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Our categories celebrate amazing teams, projects, initiatives and forward-thinking companies including the best contractors, consultants and businesses in the sector. Entries are judged by our independent panel of industry figures, who ensure integrity and rigour in our awards process.

Please note, that all categories will be judged on your written entry alone, so make sure you include as much supporting evidence as possible and make it clear in your entry why you should win.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Kia Oval on 02 October 2025.

To register and start your entry, please use the button below. If you have previously started, please login on the right-hand side.

We would advise completing your entry in Word or a similar programme first before copying and pasting into the entry form.

When you are completing your entry, please remember to save every few minutes using the ‘save’ button to ensure you do not lose any of your information in case the website times out. You are also able to begin your entry and then save it to complete later.

For any enquiries please contact Elijah Blunt on +44 (0) 020 3953 2197 or email elijah.blunt@emap.com.

Categories

Best Use of Technology 

This category celebrates the innovative application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies within the ground engineering sector, focusing on their impact on project planning, design or delivery.

Entries are welcomed from companies, project teams or joint ventures that have successfully integrated AI or ML tools to address challenges in geotechnical projects, from improving data analysis to optimising foundation design or enhancing site monitoring.

The technology must have been applied in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstrate how AI or ML technologies have been applied to solve specific challenges in a ground engineering project
  • Explain how the AI or ML solution represents an advancement over traditional methods used in ground engineering
  • Provide evidence of how the technology has positively impacted project outcomes
  • Outline the potential for scaling up the AI/ML solution for broader use in the industry
  • Highlight any collaboration with clients, research institutions or technology providers that contributed to the development and implementation of the AI/ML solution

This category recognises innovative use of data within a project to improve decision-making, design, risk management, maintenance, sustainability or project outcomes.

Entries should showcase how data – whether from site investigations, instrumentation and monitoring, remote sensing or legacy data sets – has been effectively harnessed to drive improvements.

Entries are welcomed from companies, project teams or joint ventures and should showcase the use of data on a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Strategic use of data to solve geotechnical challenges or improve project outcomes
  • Clear benefits realised from data use (e.g. cost savings, time efficiency, sustainability gains)
  • Innovation in data collection, integration, analysis or visualisation
  • Demonstrable impact on engineering decision-making or delivery processes
  • Lessons learned and potential for wider industry application

This award recognises outstanding application of design software in ground engineering projects. Candidates must demonstrate how design software has enhanced project efficiency and productivity, improved modelling accuracy, enhanced real time monitoring, optimised engineering decisions, or contributed to safety and sustainability.

Entries should showcase how advanced design tools – such as finite element analysis (FEA), numerical modelling, BIM integration, 3D ground modelling, cloud-based platforms or automation techniques – have provided measurable benefits. Judges are looking for submissions that highlight innovation, problem-solving and real-world impact on geotechnical projects or operations.

The software must have been applied in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstration of how design software improved project outcomes, such as accuracy, efficiency or safety
  • Innovation in software application, showcasing advancements beyond conventional engineering approaches
  • Impact on risk reduction, sustainability or cost-effectiveness
  • Collaboration with teams and stakeholders to maximise the benefits of the software
  • Quantifiable results, including improved design accuracy, optimised construction processes or enhanced geotechnical analysis

This award recognises outstanding use of geospatial and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology in a ground engineering project. Candidates must demonstrate how these technologies have enhanced project efficiency, improved data accuracy, optimised decision-making or contributed to safety and sustainability.

Entries can showcase the application of geospatial tools such as remote sensing, GIS mapping, LiDAR, photogrammetry or UAV surveys that have provided measurable benefits. Judges are looking for entries which will highlight innovation, problem-solving and real-world impact on geotechnical projects or operations.

The technology must have been deployed in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstration of how geospatial or UAV technology improved project outcomes, such as efficiency, accuracy or safety
  • Innovation in applying these technologies, showcasing advancements beyond conventional approaches
  • Impact on risk reduction, sustainability or cost-effectiveness
  • Collaboration with teams and stakeholders to maximise the benefits of the technology
  • Quantifiable results, including improved data quality, faster decision-making or enhanced site analysis

This category recognises the innovative application of instrumentation and monitoring (I&M) technologies to enhance the design, construction and performance of ground engineering projects.

Entries are invited from companies, project teams or joint ventures that have successfully integrated I&M systems to address specific challenges in geotechnical projects, whether to confirm design assumptions, monitor ground and structural behaviour, mitigate risks or protect assets.

