1. Eligibility Check
We confirm the URL works, the project is real, the applicant has authority to submit it, and required materials are included.
Award map
Awards you can submit for
Keep the award name obvious. The themed title adds identity without confusing the buyer.
Apply
Choose one submission path
Only one panel opens at a time. Each panel is a complete form with its own fee, deliverables, and requirements.
How judging works
Transparent enough to be trusted. Selective enough to matter.
2. Rubric Review
Entries are scored against category-specific criteria: design, usability, marketing clarity, influence, proof, originality, and impact.
3. Outcome
Each entry is scored against the rubric. Finalists are named at the close of every monthly review window. Honorees and Winners are announced at the year-end ceremony.
4. Badge Delivery
Recognized entries receive an embeddable digital badge. Finalist badges ship the moment finalists are named. Honoree and Winner badges ship together at year-end.
Recognition tiers
Three ways your work gets recognized.
Every paid entry is scored. Strong work earns a tier. The badge is yours to embed on your site as soon as it's issued.
Most prestigious
Winner
The category's top entry. Receives the physical Aurora Awards crystal trophy, full primary badge artwork, public Winner page, and editorial coverage. Announced digitally at year-end; trophy ships by mail.
Rolling recognition
Finalist
Named as soon as a monthly review window closes. Finalist badges ship immediately so you can display them while the cycle is still active. Digital badge only.
Year-end honor
Honoree
Recognized for exceeding the entry threshold even without taking the top tier. Honoree badges ship at year-end alongside Winners. Digital badge only.