Excellence in Innovation
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Category Definition & Guidelines
To assist you with this application the judges have provided some guidelines.
When providing your answers, the “For Example”/guidelines we have suggested for each question are not intended to be exhaustive. They are designed as examples and prompts to help you understand the judges’ requirements. It is important that where you state that you have evidence in support of the specific question you are answering, you need to provide that evidence – usually, a generic brochure or company overview is not sufficient.
HMA is interested in seeing initiatives that have been identified, driven, and resolved within our region
(Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast).
Download a category information guide here.
Additional Information
Click the dropdown arrows for more helpful information
Focus of the category
Recognising real-world innovation delivering measurable business results.
The Excellence in Innovation Award celebrates manufacturers who turn smart ideas into practical, impactful solutions. Whether it’s a product, process, or new way of working, applied innovation is about making things better — in ways that matter.
This award recognises both:
- A broader culture or system that supports innovation, and
- A specific innovation that has been successfully applied within your business
Each submission will be assessed out of 100 points. Please respond to each section in 300 words or less.
Each of the listed criteria must be addressed, where relevant, and evidence should be provided in support of information presented.
Photographs, drawings, presentations (in any technological form) etc., may be included as an attachment to the online application form—please label them clearly, including a reference to the particular category that the file supports.
Please address the following criteria and restrict the content of each response to 300 words or less.
Note - Applicants may find that their application into this category may also be a 'fit' for another category, such as Manufacturer of the Year, etc.
By adapting the information to fit the criteria of other categories you give yourself the opportunity for your product, process, etc. to be profiled in more than one sector.
Judging criteria & Values
Intro
Business Snapshot
Judging Criteria
Set the scene for judges:
- What does your business do and who are your typical customers?
- How many people do you employ and where are you based?
- What role does innovation play in your business day-to-day?
- Are you more focused on product, process, service or supply chain innovation?
Value:
Not Scored
Question 1:
Innovation Culture & Capability
Judging Criteria
How is innovation supported and encouraged across your business?
- What values, systems or leadership practices enable applied innovation?
- How do you turn ideas into action — and action into outcomes?
Value:
15/100
Question 2:
The Innovation
Judging Criteria
Tell us about a standout innovation you’ve successfully applied.
- What is it and what problem or opportunity does it address?
- What makes it different from what already exists?
Value:
15/100
Question 3:
Business Case & Market Relevance
Judging Criteria
- How did you validate the opportunity?
- What customer or market signals showed this was worth pursuing?
- Is it part of a bigger strategy or diversification plan?
Value:
15/100
Question 4:
Execution & Integration
Judging Criteria
- How did you bring this innovation to life?
- How was it rolled out internally or launched to market?
- How did you ensure buy-in from key people or partners?
Value:
15/100
Question 5:
Risk & Responsibility
Judging Criteria
- What risks did you identify and how were they mitigated?
- How did you uphold safety, environmental and social responsibility throughout?
Value:
10/100
Question 6:
Commercial or Operational Advantage
Judging Criteria
- What business improvements have you seen as a result?
- Has it improved productivity, margin, positioning or market share?
- How has it made you more competitive?
Value:
10/80
Question 7:
Learnings & Future Innovations
Judging Criteria
- What lessons did you take from this experience?
- How is this shaping the way your business approaches innovation going forward?
Value:
10/100
Application Guide & tips
Want to nominate someone for HMA 2025?
Fill in the form below to Submit your nomination!
Nomination Form
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