About the awards
HRtech Unfolded believes technology is a driving force in a rapidly changing world of work. It will be instrumental in designing more efficient processes, creating engaging employees, enhancing the learning experience, and enable better decision making. Did your team conclude a strong HRtech Project, are you an AI-proof company or an HRtech startup? Then one of these 3 awards could soon be shining bright on your desk. The winners will also get an article in HRmagazine and lots of visibility through video content on the gala evening and on social media.
MEET The finalists
The votes have been counted and the jury has spoken. From an inspiring group of candidates, two finalists in each category have earned their place in the final round of the HRtech Awards 2026.
Discover the six finalists competing for HRtech Startup of the Year, AI-Proof Company of the Year and HRtech Project of the Year.
HRtech
Startup of the year
This award recognizes young, innovative companies that challenge and reshape the HR landscape.
And the finalists are…
Peepel is a Belgian HRtech startup building an AI-native HR platform for growing organizations. Covering everything from onboarding and payroll to performance management and analytics, the platform uses autonomous AI agents to automate HR processes and support smarter decision-making.
By reimagining HR software around AI from the ground up, Peepel helps organizations reduce administration and focus on creating better employee experiences.
Warren is a Belgian fintech company bringing wealth building into the workplace. Through a regulated pension and savings solution offered as an employee benefit, Warren helps organizations support their people with a modern and accessible way to build long-term financial wellbeing.
By combining financial technology with employee benefits, Warren gives employers a meaningful way to strengthen retention while helping employees invest in their future.
AI-Proof
company of the year
This award recognizes organizations that already adopt AI in HR in a conscious, strategic, and human-centric way.
And the finalists are…
Exalate is a Belgian enterprise software company helping organizations securely connect teams, systems and workflows across the globe. With customers in over 85 countries, the company has also embraced AI internally through a people-first HR strategy focused on responsible adoption, practical training and measurable impact.
From faster global recruitment to smarter HR processes and clear AI governance, Exalate shows how AI can empower people and drive real business results. A great example of innovation, responsibility and future-ready HR in action.
Studaro is a Belgian AI-powered skills intelligence platform that helps organizations make smarter workforce decisions based on skills rather than CVs or job titles. By combining AI with validated skills data, Studaro supports hiring, internal mobility, upskilling and workforce planning in one integrated approach.
With its innovative skills passport and explainable AI, Studaro enables organizations to identify talent, close skills gaps and prepare their workforce for the future. A powerful example of how AI can make HR more inclusive, data-driven and future-ready.
HRtech
Project of the year
This award recognizes an outstanding HRtech project, regardless of team structure or size.
And the finalists are…
Bold HR @ Haven Oostende showcases how HR technology can support better strategic decision-making. Using the Bold Insights HR Decision Intelligence methodology, Haven Oostende transformed fragmented HR discussions into an evidence-based roadmap for future HR priorities and organizational development.
By combining HR maturity diagnostics, benchmarking and AI-supported decision intelligence, the project helps leadership make smarter, more transparent decisions. A strong example of how HRtech can drive long-term organizational transformation.
Crosspoint Solutions, in collaboration with The Compass Group, developed an AI-powered talent platform that streamlines performance reviews, learning plans and CV management in one integrated HR workflow. Designed around Crosspoint’s HR needs and brought to life by The Compass Group, the solution combines HR, project and certification data to reduce administrative work while providing accurate, up-to-date insights into employee skills and development.
This collaboration demonstrates how HR and technology can come together to create practical innovation. By combining AI, automation and talent development, the project simplifies HR processes, supports employee growth and builds a more efficient, future-ready organization.
ONE final pitch. Three awards.
The finalists will now prepare for the decisive round: one last pitch to convince our expert jury. The winner in each category will be revealed during the HRtech Unfolded Gala Evening on October 7, 2026.
Want to experience the excitement live, celebrate the winners and connect with the HRtech community? Join us at the gala evening and be there when this year’s awards are presented.
The selection process
1. Pre-selection phase
Apply spontaneously by sending an email to margot.vannamen@nieuwemediagroep.be and submit the following information:
- Who are you? (including full contact details)
- What do you do?
- For which award are you applying?
- What is your motivation?
Deadline pre-selection phase: May 25, 2026 – CLOSED
2. The candidates that match the criteria will be selected by the jury and will be contacted by us.
Candidates confirm whether they wish to participate in the selection process and prepare a one-pager.
Deadline application phase: June 10, 2026
3. The jury meets up to discuss all confirmed candidates
Based on the evaluations, the official nominees for each category will be selected. These candidates will be published on the website.
4. Public voting will be possible from June 29 till August 31, 2026.
5. Public voting ends August 31, 2026, 23h59.
6. Two laureates in each category will be selected through public voting & jury expert opinions (40%-60%).
7. Final jury meeting September 11, 2026.
The two laureates get the chance to convince the jury for one last time.
8. The winners will be announced during the HRtech Unfolded Gala on October 7, 2026.
The jury
Nicholas De Poorter
Nicholas De Poorter is an investor at Strada Partners, a Belgian private equity firm focused on Software, Business Services, and Healthcare. Within the firm, he is responsible for Invincible Software Holdings (ISH), a platform of founder-led B2B SaaS companies built in partnership with two experienced software entrepreneurs who lead day-to-day operations across the group.
Nicholas also serves as Head of M&A at ISH, where he is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and executing acquisitions from end to end. His focus lies in building a strong and coherent portfolio of independent software businesses with long-term growth potential.
To date, he has led five acquisitions in the HRtech space, specifically in recruitment and people management software. This experience has provided him with deep insight into the technologies and business models that are redefining the future of work.
Before joining Strada in 2023, Nicholas held M&A roles at PwC, Cargill (Food & AgTech), and Kraken (Crypto). He holds a Master’s degree in Business Engineering from KU Leuven.
Nicholas De Poorter
Investment Manager Strada Partners + Jury President
Communication Manager Beltug
Editor in Chief DataNews
Emma Braeye
Emma Braeye
Emma Braeye is an HR Executive with over 15 years of experience in fast-paced tech and scale-up environments. She specializes in building high-performing teams, leading people strategy during periods of growth and transformation, and shaping cultures that enable sustainable success across European organizations.
Known as a trusted partner to leadership, Emma blends empathy with execution, bringing structure to rapid growth and clarity to organizational complexity while keeping people at the heart of business strategy. She has held senior people leadership roles in technology-driven companies including In The Pocket, EPI Company, and Corilus, where she works closely with executive teams to align people strategy with business growth and innovation.
Emma is also co-founder of HR Challengers, a curated community of forward-thinking HR leaders who challenge traditional approaches and share practical insights on the future of work. She is passionate about inclusive leadership, organizational design, and building people-first cultures that scale.
Emma Braeye
Chief People Officer
Corilus
Professor Organizational Behavior & HRM Antwerp Management School
Congratulations to our winners of 2025
Team of the year
Pfizer
Startup of the year
Maurice & Nora
L&D Project of the year
Sweco