Startups shouldn't wait to build an awards strategy. Here are 5 programs to help you get started in Q1. Be sure to investigate each program early and monitor for deadline extensions.
SC Awards
Now in its 29th year, SC Media's program honors excellence across cybersecurity products, companies, and leadership.
- Key categories: Best Security Company, Best Endpoint Security Solution, Best Cloud Security Solution, Best Threat Detection Technology, Investor of the Year, and many other product and leadership categories.
- Why enter: SC Awards carry strong industry credibility and media visibility. Recognition is particularly valuable for strengthening enterprise trust, analyst conversations, and partner relationships. Winners are announced during RSA Conference week, which offers significant brand visibility.
- Deadline: January 26, 2026
- Winners announced: March 24, 2026, in San Francisco during RSA Conference week
- Fees: Start at $625
- Learn more: scworld.com/sc-awards
Cybersecurity Excellence Awards
A global program recognizing cybersecurity companies, products, and professionals across a wide range of categories.
- Key categories: Cybersecurity products and services, company leadership, innovation, industry solutions, and emerging categories.
- Why enter: This program offers flexibility, including support for new or emerging categories. It's a strong option for companies launching differentiated or category-defining solutions and looking to establish third-party validation early in the year.
- Deadline: February 21, 2026
- Winners announced: March 2026
- Fees: Start at $499
- Learn more: cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com
Globee Awards for Cybersecurity
The Globee Awards for Cybersecurity recognize excellence in cybersecurity innovation, products, and leadership on a global scale. Winners are scored by experts and peers.
- Key categories: Cybersecurity products, cloud security, data protection, threat detection, compliance, AI-driven security, and leadership categories.
- Why enter: Recognition can support broader brand awareness, partner credibility, and international visibility.
- Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Winners announced: March 18, 2026
- Fees: Start at $440
- Learn more: globeeawards.com/cybersecurity
SIIA CODiE Awards
Now in their 40th year, the SIIA CODiE Awards recognize innovative technologies transforming business and education. The program combines expert judges with a community review process, which amplifies brand visibility. One of the most well-run and prestigious programs in the space.
- Key categories: Cybersecurity solutions, privacy and compliance, identity and access management, risk management, and enterprise software innovation.
- Why enter: CODiE Awards are highly regarded by enterprise buyers and investors. For cybersecurity startups, they provide a strong opportunity to validate technical differentiation in a broader enterprise technology context.
- Deadline: March 30, 2026
- Winners announced: July 15, 2026
- Fees: Start at $995
- Learn more: codieawards.com
The Govies Government Security Awards
Sponsored by Security Today and GovSec, this program highlights technologies that support government agencies and critical infrastructure environments. Entries are judged by a panel of security industry experts.
- Key categories: Government cybersecurity products, threat detection, critical infrastructure protection, cloud security, identity management, and public sector technology solutions.
- Why enter: The Govies are especially valuable for companies selling into federal, state, or local government markets. Recognition can support credibility with public sector buyers, strengthen partner relationships, and reinforce positioning for government-focused sales cycles.
- Deadline: March 27, 2026
- Winners announced: Mid-2026
- Fees: Start at $945
- Learn more: securitytoday.com/govies
Plan Early and Build a Repeatable Process
Entering early in the year gives teams flexibility to adjust plans and highlight wins throughout the year. It allows you to feature recognition across sales and marketing campaigns, align submissions with product enhancements or partnerships, and avoid the stress of last-minute deadlines.
Award nomination forms can also be a useful diagnostic tool. If a submission requires customer testimonials, reviews, or case studies, you'll need to prioritize investing resources in developing any assets that don't exist yet. The process of preparing nominations also reveals gaps in messaging, proof points, and content that should be addressed regardless of whether you ultimately enter the award program.
If you need help with your awards strategy this year, Stealth Cartel works with technology teams to turn awards into long-term credibility assets.