BCS launches NBQSA 2025

• Applications open until July 11, 2025
• Celebrates almost 3 decades of advancing ICT excellence in Sri Lanka 

The official launch and call for applications were announced at a well-attended press conference held on June 4, 2025, with the participation of Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne and BCS Sri Lanka Section Chairman Vajeendra S. Kandegamage. 

This year’s NBQSA introduces several new enhancements and a comprehensive event calendar, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital transformation both locally and globally. The competition has already begun to attract a diverse pool of applicants including commercial organisations, government entities, universities, individuals and collaborative groups—a clear indication of the growing enthusiasm and maturity in the ICT ecosystem of Sri Lanka. 

The evaluation process of NBQSA is one of the most comprehensive and respected in the region. 

Each submission undergoes a multi-stage assessment, including initial screening, detailed technical and functional evaluation and face-to-face presentations or demonstrations by the applicants. 

Entries are assessed based on criteria such as innovation, quality, market potential, social impact, usability and compliance with international standards.

What sets NBQSA apart is the calibre of its judging panel, which comprises highly experienced professionals from the ICT industry, leading academics from recognised universities and senior leaders from government institutions. This ensures a balanced, fair and insightful evaluation of each entry, maintaining the integrity and credibility of the awards. 

According to early estimates, the innovations recognised and nurtured through NBQSA and its related initiatives could contribute to an economic impact exceeding Rs.5 billion in the coming years. This aligns with the forward-looking vision of Sri Lanka’s new leadership, which aims to strengthen the digital economy as a driver of national development. The rise in quality applications this year underscores the confidence and capability of Sri Lanka’s technology innovators to deliver impactful solutions at a global standard. 

For over 26 years, NBQSA has proudly served as a platform for spotlighting and propelling some of the most groundbreaking ICT innovations from Sri Lanka to the world. Many award-winning products have not only gained recognition but have also evolved into successful commercial ventures and globally relevant technologies. 

Sri Lanka will be represented at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2025, which will be held this year in Chinese Taipei. A delegation of over 50 top innovations, selected through NBQSA and the Young Computer Scientist competitions, will represent the country under the banners of BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT and FITIS. This participation ensures that the best of Sri Lankan tech talent competes and collaborates at the international level, further solidifying the country’s presence in the global ICT arena. 

As the organisers of NBQSA, BCS remains committed to guiding and mentoring Sri Lankan talent, ensuring that their products continue to deliver economic value, societal benefit and international recognition. The 27th edition of NBQSA is set to be another significant chapter in Sri Lanka’s ICT journey—fuelling innovation, empowering youth and shaping a more digitally inclusive future.