Category Groups
Category Groups
We have provided a definition for each of the groups, as well as an explanation and note relating to its individual entry criteria. We have also provided the same for each of the group’s corresponding categories, as well as a note if the category further includes merged uses of drones.
You can find more information about the main category entry eligibility & criteria on the website here. The People’s Choice group has a unique set of requirements. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, or have any questions, please contact us.
This group encompasses the technology involved in the drone industry, as well as the entrants driving global technical advancement by creating innovative software or hardware. This includes putting skills and knowledge to practical use to solve problems; inventing useful solutions via electronic or digital products and systems; and utilising advancements into technology, material science, to enhance the performance of a drone specific to its task.
Entry Criteria Notes
Seeing the innovation behind the entrants and use cases is not always necessarily about the implemented end use case itself. It is important to show that the use case is unique, how it is new and different from the norm.
This group encompasses the broad range of operations and types of drones; aspects of whether a drone is fit for purpose; and how heavily the functionality of the drone should rely on its job. We consider this group as thinking about a drones form and function within the “What do you do” area.
Entry Criteria Notes
Seeing the use cases as real-world examples is important here. What are the end use cases where drones are having a positive impact through an entrant’s characteristics and core business offering?
This group encompasses professional services related to (or for) the drone industry. They are the organisations or services that are necessary for the production or the maintenance of all other ecosystem services. It recognises the enablers to drone use cases and their contribution through providing a wide range of functions that empower drone specific organisations to flourish.
Entry Criteria Notes
Seeing the innovation behind the entrants and their use cases is not always necessarily about the implemented end use case itself. What is unique about the use case and how is the entrant’s solution new and different from the norm?
With previous groups covering ‘what’ they do as an organisation, this group of categories encompasses the verticals of ‘where’ drone companies are operating. The categories have been collated from a wider research pool to represent the industries and fields where drones are being introduced, implemented and are making a difference.
Entry Criteria Notes
Entrants should present how they have utilised the technology of drones to enhance the productivity or efficiency in completing specific tasks in the industry. Entrants should look to the end use case or solution and highlight the potential and opportunity of the implemented drones in real-world examples.
This group encompasses the beneficial environmental and socio-economic impact of drones in order to improve the quality of life, the human condition and the planet. Drones can help provide assistance to deprived areas, improving the quality of their education and the resources. They can be used as a democratisation tool and provide educational tools that may previously have been out of reach. Drones can be a vital tool during disaster relief, mitigating the negative effects of crises such as war, disease, or natural disasters.
Entry Criteria Notes
This is about the story behind the operation / service provided and how it is positively improving the human condition, bettering the world around us and how the beneficiaries, both direct and indirect, are affected.
This group of categories encourages drone fans across the world to vote for who they believe is a shining example in the industry, with a look at the stories, driving forces and intentions behind their incredible work. It is an award to recognise not only commercial success, but also the essence of the story behind the success. Nominees will have truly encapsulated the Airwards’ ethos of high-quality work and promoting positive and safe drone use. They will also have exhibited the hard work, determination and resilience required to be successful in their field. We seek outstanding individual applicants based on merit that represents the diverse markets that drones service worldwide.
Entry Criteria Notes
See HERE for details about how the People’s Choice process works.
Other / Unknown
For recognition of women in the drone industry, we’re glad you asked!
We work closely with our strategic partners Women & Drones who have an entire recognition platform dedicated to showcasing the phenomenal work that women in the industry achieve. Check them out here and support their work.
For recognition of the broader public safety sector, well done you curious cat you!
We work closely with our strategic partners DroneResponders who have a whole platform, part of which is dedicated to showcasing the phenomenal work that first responders do in the industry. Check them out here and support their work.