The technology must have been deployed in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstrate how I&M technologies have been effectively applied to address geotechnical challenges
  • Explain how the solution improves upon traditional methods
  • Provide evidence of how I&M improved project outcomes, such as safety or cost savings
  • Outline the potential for scaling the technology to other projects
  • Highlight any partnerships that contributed to the development and implementation of the system

This category recognises outstanding implementation of subsurface modelling within a project or pilot scheme in geotechnical engineering to better understand ground conditions, manage risk, improve design efficiency or enable more sustainable construction.

Open to organisations that have used geotechnical, geological or hydrogeological modelling tools (e.g. 2D/3D modelling, BIM integration, geospatial platforms, or digital twins) to deliver real benefits on a project.

The technology must have been deployed in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Clarity on how subsurface modelling supported or enhanced geotechnical decision-making
  • Use of appropriate technology or platforms to visualise, share or integrate data
  • Demonstrated benefit in terms of risk reduction, cost savings, programme certainty or sustainability
  • Innovation in modelling approaches, interpretation or communication
  • Lessons learned and wider application potential for the modelling approach

This award recognises outstanding implementation of sustainable solutions in geotechnical and ground engineering projects. Candidates must demonstrate how sustainability has been integrated into their work – whether through innovative techniques, material choices, technology, carbon reduction strategies or process improvements.

The award is open to company-wide sustainability policies benefiting geotechnical operations or specific project-based initiatives that have delivered measurable environmental benefits. Entries should highlight how sustainability principles have been applied to reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience while maintaining engineering excellence.

The solution(s) must have been deployed in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstrate and, where possible, quantify the environmental benefits achieved through sustainable engineering solutions
  • Explain how this solution is an advance on conventional approaches and contributes to long-term sustainability
  • Techniques used to implement and promote the sustainable initiative within the project or organisation
  • Demonstration of employee and stakeholder engagement in adopting the sustainable solution
  • Collaboration with the supply chain and wider industry to drive sustainability improvements in geotechnical engineering

Candidates for this award must demonstrate using technology to improve health and safety. This can be a solution used as an initiative, operations process, innovation or piece of equipment that has clearly contributed to improving health and safety on a project.

The award can be for a company-wide policy that benefits geotechnical operations, or an initiative or technique applied to a specific ground engineering project or pilot. Entries must demonstrate how safety risks associated with the geotechnical element of the work or for the geotechnical workforce were reduced.

The technology must have been deployed in a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstrate and, where possible, quantify how the technology is having an impact on the health and safety of the project team
  • Explain how this new technology is an advance on the conventional approach
  • Techniques used to deliver initiative and communicate the new approach
  • Demonstration of employee acceptance and involvement in delivery
  • Involvement of others in the supply chain and stakeholders

This category recognises the innovative application of technology to enhance the management and performance of geotechnical assets.

Entries are invited from companies, project teams or joint ventures that have successfully integrated technology such as drones, sensors, scanners or other data collection tools to improve asset management, whether in monitoring, maintaining or optimising the life cycle of geotechnical assets.

The technology must have been deployed on a ground engineering project or pilot between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstrate how technology has been used to collect, process or utilise data for managing geotechnical assets
  • Explain how the technology improves upon traditional asset management methods
  • Provide evidence of how the technology has led to improved asset management outcomes, such as enhanced performance, reduced costs or extended asset life
  • Outline the potential for scaling the technology for broader use across the industry
  • Highlight any partnerships or collaborations that contributed to the development and successful implementation of the technology

This category celebrates cutting-edge geotechnical technologies that are in the early stages of adoption and show clear potential to transform the way ground engineering challenges are addressed.

Open to start-ups, SMEs, academic partnerships, R&D teams or larger businesses trialling novel technologies, this award aims to spotlight the most promising tools, systems or platforms that are advancing safety, sustainability, productivity or decision-making in geotechnics.

The entry can focus on hardware, software, materials, sensors or integrated systems that have been piloted or introduced between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Clarity on the problem or inefficiency the technology aims to solve
  • Uniqueness and originality of the innovation
  • Early-stage results or pilot project outcomes
  • Potential to scale, commercialise or integrate across the industry
  • Industry feedback, academic research or investor support (where applicable)

Organisation 

This category celebrates organisations at the forefront of material innovation, recognising those that have developed and delivered sustainable, high-performance material solutions that drive advancement across ground engineering projects.

