2025 WINNERS
The WINNERs
The Onboarding Solution of the Year
- Eli Onboarding
Judges’ Comments: Eli Onboarding impressed judges with a personalised, data-driven approach to onboarding that blends automation with genuine human connection. With standout features like Eli Insights and a clear focus on reducing early attrition, Eli delivers measurable ROI—saving clients time and significant costs.
- Highly Commended: Elementsuite
- Finalists: 3B, ARVRA Wellness, Electric Circus, Talos360
The Contractor Solution of the Year
- Nétive VMS
Judges’ Comments: Nétive stood out with a powerful, scalable platform that delivers real results, from faster contractor onboarding to outstanding client retention. The judges praised Nétive’s clear focus on improving experiences for contractors, clients, and suppliers alike
- Finalists: Giant Group, Jove Technology
The Candidate Experience Solution of the Year
- Popp
Judges’ Comments: Judges praised Popp for delivering a truly innovative, AI-native recruitment solution that is both impactful and future-ready. Their focus on improving the candidate experience, delivering measurable productivity gains, and scaling quickly into enterprise and mid-markets demonstrates strong execution.
- Finalists: Hinterview 2.0, Tazio
THE RECRUITMENT MARKETING SOLUTION OF THE YEAR
- Voyse
Judges’ Comments: Judges praised Voyse for their clear passion and purpose as a recruitment tech startup improving job ads through technology, storytelling, and inclusivity. Their easy-to-integrate solution has driven impressive growth and client success, with a clear focus on diversity and future-ready strategies.
- Highly Commended: Unifrog
- Finalists: Crooton, Group GTI, Real Links, SourceFlow
The Payroll Solution of the Year
- JA
Judges’ Comments: JA impressed the judges with a strong balance of innovation, service, and values. Their platform simplifies complex payroll processes while maintaining a clear client-first approach, evidenced by 100% retention.
- Finalists: Numbermill, Zellis
The Compliance Solution of the Year
- Nétive VMS
Judges Comments: Judges praised Netive for its strong alignment between product, purpose, and performance. Their compliance-by-design approach addresses complex hiring needs with smart features like real-time policy updates, role-based document control, and impressive retention and referral rates.
- Highly Commended: Jove Technology
- Finalists: meetDWIGHT, SafeRec
The Talent Tech customer service Award
- SourceFlow
Judges’ Comments: SourceFlow were praised for demonstrating exceptional customer service and rapid, high-growth commercial success, driven by a deeply embedded client feedback loop that shapes a responsive, innovative product roadmap.
- Highly Commended: SourceWhale
- Finalists: Group GTI
THE marriott harrison TALENT TECH Growth AWARD
- meetDWIGHT
Judges’ Comments: meetDWIGHT won for addressing a long-overlooked part of the recruitment process—middle and back office—with a high-impact, agentic AI-powered solution. Judges were impressed by their rapid commercial traction, clear client ROI, and a scalable model that simplifies adoption.
- Highly Commended: Gaia
- Finalists: Nétive VMS, SourceWhale
The Talent Tech innovation Award
(<30 employees)
- meetDWIGHT
Judges’ Comments: Judges praised meet DWIGHT for their innovative use of AI and automation to transform recruitment operations, focusing on back-office workflows like compliance and payroll. Their solution stands out for its seamless integration with existing systems, a disruptive pricing model, and a strong client-first approach that drives real efficiency and cost savings.
- Finalists: A2H Solutions, Hinterview 2.0, Hireguide, PitchME, TeamPlayer360, Vente AI, Vire Up
THE TALENT TECH INNOVATION AWARD
(30+ EMPLOYEES)
- AmplifyME
Judges’ Comments: Judges praised AmplifyME for their purpose-driven approach to breaking down barriers in finance recruitment, by focusing on performance and boosting diversity. Their innovative, sector-specific approach engages students early and supports them through to employment, creating a truly inclusive talent pipeline.
- Finalists: Fuel50, Gaia, SourceWhale, Tribepad, Welliba
The Enterprise Solution of the Year Award
- Popp
Judges’ Comments: Popp stood out with a clear purpose, strong AI-driven innovation, and impressive early growth, scaling quickly into enterprise and mid-markets. With over 40 integrations, multilingual support, and strong compliance credentials, Popp is not only solving inefficiencies and bias in hiring but also reshaping industry standards.
- Highly Commended: Bullhorn
- Finalists: Access Recruitment, Hireguide, iCIMS, meetDWIGHT, Nétive VMS
The talent tech Champion of Champions Award
- Popp
Judges’ Comments: Popp emerged as a true challenger, an early-stage company competing in a space often dominated by larger, more established players. What set it apart was its ability to win and retain enterprise clients, respond to the changing needs of recruiters and candidates, and position itself at the intersection of AI and recruitment infrastructure.
Popp is clearly solving a real problem in the market, with the leadership, innovation, and momentum to go much further.
The optima talent tech hall of fame
- Peter Linas, Bullhorn
The Optima Talent Tech Hall of Fame Award recognises an influential individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the HR and Recruitment Tech sector.
This honorary award is presented to someone who has made a significant and lasting impact on their organisation and the industry, shaping its growth and development through innovation, leadership, and vision.