Delivering continued value to the South Australian economy
What prevents South Australia from being a global force for innovation, technology and outstanding business models?
Nothing!
The Impact Awards identify companies with the greatest potential to impact world markets. Winners of the Impact Awards are paired with our Ambassadors who work to help awards winners achieve their global ambitions in a quicker fashion and with less risk. Ambassadors open up new opportunities and provide access to their networks and their years of global expertise to help other local companies become world-beaters.
South Australia as a high cost economy, with a small and isolated population, needs global companies generating profound impact on the world. By uniting with proven leaders and influencers, our local business community can achieve incredible things to make South Australia not just one of the best places to live, but also one of the most exciting places from which to run a global enterprise.
The Ambassadors, who also drive the rigorous, independent judging process, are themselves among South Australia’s foremost internationalists. They have been selected for their knowledge, experience, success and connections, and their passion for building South Australia’s long-term future.
Tickets to the 2026 William Buck Impact Awards Gala Dinner are now available.
Join us at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday 4 November to celebrate the South Australian businesses creating meaningful change and driving positive impact across our state.
Our awards
Impact Award
Identifying the greatest potential to impact national and world markets
This award recognises a company primed for profound growth due to world class capabilities. They are South Australian companies making an impact locally, national and globally, as well as organisations who demonstrate global competitiveness and impact for the good of South Australia their industry and business performance.
By nominating for the 2026 William Buck Impact Awards, you will automatically be considered not only for the primary Impact Award recognising overall exceptional business performance, but also for two exciting new categories:
Dark Horse Award
Spotlighting untapped potential and standout qualities.
This award recognises a business that may not excel across every judging criterion but displays exceptional promise and standout attributes. The Dark Horse embodies the spirit of potential—marked by an aura of greatness, a spark of brilliance, and compelling strengths that suggest a future of significant impact. It’s for those ready to break through.
Innovation Award
Championing originality and market disruption.
This award celebrates businesses that redefine what’s possible. Whether through inventive use of technology, disruptive delivery models, or breakthrough products and services, recipients of the Innovation Award demonstrate a unique approach to problem-solving and market creation. Their ingenuity creates new whitespace, reimagines industries, and sets new standards for innovation-led growth.
Hall of Fame – Business
Honouring enduring excellence and impact.
This prestigious award recognises a South Australian business that has made a profound and lasting contribution to the state’s economy and global reputation. Inductees into the Hall of Fame – Business have demonstrated remarkable innovation, ambition, and determination in their pursuit of growth, shaping markets both locally and abroad. Their legacy is one of bold leadership and deep economic impact.
Hall of Fame – Individual
Celebrating visionary leadership and lasting contribution.
This award honours an individual whose extraordinary impact has helped shape South Australia’s economic future. Through the founding and creation of businesses, their contributions to employment, capability development, and philanthropy, these leaders have not only driven economic outcomes but uplifted communities. The Hall of Fame – Individual award acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and influence.
Our mission is to deliver significant value to the South Australian economy for the long term by working with proven, high-potential companies to help them globalise
Building economic growth at scale – Building economic growth at scale – Building economic growth at scale – Building economic growth at scale –
The organisers
The Impact Awards is organised by a committee and support staff, working with local business leaders and Ambassadors. This is a joint and coordinated effort by the local business community to generate home-grown solutions to improve commercial and research outcomes.
As a group, we are committed to generating more globally competitive companies and vastly improve the amount of research that reaches commercialisation, and ultimately to ensure that our economy meets the demands of increasing global competition.
The Impact Awards Foundation was established as a not-for-profit in 2015 by three South Australian organisations: Adept Technology, Advanced Focus and Mihell & Lycos.
The Directors in 2026 comprise the following organisations: Adept Technology, Blue Crystal Solutions, Lunio Energy, Peripheral Blue Legal, Tonkin and William Buck.
Join the ecosystem supporting SA businesses to create IMPACT
Impact Awards Sponsors
