Refund Policy
A clear, fair explanation of how nomination fees and winner package fees are handled at the World Technology Awards.
How this policy works
The World Technology Awards recognises outstanding companies, teams and individuals across the global technology landscape. To keep our programme transparent, we want every entrant to understand exactly what they are paying for, and under what circumstances a refund may apply, before they commit to a nomination or a winner package.
This Refund Policy applies to all payments made to the World Technology Awards, including nomination fees and winner package fees. By submitting a payment, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to the terms set out below. We recommend reviewing this page alongside our published fee structure so that you have a complete picture of costs before you proceed.
We process every request individually and in good faith. Where a refund is warranted under the conditions described here, we act promptly. Where a refund is not available, we explain why, so that there is no ambiguity. Our aim is to be fair to entrants while protecting the integrity and operational continuity of the awards programme.
Refunds on nomination fees
Nomination fees cover the administrative and evaluation work that begins the moment an entry is submitted. This includes intake processing, eligibility screening, allocation to the relevant category, and the time our judging coordinators invest in preparing entries for review. Because this work starts immediately, nomination fees are generally non-refundable once an entry has entered evaluation.
There are, however, clear exceptions where we will issue a full or partial refund:
- Duplicate payment. If you are charged more than once for the same nomination due to a technical or banking error, the duplicate amount is refunded in full.
- Withdrawal before review. If you withdraw your entry in writing before evaluation has begun, you may be eligible for a refund less a small administrative handling fee.
- Category unavailability. If the category you entered is closed or cancelled by us and no suitable alternative is offered, your nomination fee is refunded in full.
- Billing error on our side. If an incorrect amount was charged because of an error in our payment system, the difference is corrected and refunded.
Refunds are not available simply because an entry does not win, does not shortlist, or does not advance to a later judging round. The fee pays for fair consideration, not for a guaranteed outcome.
Refunds on winner package fees
Winner package fees are optional and apply only after a result has been confirmed. They cover items such as engraved trophies, certificates, digital logos, profile features and promotional assets produced specifically for the recipient. Because many of these items are personalised and produced to order, refund eligibility depends on the stage of production.
If you request cancellation before production of any physical or bespoke digital asset has started, your winner package fee is fully refundable. Once personalised production has begun, the fee becomes non-refundable, as materials and craftsmanship have already been committed to your specific award.
If a physical award arrives damaged in transit, we will arrange a replacement at no additional cost. Photographic evidence of the damage helps us resolve these cases quickly.
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Requesting a refund
To request a refund, send a written message to our awards team using the details on our contact page. So that we can locate and assess your case quickly, please include the following in your request:
- The full name of the entrant or organisation as it appears on the nomination.
- The award category and the date of submission.
- The payment reference, invoice number or transaction receipt.
- A short explanation of why you are requesting the refund.
Submitting complete information at the outset is the single biggest factor in how fast a refund is resolved. Requests that are missing payment references or entry details take longer because we must verify them before any decision can be made. All refunds are returned to the original payment method used for the transaction; we cannot redirect a refund to a different card or account.
How long refunds take
Once we receive a complete request, we acknowledge it within two to three business days. Approved refunds are then issued to your original payment method. Depending on your bank or card provider, it can take a further five to ten business days for the funds to appear on your statement.
Currency conversion, international banking schedules and weekends or public holidays may extend these timelines slightly. If more than fifteen business days pass after we confirm your refund without the funds appearing, contact us and we will trace the transaction with our payment provider on your behalf.
Refund questions answered
Still have a question?
If anything in this policy is unclear, or you would like to discuss a specific payment before requesting a refund, our team is happy to help. Reach out through our contact page and include your entry and payment details so we can respond accurately. For a breakdown of what each charge covers, visit the fee page.