The Lighthouse Tech Awards 2026 are returning to the International Festival of HR!

This year’s iteration of the awards program, powered by Lighthouse Research & Advisory in partnership with UNLEASH, is now open for submissions from HR technology vendors across a variety of categories.

These include awards in Talent Management Employee Experience, Core HR/Workforce, Learning & Talent Development, and Total Rewards and Employee Wellbeing, among others.

The deadline for entries is January 9, 2026 at 11:59pm, and all the information you need to apply can be found here.

“The Lighthouse Tech Awards program has a rich history of highlighting some of the best and brightest technology providers in the industry,” Ben Eubanks, Chief Research Officer at Lighthouse, tells UNLEASH.

“We hear from employers every year that use this program to short list innovative solutions to their toughest people problems ranging from hiring and retention to compensation and training and everything in between.

“We are doubly excited for the 2026 season because of our partnership with UNLEASH and the opportunity to showcase award winners at the event in Las Vegas this coming March.

2026 winners and finalists in the program have more benefits and exposure than ever before to the combined audiences of Lighthouse and UNNLEASH. It’s a win for solution providers, employers, and ultimately the workforce end users that benefit from these technologies as well.”

Winners of last year’s Lighthouse Tech Awards include HR technology mainstays HiBob, Phenom, SmartRecruiters, Culture Amp, Dayforce, and more.

Check out the full list of winners and what they had to say about the awards program.

“The Lighthouse Tech Awards continue to play an essential role in elevating the technologies transforming how people work, learn, and grow,” says Viktoria Tripp, UNLEASH’s Head of Experience and Analyst Relations.

“At UNLEASH, we are committed to creating a global stage where the most forward-thinking technologies can shine not just as products, but as catalysts for better workplaces.

“The 2026 award winners will be celebrated at UNLEASH America in Las Vegas, and we’re excited to give them unprecedented visibility and connection opportunities with the organizations shaping the future of work.

It’s a fantastic opportunity not only for the solution providers driving innovation, but also for the employers and ultimately the workers who benefit from these technologies every day.”

So, what are you waiting for? Submit your entries before 9 January and join us in Las Vegas at UNLEASH America 2026 to find out the winners as they are revealed!