricia Lines Hill, were also winners for the development of virtual point-of-purchase terminal interface for the secure encryption for processing credit card information at call centres internationally.

The winner in the Mobile Application of the Year category was the Winnow Tours app, created by Allison Swan and William West. The app provides unique packages of Bermudian-based experiences curated to make visitors feel that they have a personal guide right at their fingertips.

The winner of the Innovation of the Year — Local Market Focus category was WEcount.bm. This was developed by Stratton Hatfield, Juan Curtis and Thomas Stowe, and is an online polling website that collects and presents opinions from registered, authenticated participants in an effort to foster community-orientated change and gauge public opinions on a variety of topical questions.

In the Most Innovative Youth Project category was won by Papaya, created by Saltus students Gabriel Jones, Kirk Stapff, and Rhys Kittleson. It is a sophisticated grocery delivery app for Miles Market. The app allows consumers to order groceries in real-time and be notified when their order is ready for pick-up or delivery.

The 2017 Founder’s Award was presented to Coral Wells of W & W Solutions and Connectech.

Speaking at the event, Wayne Caines, Minister of National Security, said: “Technology is today’s greatest enabler of progress. The TechAwards are the island’s opportunity to celebrate advancements and achievements among the ranks of Bermuda’s technology trendsetters.”

He said past winners had demonstrated the many innovative, compelling, exciting ways in which technology has enhanced life.

“Every time a Bermudian is given the opportunity to strive for success, they continually impress us with their drive, creativity, and hard work. Bermuda’s entrepreneurs and innovators are not afraid to buckle down, persevere, and shine.”