Jury and Public Agree Only Once at the Computable Awards 2024
The winners of the Computable Awards 2024 have been announced! This year, the jury and the public faced challenges aligning on their choices. In fact, they agreed on just one category: Digital Innovation. Eight times, the jury’s decision was decisive, while four categories were determined by public votes. Notably, in four instances, disagreements led to the runner-up emerging as the winner.
A Unique Theme: “Faster, Higher, Stronger”
This year’s theme, “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” brought an Olympic flair to the Computable Awards 2024. Sports journalist Diana Kuip hosted the event, while Olympic gold medalist in 3×3 basketball, Arvin Slagter, inspired the audience with his story of triumph on the world stage. A total of 20 awards were presented, including 17 regular awards, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the title of Olympic Hero during an Olympic quiz, and the Dutch Applied AI Award, organized in partnership with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and the De Dataloog podcast.
No Clear Dominator This Year
Unlike previous editions, there wasn’t a standout winner dominating multiple categories. However, UMC Utrecht and the Oncode Institute achieved a double victory with their AI-driven Sturgeon project, taking home the Healthcare Project Award and the Dutch Applied AI Award. Other winners included notable names such as Fairphone, Hogeschool Utrecht, Kadaster, NCSC, NS, Picnic, Politie, and Schiphol.
Honoring a Tech Visionary: Bluetooth Inventor Jaap Haartsen
A highlight of this year’s event was celebrating Jaap Haartsen, the inventor of Bluetooth, with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2024. Computable’s Editor-in-Chief, Sander Hulsman, praised Haartsen’s over 35 years of contributions to wireless communication. Haartsen’s groundbreaking work began in the summer of 1994, laying the foundation for what would become Bluetooth technology. By 1998, his specifications for piconets formed the basis for the Bluetooth standard, paving the way for global wireless connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- The Computable Awards 2024 reflected the diversity and innovation within the tech landscape.
- The Digital Innovation category was the only one where jury and public votes aligned.
- Jaap Haartsen’s recognition underscores the enduring impact of pioneering technology on everyday life.
For the full list of winners and highlights from the event, visit Computable.nl.
