Audit giant Deloitte has called for more support for Australia’s brightest tech heads with the opening of nominations for the Technology Fast 50 Australia Awards.

The 16th instalment of the Technology Fast 50 Australia Awards are being supported by Deloitte as part of a new initiative to encourage tech gazelles to lend their talents to local causes, rather than heading offshore for lucrative offers.

According to Deloitte, Australian needs to look to the most successful innovation hubs across the world and learn from their successes to secure the future of high-growth, home-grown technology start-ups.

The Technology Fast 50 Program will support start-ups and aim to increasing the awareness of Australia’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem, helping push the government agenda to be an innovation nation.

“If you’re a technology business in Australia across the spectrum of e-commerce, online, software, computers and peripheral, telecommunications or biotechnology, this is your time to shine,” said Deloitte partner, Joshua Tanchel.

“Everywhere we look, we are seeing a tremendous amount of digital disruption across the marketplace across the changing technology landscape.”

Several categories are open for nominations, including a new category for rising star business ventures.

“The Technology Fast 50 winners are those companies who are innovating for a digital future,” Tanchel said.

“They are fostering an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit within the Australian landscape.”

Nominations are now open and will close on September 30th.