From left to right: Sachi Wickramage, Tom Dawkins, Stephanie (Raad) Hodgson, Ps Vignesh, Victoria Kerrisk, Chris Kerrisk
Four purpose-driven Australian ventures have been recognised globally at the prestigious World Summit Awards (WSA) Global Congress 2025. Held in Hyderabad, India, this year's event took place under the compelling theme “Digital, Democracy & Us: Impact Solutions for Global Challenges.” The Australian cohort captivated the international audience with their innovation, inclusivity, and measurable impact. The standout achievement was Cérge, which earned the highest honour as a WSA Global Champion in the Inclusion & Empowerment category.
“To see four Australian-led ventures celebrated globally for solving real-world challenges with empathy and innovation is something we should all be proud of,” said Sachi Wickramage, WSA Australia National Expert and WSA Global Board Director. “They’re not just building tech, they’re shaping a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future.”
Australia’s 2025 WSA Global Winners
Cérge – Inclusion & Empowerment (WSA Global Champion)
Cérge simplifies accessibility for people with disability, empowering businesses to create inclusive experiences by removing barriers with dignity and ease. At the event, Cérge drove its mission further by digitally mapping the entire venue, T-Hub, through its app, enabling seamless accessibility for attendees with disabilities.
LendForGood – Business & Commerce
LendForGood pioneers ethical investing by connecting everyday Australians with impact-driven businesses across the Asia-Pacific. Their community-powered finance model supports inclusive economic growth and allows Australians to help businesses that are making a difference in the region.
Consultmed – Health & Wellbeing
Consultmed enhances the health system by modernising medical referrals and improving communication between GPs and specialists. This platform has been particularly impactful in addressing the needs of regional and underserved communities across Australia, bridging critical gaps in healthcare access.
TraceX by Powerledger – Smart Settlements & Urbanisation
TraceX leverages blockchain technology to empower organisations to track and verify their environmental data. This innovation drives accountability and transparency in global efforts towards clean energy transitions and carbon reduction.
Sharing Australia’s Voice on Inclusion and Equity
The Congress wasn’t just a showcase of impactful solutions but also a space to exchange bold ideas shaping the digital world. Representing Australia, Sachi Wickramage delivered a compelling speech titled “Equity by Design – Building Tech to Reflect Everyone”. This was followed by a vibrant panel discussion featuring global thought leaders, including Timothy Curtis (UNESCO), Abhishek Singh (India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT), Baroness Beeban Kidron (UK advocate for children’s digital rights), and Janet Christine Nabaloga (SafeBangle, Uganda). Moderated by Dorothy Gordon, the conversation explored how inclusive design in technology can uplift marginalised communities while promoting digital equity on a global scale.
A Moment of Global Recognition and National Opportunity
The WSA Global Congress 2025, co-hosted by the Government of Telangana in partnership with several key organisations, including the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF India), WE Hub, T-Hub, and T-Works, proved to be an inspiring hub for changemakers addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlighting years of digital transformation and the event's growing importance, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin remarked, "Technology is more than networks and devices. It can connect people, bridge divides, amplify marginalised voices, and turn dreams into reality. At this pivotal moment, with just five years left to achieve the SDGs, the urgency to act is greater than ever. The achievements of WSA Winners remind us that our shared digital future is something we can actively shape.”
Recognising the inspirational achievements of winners like Cérge and others, Bogdan-Martin extended an invitation to young innovators to present their ideas at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in July 2025.
Key Topics Highlighted at WSA 2025
The Congress also led critical discussions across a series of themes that will define the future of digital technology and its role in shaping global democracy and equity, including:
- Digital Democracy - Exploring how digital tools can enhance citizen participation, foster transparency, and amplify voices, while critically examining issues such as echo chambers, privacy challenges, and global inequities in digital access.
- Data, Digital Divides, and Ethics - Debating who owns data, how digital sovereignty is upheld, and whether our systems empower or control citizens in the digital age.
- Impact Solutions for Global Challenges - Showcasing how tech-driven social entrepreneurship addresses challenges like climate action, social equity, health, education, and inclusion.
A Platform for Global Collaboration and Local Learning
The WSA Global Congress offered more than accolades; it was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and collaboration. Delegates connected with social entrepreneurs, policy makers, and industry experts from across the world. The immersive event also provided a chance to witness India’s thriving tech landscape, led by an innovative ecosystem in Hyderabad.
Speaking about the broader significance of global recognition, Wickramage added, “We need more stories like this, where Australian innovation leads with both empathy and purpose. These ventures prove that you don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to change the world.”
The achievements of the Australian contingent serve as a testament to the power of purpose-driven innovation and a call to action for continued leadership in creating technology that bridges divides and inspires change.
