Skip to content
Annual Achievement Awards

Recognising achievement that serves a wider circle

Each year GBA presents achievement awards to people whose work with blockchain technology has produced outcomes that benefit far more than themselves.

Each year the Government Blockchain Association presents achievement awards. The awards are presented to individuals who have achieved outcomes that benefit a wider circle of influence than just themselves.

They recognise people who have facilitated a more perfect union between and among governments and the citizens they serve — accomplishments that enhance justice and domestic tranquility, support the common defense of citizens' rights and welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty in a free society.

Take part

Nominations are open to anyone — you may nominate a colleague, an organization or yourself.

Submit a nominationSee past recipients →
Award categories

Leadership

Exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on advancing the theory and practice of blockchain technology.

Leadership requires the ability to create and implement a vision for the team. This award recognises leadership that is impactful, effective, motivational and consistent. Leaders provide freedom of thought, resources, support, encouragement and challenge. They have bold goals, get out of the way, and reward people for trying. They are pioneers of change who lead by example and inspire others to take smart risks and drive positive change.

Innovation

Turning an idea or invention into a product or service that creates real value for people and organizations.

We look for blockchain-related ideas that are novel and useful, but also applied and scaled, satisfying the needs and expectations of users in the public or private sector. An innovative solution has been implemented if it has been introduced, adopted and solves a real-world problem. Innovation is also about staying relevant: we look for individuals who adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of their constituents and stakeholders.

Social impact

The effect an individual's or organization's actions have on the wellbeing of the community, society or world at large.

Social impact must improve the conditions around the current situation and bring significant, positive change. Tackling the symptoms of a problem is insufficient — social impact must stand for a significant shift in the vision, the trajectory or the culture of a society. Making real social impact requires action more than ideas, and lasting change takes time.

Courage

Standing for one's convictions and not backing down to popular or powerful opinion, even at the risk of great personal loss.

Blockchain challenges traditional paradigms and norms. Most people do not understand the impact of the technology; others understand it and feel threatened by it. There is great potential for opposition, fear and doubt. Courageous people speak up for what they believe because it must be said, and are willing to endure personal sacrifice for the betterment of others and to defend values such as liberty, honesty and justice.

Organizational award

Presented to an organization whose blockchain work has produced outcomes benefiting a wider community.

How the awards work
  1. 01
    Nomination

    Nominations are submitted through the online nomination form on this site. Anyone may nominate an individual or an organization, including a self-nomination.

  2. 02
    Selection

    Finalists are selected and notified by the GBA Awards Selection Committee.

  3. 03
    Finalist submission

    Finalists submit a 90-second promotional video ahead of the awards presentation.

  4. 04
    Presentation

    Awards are presented at a GBA conference. GBA has previously presented the awards at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC during the Future of Money, Governance & the Law conference.

Dates for the current award cycle have not yet been announced. Submit a nomination and the GBA team will confirm the timetable with you.

Selection committee
Andrew Gillick

Digital asset and blockchain investment researcher and writer, New Zealand; GBA Economic Analysis Working Group Lead.

Bryant Nielson

Executive Director of the Blockchain Academy, host of the Blockchain360 podcast and a member of the GBA Board of Directors.

Eric Guthrie, Esq.

GBA Director of Education, published author and international speaker.

Lluisa Marsal

Technological Innovation and International Action Lead, Government of Catalonia Institute of Energy, Barcelona.

Marquis Allen

Appointed to the District of Columbia Financial Services Regulatory Sandbox and Innovation Council; leads the GBA Healthcare Working Group.

Shawnna Hoffman-Childress

Chair of the U.S. CFTC Distributed Ledger Technology and Market Infrastructure Subcommittee.