Applications and nominations for the 2026 UC Tech Awards Program are open Monday, March 2nd until Monday, March 23rd at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time).
This program recognizes the technology contributions of UC staff and faculty across locations and disciplines, including business operations, research, education, patient care and public service. There are seven award categories, ranging from design and IT security to operational excellence and AI initiatives. Winners will be announced and celebrated at a formal awards ceremony during the July 2026 UC Tech Conference, which will be held at UC Merced.
Let’s celebrate the outstanding colleagues who are making a positive impact on digital transformation at UC! Start your application or nomination by visiting the 2026 UC Tech Awards page to:
- Check whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Review the selection criteria to craft a compelling application.
- Download the application form in Word and complete it offline.
- Upload your application to the application portal by Monday, March 23rd at 11:59 p.m.
What are the UC Tech Awards?
The UC Tech Awards Program recognizes outstanding technology work that makes a meaningful impact across the University of California. The program celebrates initiatives that advance digital transformation and highlight the people behind UC’s most innovative technology efforts.
Why Participate?
All applicants gain significant visibility at UC, simply by applying:
- Gain recognition for your contributions, shared with the larger UC tech community.
- Have your work reviewed by UC CIOs and other tech leaders and published online in UC Tech News.
- Join networking opportunities with peers who have similar interests.
If you win, you will receive one complimentary registration pass per winning team to the UC Tech Conference and be featured in a formal awards ceremony.
2026 Award Categories
The awards recognize individuals and teams in the following categories:
- AI Impact
- Design
- Larry L. Sautter for Innovation in Information Technology
- IT Security
- Mojgan A. Amini Operational Excellence
- Sustained Impact*
- Yvonne Tevis UC Collaboration
*Individuals Only
Read the full award category descriptions.
Join the Upcoming Info Session on March 12th
Learn about the 2026 UC Tech Awards application process and selection criteria at the upcoming information session on March 12th from 2-3 p.m. The session will end with time for Q&A. Join the session using the Zoom registration link.
2026 Key Dates
- March 2: Award Applications Open
- March 12, 2-3 p.m.: Zoom Info Session
- March 23, 11:59 p.m.: Award Applications Close
- April 17: Applicants Get Judging Results
Resources
- 2025 UC Tech Award Winners
- Past UC Tech Awardees and Applications
- 2026 UC Tech Awards Program Marketing Kit
- 2026 UC Tech Awards Info Session Slide Deck
Contact Information and Stay Connected
For questions about this year’s UC Tech Awards Program, please contact the awards committee at uctech@ucmerced.edu.
Get updates about this year's program and the UC Tech Conference:
- Sign up for the 2026 UC Tech Conference mailing list.
- Sign up for the UC Tech News newsletter mailing list.
- Join the #uctech-conference channel on Slack.