Data Centre Review has launched a refreshed version of its Excellence Awards for 2026, introducing streamlined categories, clearer judging criteria, and a new online entry portal.
The awards, which celebrates the data centre sector across the UK and Europe, have been reorganised into three tracks: Projects, Products & Solutions, and People & Organisations. The aim, according to the organisers, is to make it easier for entrants to identify where their submissions fit and what each category is intended to recognise.
Alongside the new structure, each category will now include its own eligibility requirements, recommendations on what to include in an entry, and published judging criteria with weightings. Data Centre Review said the changes are intended to improve transparency around how entries are assessed.
The publication is also introducing a new ‘Awards Portal’ for 2026 submissions, which will allow users to save entries as drafts and return to complete them later. The portal will set out category criteria and entry guidance within the submission process.
While award schemes are nothing new in the industry, Data Centre Review is positioning this refresh as a response to a familiar challenge: entrants want recognition, but often struggle to understand precisely how decisions are made – or what separates a good submission from a winning one. Organisers are also keen to stress that winning an Excellence Award should feel like a sense of achievement – rather than a ‘pay to win’ exercise.
As well as changes to the awards themselves, Data Centre Review confirmed that the 2026 winners will be announced at a new flagship live event, DCR Live. Further details on the event are expected in the coming weeks.