Entrants must demonstrate achievements made between January 2024 and June 2025, highlighting how their material innovations have contributed to improved technical outcomes, environmental performance, and commercial success across geotechnical applications.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstration of material innovation, including how new products, technologies or methods have been applied to deliver tangible improvements on ground engineering projects
  • Evidence of value and performance benefits, such as improved project outcomes, cost savings, sustainability gains, or enhanced durability and lifecycle efficiency
  • Client and stakeholder collaboration, showing how strong partnerships with clients, designers, contractors and supply chain partners helped integrate and deliver innovative material solutions
  • Business improvement and performance, including how innovation has contributed to commercial success, market leadership or operational excellence
  • Sustainability and future-readiness, with examples of how materials contribute to reduced environmental impact and align with long-term industry goals

This category celebrates organisations that excel in instrumentation and monitoring, demonstrating outstanding technical capabilities and the achievement of key project or business milestones over the last year. Firms must provide evidence of a continued commitment to delivering innovation, quality and value in monitoring solutions between January 2024 and June 2025.

Entrants should highlight projects that showcase their expertise in designing, implementing and managing instrumentation and monitoring strategies that go beyond standard expectations – ensuring performance, safety and risk reduction across complex ground engineering projects. Evidence should illustrate how technical innovation, precision and client-focused delivery have driven improved outcomes, both for projects and across the wider supply chain.
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Key criteria:

  • Examples of successful instrumentation and monitoring strategies that demonstrate technical excellence and meaningful project impact
  • Demonstration of value and quality delivered for the client, including improved decision-making, early risk identification and life cycle performance insights
  • Use of innovative monitoring techniques, digital integration (e.g. remote sensing, real-time dashboards, automation) and novel deployment strategies to achieve exceptional results
  • Collaborative project delivery, highlighting close engagement with clients, designers, and contractors to optimise efficiency, integration and responsiveness

This category celebrates the achievements of plant and equipment providers that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, performance and efficiency in supporting ground engineering and construction projects. The award will recognise firms that have delivered outstanding value, technical excellence and innovation between January 2024 and June 2025, while enhancing their operations, equipment capabilities and service offerings.

Entrants must showcase projects or equipment innovations where their plant and machinery have been effectively applied to solve geotechnical challenges, improve safety, sustainability and site productivity, and drive better outcomes for clients and contractors. Judges will also consider how firms have overcome technical or operational barriers, integrated their solutions into the wider supply chain and contributed to raising industry standards.
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Key criteria

  • Successful project delivery demonstrating the impact of plant and equipment innovations and technology, such as enhanced productivity, safety improvements or optimised ground operations
  • Evidence of business improvement, equipment evolution, and service innovation, showing improvements in performance, efficiency or environmental impact
  • Strong collaboration with clients, project teams, and the supply chain, ensuring seamless integration of equipment into site workflows and delivery strategies
  • Development of new or improved plant and equipment, incorporating automation, digital technology, or sustainable design that sets new benchmarks for the industry

This category recognises a software provider that has made a significant impact on the geotechnical engineering sector by enabling smarter, safer and more efficient delivery of ground engineering projects.

The winning entry will demonstrate how a software platform or suite has contributed to improved workflows, risk mitigation, enhanced data integration, automation, modelling or collaboration across project teams. The solution must have been actively used on one or more geotechnical projects between January 2024 and June 2025.

Open to software developers, platform providers, or integrated solutions specialists serving the ground engineering market.
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Key criteria:

  • Clear description of the software and its relevance to geotechnics
  • Evidence of improved efficiency, performance, or collaboration
  • Demonstrated benefit to end users (consultants, contractors, clients)
  • Flexibility, user experience and ability to integrate with other platforms
  • Case study or client testimonial supporting real-world impact

This category celebrates organisations that excel in subsurface modelling and analysis, demonstrating outstanding technical capabilities and achievement of key business milestones over the last year. Firms must be able to provide evidence of continued dedication to delivering innovation, quality and value between January 2024 and June 2025.

Entrants must be able to use projects undertaken to show their technical capabilities in delivering projects beyond the expectations of their clients, within budget and on time. Companies must also use evidence from projects to show how the business’s technical abilities have gone beyond the expected level of service for clients and the supply chain.
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Key criteria:

  • Examples of successful project delivery that demonstrates continued technical excellence
  • Demonstration of delivery of value and quality for the client
  • Use of innovative techniques and exceptional measures to deliver technical excellence
  • Efficient and collaborative delivery through close relationships with the client and supply chain

This category recognises excellence in the provision of tools, platforms or services that have transformed how geotechnical and geoenvironmental data is captured, processed, stored, visualised, shared or interpreted.

