Optional Awards

Optional Awards celebrate excellence in specialised areas of digital technologies. These awards highlight projects that demonstrate outstanding achievement in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy, and Environmental Sustainability.

All Optional Awards are open to students from any year level and any project category. They provide an opportunity for additional recognition beyond the Core Awards.

Students must first enter a Core Award category before nominating for any Optional Award.
This ensures all projects meet the core Young ICT Explorers requirements and are assessed fairly and consistently.

Available Optional Awards

Best Use of AI Award

Recognises projects that thoughtfully and creatively apply Artificial Intelligence to solve problems, enhance user experiences, or explore new possibilities.
Projects may include machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, AI‑powered tools, or generative AI.

Learn more: Best Use of AI Award

Cybersecurity & Privacy Award

Celebrates projects that demonstrate strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, safe online behaviour, data protection, and privacy‑aware design.
Projects may explore secure coding, threat detection, encryption, authentication, or digital safety education.

Learn more: Cybersecurity & Privacy Award

Sustainability Award

Honours projects that show meaningful commitment to environmental sustainability and explore how digital technologies can support a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Projects may focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, conservation, environmental monitoring, or community sustainability initiatives.

Learn more: Sustainability Award

How Optional Awards Fit Into the YICTE Program

Optional Awards are designed to complement the Core Awards by recognising excellence in specific domains. They:

  • encourage deeper exploration of specialised digital technologies
  • highlight emerging skills and future‑focused learning
  • provide additional opportunities for recognition
  • allow students to showcase passion areas beyond general ICT capability

All projects are first assessed using the Core Award criteria, ensuring fairness and consistency. Optional Awards are then judged using domain‑specific criteria relevant to each award.