As Australia’s manufacturing sector continues its dynamic evolution, embracing advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the formal recognition of its leaders and innovators has become more crucial than ever. The Endeavour Awards stand as the nation’s premier celebration of this progress, providing a distinguished platform to honor the outstanding achievements of the individuals and organizations propelling Australian manufacturing into a new era of global competitiveness and resilience. Presented annually by Manufacturers’ Monthly in collaboration with Australian Manufacturing Week, this prestigious program culminates in a highly anticipated annual gala dinner, a true “night of nights” for the industry. The 2026 ceremony is set to take place on May 13 at the Westin Brisbane, bringing together the sector’s most influential leaders, pioneering innovators, and promising rising stars. This gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking, sharing success stories, and celebrating the collective drive that is shaping the future of this vital economic pillar. Nominations are now officially open, inviting the industry to put forward its most compelling examples of excellence.
1. A Spectrum of Prestigious Categories
The Endeavour Awards are structured to recognize the diverse and multifaceted nature of modern manufacturing, with categories that span a wide range of specialized industries and critical business functions. The Innovation in Aerospace award celebrates groundbreaking advancements in aircraft, space, and defense aircraft manufacturing, recognizing companies that are pushing the boundaries of technology in this high-stakes sector. Similarly, the Innovation in Health Technology category honors transformative technologies that enhance healthcare outcomes and medical manufacturing, a field where precision and reliability are paramount. In the consumer-facing domain, the Innovation in Food & Beverage Manufacturing award is open to businesses developing novel solutions in processing, packaging, automation, or sustainability, all of which contribute to a safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly food supply chain. Finally, the Innovation in Transport category highlights ingenuity in vehicle manufacturing, public transport systems, and sustainable mobility solutions, addressing the critical need for smarter and greener transportation networks for the future.
Beyond industry-specific achievements, the awards also spotlight exceptional organizational and individual performance, acknowledging the strategic vision and leadership required to thrive. The Outstanding Start-Up Award is specifically designed to recognize a new Australian manufacturing venture that has successfully introduced an innovative product to the market, effectively identifying and filling a significant gap. This award champions the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels industry disruption and growth. For established leaders, the Leader of the Year award, sponsored by BDO Australia, honors a senior executive, manager, or director who has demonstrably shaped their organization’s success. The criteria for this accolade are rigorous, focusing on a leader’s ability to deliver financial growth, positively impact business culture, and serve as a champion for the wider industry. The pinnacle of the evening is the Manufacturer of the Year award, sponsored by Weld Australia. This ultimate honor is not open for direct nomination; instead, it is bestowed upon one of the winners from the other categories, elevating them as the best of the best for the year.
2. Introducing New Honors for 2026
For the first time in its distinguished history, the Endeavour Awards program is expanding to include several new categories that reflect the most pressing trends and priorities within the contemporary manufacturing landscape. The newly introduced Advanced Manufacturing Excellence Award is a direct response to the industry’s rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 principles, created to celebrate outstanding achievement in precision engineering, automation, and the integration of digital manufacturing technologies. This category will recognize companies that are leveraging data, robotics, and smart systems to create more efficient, agile, and competitive operations. Acknowledging the critical importance of nurturing the next generation of industry talent, the Rising Star of the Year Award will honor an emerging leader under the age of 30. This award is designed to highlight an individual who, in the early stages of their career, has already demonstrated exceptional talent, a commitment to innovation, and the potential to become a future leader within Australia’s manufacturing sector.
The program’s evolution also includes a new focus on corporate responsibility with the Excellence in Sustainability Award. This timely addition celebrates a manufacturing business that has shown exemplary leadership and innovation in the realm of environmental sustainability. Nominees in this category will be evaluated on their efforts to implement green practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a circular economy, demonstrating that profitability and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. This expansion of the awards program underscores its commitment to remaining relevant and reflective of the industry’s most significant advancements and challenges. Companies and individuals from every corner of the sector were invited to submit their nominations, providing a platform to showcase the groundbreaking projects, transformative technologies, and visionary people who are collectively strengthening the industry’s growth, resilience, and global standing. The nomination period represented a key opportunity for the manufacturing community to have its most significant contributions formally acknowledged.