Open to data platform providers, integrators, cloud-based service providers or specialists in geospatial, monitoring or subsurface data systems, this award will highlight organisations that have delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, transparency, collaboration or quality through their data solutions.

The award is open to any data solution that has supported the delivery of ground investigation, design, construction or asset monitoring activities between January 2024 and June 2025.
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Key criteria:

  • Clear explanation of how the data management solution supports geotechnical work
  • Evidence of improved decision-making, project outcomes or team collaboration
  • Demonstrated scalability, reliability and integration across systems and stakeholders
  • Innovation in handling complex or large-scale datasets
  • Feedback from end users and measurable impact on project or business performance

This category celebrates the achievements of geospatial and UAV technology suppliers and specialists that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, accuracy and efficiency in supporting ground engineering projects. The award will recognise firms that have delivered outstanding value, technical excellence and innovation between January 2024 and June 2025, while enhancing their business operations and service offerings.

Entrants must showcase projects where their geospatial and UAV technologies have been effectively applied to improve project outcomes, decision-making and site analysis. Judges will also consider how firms have navigated technical challenges, integrated their solutions within the supply chain and contributed to industry advancements.
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Key criteria:

  • Successful project delivery demonstrating the impact of geospatial and UAV technologies
  • Evidence of business improvement and service innovation, improving efficiency and profitability
  • Strong collaboration with clients, project partners and the supply chain, enhancing project outcomes
  • Development of new or improved technologies, setting new standards for data accuracy and site analysis

People 

This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in digitalisation and technological advancement within ground engineering. Candidates must showcase how their leadership has driven innovation, improved project outcomes or advanced geotechnical best practices between January 2024 and June 2025.

The winner will have made a significant impact through strategic decision-making, mentorship, technical excellence or by championing sustainability, efficiency or safety in geotechnical engineering through the use of digital solutions and innovative technologies. Entries should provide clear examples of how the candidate’s leadership has shaped projects, teams or the industry, with measurable results.

This category is open to individuals at any career stage who have played a pivotal role in pushing boundaries and setting new standards in geotechnical engineering.
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Key criteria:

  • Demonstration of digital and technological leadership in geotechnical engineering, with clear examples of how their work has influenced projects, teams or industry practices.
  • Evidence of driving innovation and best practices, whether through technology adoption, sustainability efforts or new engineering techniques.
  • Recognition and positive feedback from colleagues, peers or industry partners, demonstrating the candidate’s influence and leadership impact.
  • Feedback from staff and stakeholders
  • What makes them “one of kind”

This category recognises early career professionals who have shown innovative thinking, astute business acumen or made a significant contribution to a project through their passion for digitalisation and technology in ground engineering.

Open to geotechnical, geo-environmental, tunnel and mining engineers, engineering geologists, geotechnicians, laboratory and instrumentation technicians, drilling and piling site operatives, and other ground-related professionals with up to five years of experience (or up to three years if holding a PhD), this award celebrates individuals who have shown innovative thinking, technical ability and a passion for advancing the geotechnical field.

Entries should be written and submitted by the Rising Star candidate themselves. It should include a commendation from either a company training officer or a relevant senior manager, as well as an up-to-date CV. Please also include information of any career breaks, as these can be excluded from the 3-5 years of industry experience. There is no age limit for entry, and we encourage entries from under-represented groups within engineering.
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Key criteria:

  • Evidence of digital and technological knowledge, skills and problem solving
  • Passion for technology in ground engineering
  • Career achievements (contribution to projects, further study, papers published or promotions)

This award recognises exceptional geotechnical teams that have successfully integrated technology and innovation into the design, analysis or delivery of ground engineering and construction projects. These teams have leveraged technology to enhance collaboration, problem-solving, efficiency and project outcomes within geotechnical and ground engineering between January 2024 and June 2025.

The award is open to entire project teams or specialist teams focused on a specific geotechnical aspect within a project or programme. Team members may come from a single organisation, joint ventures or multi-company collaborations.
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Key Criteria:

  • How technology is being utilised by the team and the measurable impact it has had on geotechnical project outcomes
  • Quantifiable improvements in reducing geotechnical risks, cutting project costs, improving efficiency or enhancing worker safety through technology
  • Innovative use of data and digital tools to enhance geotechnical design or monitoring
  • How the team worked across disciplines (e.g., structural, civil, environmental teams) to enhance technology adoption
  • The wider impact of the team’s efforts and key lessons for future geotechnical projects