Insider Media are delighted to be bringing back The Made In NI Awards for 2026. This flagship celebration of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and engineering sectors returns with an expanded and updated awards programme. Now in its 11th year, the event features new and enhanced categories.
For the first time, the awards will be hosted as a gala black-tie evening on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at the Titanic Museum, Belfast. Category winners will also go on to compete on the national stage at the Insider Made in the UK Awards.
Manufacturing NI are delighted to be working in partnership with Insider as part of Manufacturing Month 2026. Returning for its sixth year, the month celebrates Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and engineering sector and its vital contribution to the economy. Led by Manufacturing NI, the month-long campaign showcases the people, companies and innovations driving global success, from advanced technologies and sustainability, to skills, careers and inclusive workplaces. A programme of events, factory tours, webinars, and networking opportunities will run throughout the month, culminating in the Anchor High Leadership Summit.
Online entries are now open, with an independent judging panel – chaired by Insider’s Northern Ireland business editor, Philip Cunliffe – selecting the finalists.
The list of award categories are:
- Food & Drink Award
- Bio-tech Manufacturer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
- Automotive Supply Chain Award
- AI Tech Innovation of the Year
- Engineering Manufacturer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
- Newcomer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
- Sustainable / Ethical Manufacturer Award
- Export Award
- Product Innovation of the Year
- Investment Project of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
- Collaboration of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
- Engineer of the Year (NEW FOR 2026)
- Apprentice of the Year
- Manufacturer of the Year (under & over £25m)
- Outstanding Contribution to Northern Ireland Manufacturing (NEW FOR 2026)
Why enter?
Free PR exposure
Complimentary ticket for all finalists
Build business connections
Automatic entry for winners to the Made in the UK Award
You can enter via this link and entries are open until 13th March 2026. Tickets are also available from Insider Media.