Judges

Our Call for Judges is open.

For 40 years, the CODiE Awards have set the standard for excellence in technology. Our judges—educators, practitioners, executives, investors, and domain experts—ensure the program remains rigorous, independent, and trusted.

Apply to Be a Judge

Application Process

Review the rules and expectations (link)
Submit the application (10 minutes) and select the categories you are qualified to judge.
Priority is given to previous judges with excellent feedback. Not all qualified judges will receive assignments.
Judge assignments are emailed April 13.
Onboarding: Assigned judges must review training videos and or the how to webinars.

Why Judge the CODiE Awards?

Shape the industry – Your evaluations influence which products are recognized as best-in-class.
See innovation first – Get early access to cutting-edge tools and innovation.
Build your network – Connect with fellow experts, leaders, and rising innovators.
Give back – Support a fair, transparent process that accelerates progress across Technology.
Earn recognition – Judges may be featured in spotlights, receive a digital badge for professional use, and certificate of participation.

What to Expect as a Judge

Judging Process

Two review rounds
Round 1 is required, Round 2 optional

Round 1: Expert Reviews (80% of score)
1:1 live or recorded product demos + rubric-based scoring.
• Typical assignment: 2–5 products in your area of expertise.
• Time commitment: ~3–5 hours per product.
• Training & support: On-demand training, sample rubrics, and office hours.
• Tools provided: Judge portal, category rubrics, communication templates.

Round 2: Community Review (20% of score)
Peer evaluation of finalists (no demos).
• Quick vote to select which finalist should be named the winner

How Judging Works

Rubrics – Each category has defined criteria (innovation, outcomes, usability, impact).

Evidence – Judges review materials provided in the nomination prior to demos.

Demos – Judges attend or view demos. Each demo is typically between 20-45 minutes but please allot 1 hour of time per call. Both judges may be scheduled for the same demo.

Scores & notes – Input in the portal with written feedback. Complete as soon as the demo concludes.

Calibration – Provide guidance and input on the process and judging criteria to the CODiE team via survey.

Expectations & Eligibility

What We Require from Judges

Who can judge:
• Practitioners, educators, technologists, researchers, and industry leaders with relevant expertise.
• Able to evaluate products objectively using category rubrics.

Conflicts & impartiality:
• Disclose affiliations with nominees.
• Recuse from conflicted entries.
• Follow CODiE confidentiality and code of conduct.

Professional standards:
• Attend live or recorded demos and submit scores on time.
• Provide constructive, evidence-based feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality of materials.

Time commitment (~5 hours total):
• Round 1: 2–5 entries (~3–5 hours total)
• Round 2: brief materials-based review (optional)

Accessibility:
• Flexible scheduling

Key Milestone Dates for Judging

Call for Judges Opens
January 5, 2026

Webinar: Judge Info Session
February 25, 2026 - 2PM ET
Register now.

Judge Onboarding & Training
March 2026

Round 1: Expert Reviews
April 13 – June 5, 2026

Product Finalists Announced
June 17, 2026

Round 2: Community Review (optional)
June 17 – July 3, 2026

Product Winners Announced
July 15, 2026

Leadership & Impact Awards Judging
November 2026

Complete Terms and Conditions for Judges

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I improve my chance of being selected?

The number of judges assigned is directly tied to the number of nominations in each category. Help share information about nominating a product for a CODiE Award!

Is there compensation?

Judging is a professional service to the community. No monetary compensation is provided. We do provide judge media kits and certificates for the first round judges who complete their assignments.

How do I arrange a demo?

The nominee will contact you to schedule so please check spam filters for messages as soon as judging begins. Judges are also welcome to reach out to nominees directly.

What if my availability changes?

Notify the CODiE team promptly.

What if I spot a conflict of interest?

Email info@codieawards.com immediately.

Will my name be public?

Judges may be spotlighted with permission; scores remain confidential.

Eligibility at a Glance

Relevant domain expertise
No conflicts with assigned entries
Timely feedback

Key Dates

Training: March 2026
Applicants notified April 13
Round 1: Apr 13 – Jun 5
Round 2: Jun 17 – Jul 3

Amy Weiss
CMO, Expert Radiology

“Serving as a judge allows me to support and celebrate innovation while also continuing to learn from the latest breakthroughs in technology and business intelligence.”

Raghavender Maddali
Software Engineer & Data Lead, Realtor.com

Niz Nava
Architecture, Project Management

“As an IT Project Manager, volunteering as a CODiE Awards judge allows me to stay connected to the forefront of innovation. It's inspiring to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping smart infrastructure and digital transformation. I love staying connected to the future of tech while helping recognize excellence in our industry.”

Subish Nair
Sr. IT System Analyst, STMA

“The process of evaluation is rigorous. It goes deep into the demo with real practitioners asking penetrating questions, and industry veterans bringing perspective on what works at scale. The nominees bring their best as the CODiE designation is a great way to help differentiate their products in a crowded market. It’s a win-win for the industry, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Ray Henderson
Ed-Tech Industry Executive, Private Equity Advisor/Investor

“What draws me back each year is the opportunity to see emerging technologies firsthand—tools that have the potential to reimagine how we learn and connect. Judging also allows me to contribute to setting a high bar for quality and impact, while connecting with like-minded professionals who are just as passionate about shaping the future of tech.”

Margaret M. Roidi, Ph.D.
Product Director, AICPA

"I have been a judge for nearly a decade now, and can say with certainty that the CODiE Awards are the most fruitful environment I have ever encountered for this process. It's not just a question of the judging; the important part is the process and the breadth of products examined. In a world of arbitrary and even "targeted" awards, the CODiEs are a bastion of continuous progress through an impartial and expert team of judges."

Myron Cizdyn
Founder BLPS Group

“As a technology leader in robotics and automation, judging the CODiE Awards has been a powerful way to engage with the forefront of innovation. It’s inspiring to evaluate breakthrough solutions that are transforming industries and shaping the future of smart infrastructure. Volunteering as a judge allows me to recognize excellence, give back to the tech community, and stay connected with pioneering minds across the industry.”

Rajeev Aswal
CTO, Robotic Parking Systems

“As a judge, I gain unlimited knowledge about the latest software products, platforms, and digital tools—often before they go mainstream. It also provides the opportunity to engage with a community of professionals, innovators, and influencers. The CODiE Awards are the best platform to connect with product leaders, developers, entrepreneurs, and executives during the judging process and related events."