Ten companies and two business leaders were awarded for their outstanding contributions to Brisbane’s economy and their impact in shaping the future of the city and communities around the world, through industries including robotics, biosecurity, performing arts and the circular economy.

There was resounding applause for Li Cunxin AO, Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, who was named The Courier-Mail Business Person Of The Year for his ongoing work and dedication to transforming Brisbane into a world-class performing arts destination, just a few months out from his retirement.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the awards celebrated the unwavering pursuit of innovation and creativity in the Brisbane business community.

“Small and medium businesses continue to face immense challenges as the cost of living rises, but Brisbane’s businesses are showing incredible resilience,” Cr Schrinner said.

“The 2023 awards once again recognise world-class innovators and change-makers who are driving Brisbane’s economic future.

“Their dedication to sustainability, growth, and community impact is inspiring and showcases the immense talent of individuals and organisations within our city.

“These awards are a way for our city to recognise the unwavering commitment of our business network in curating an environment where innovation, technology, creativity, and sustainability shine.”

The 2023 awards also saw the introduction of two new awards.

The Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award, awarded to Australian Country Choice, was created to honour organisations which have overcome changing conditions and challenging setbacks by reimagining their business and operations.

Howard Smith Wharves won the first ever Better Brisbane Award, a unique award presented to a business that has made a significant contribution to the city’s unstoppable momentum.

The riverside precinct was recognised for its impact on Brisbane’s global reputation, while creating thousands of local jobs, millions of shared moments and a lasting impression on visitors to the city.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said this year’s winners would inspire even greater growth and investment in Brisbane.

“With the addition of two new awards this year, we continue to recognise the city’s resilience and commitment to our evolving business landscape,” Cr Schrinner said.

“As we look ahead to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I'm confident that the businesses we celebrate today will play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for Brisbane.”

Family-owned and operated Adina Watches received the Business Chamber Queensland Small Business Award, as well as the overall Optus Platinum Award, for driving innovation and bringing the heritage Brisbane brand to the global watchmaking scene.

Vaxxas, which claimed the ISPT Investment In Brisbane Award, is on a mission to revolutionise the way vaccines are delivered with its needleless skin-patch technology which simplifies vaccine administration and transportation.

Circa, a contemporary circus company that produces productions drawing on acrobatics, movement, dance, music and theatre, claimed the Cisco International Business Award for their remarkable contributions to the international arts scene.

Meanwhile, winner of Urban Utilities Environmental Sustainability in Business Award, Vaulta was awarded for its sustainable battery building solutions.

Winner Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative, who took home the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award, provides sustainable employment and training opportunities for people with mental illness, learning or intellectual disabilities.

The Virgin Australia Micro Business Award was presented to Little Change Creators, an innovative toy brand redefining playtime through toys which encourage families to disconnect from tech and reconnect with each other.

Making its mark as a go-to platform to understand what business’ users and customers really think through research recruitment, Askable was awarded the ANZ High-Growth Business Award.

Genics claimed the Accenture Australia Product Innovation Award for providing early pathogen detection, biosecurity management and breeding programs for the national and global shrimp industry.

Finally, Mathew Allan, co-founder of Australian Droid And Robot was named Port Of Brisbane Young Business Person Of The Year, for pioneering a new era of intelligent robots to improve safety for heavy industries including mining, defence and marine.