ITS Australia has announced 29 finalists for the 16th Annual ITS Australia Awards, with winners to be revealed at a gala ceremony at the Sofitel Melbourne on 12 February 2026.
The finalists represent government agencies, private companies, research institutions and individuals driving innovation across Australia’s intelligent transport systems sector. They will compete across six award categories recognising excellence in transport technology and mobility solutions.
The Smart Transport Infrastructure Award features six finalists including Transport for NSW, National Transport Research Organisation, Aurecon, CBS Group and Q-Free Australia. The Intelligent Mobility Award shortlist includes Spiketech, NEC Australia, INIT ANZ, SkedGo and Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning.
Amazon Web Services sponsors the Excellence in Transport Data Award, with finalists including the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, Department of Transport and Planning Victoria, Aimsun, ConnectSydney and Transurban.
The Excellence in Research and Development Award, sponsored by iMove, features La Trobe University, Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, Main Roads Western Australia and WHG Telematics.
Two finalists compete for the Connected and Automated Vehicle Award: the Centre for Connected and Automated Transport and Transurban.
The Young Professional Award, sponsored by Transurban, recognises three individuals: Tahlia Kowald, Kalan Ralph and Harrison Newitt.
ITS Australia will also announce recipients of the Max Lay Lifetime Achievement Award and the ITS Australia Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by Q-Free Australia.
ITS Australia President Silje Troseth says the finalists represent exceptional innovation across the transport sector.
“The 2026 finalists represent the very best of Australia’s ITS community – visionary individuals and teams from government, industry, and research who are using technology to transform how we move people and goods,” Troseth says.
“From safer motorway merging solutions to AI journey planning, real time data implementation and programs improving access and safety for vulnerable road users, this year’s shortlist showcases the remarkable innovation and collaboration that define our industry.”
Chief Executive Officer Susan Harris says the awards celebrate achievements shaping Australia’s transport future.
“Each year, the ITS Australia Awards bring together our nation’s most talented transport innovators, researchers, and practitioners,” Harris says.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements shaping Australia’s intelligent mobility future and to recognise the collaboration that continues to drive our success globally.”
A distinguished judging panel of leaders from government, industry and academia selected the finalists through a comprehensive evaluation process across all award categories.
The full list of finalists is available at its-australia.com.au/events/16th-its-australia-awards.
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