Unlike in previous editions, where the Star of the Year was a separate category, this year, the Star of 2025 will be awarded to the best overall entry selected from the applications submitted to the four categories: Rising Star, International Star, Star of Innovation, and Star of Sustainability.
This newly listed company should stand out as an exceptional performer in the sub-group of SMEs with a market capitalisation of up to €200 million. An emerging business, should have further growth potential and provide evidence of good governance. Since going public, its share price should have risen to a respectable but not excessive premium.
The International Star winner will boast impressive results in terms of international sales, profit and market share growth. All stellar candidates competing in this category have likely expanded their presence in either existing or new markets and made great achievements in the international scene. The International Star Award will go to a well-managed company that demonstrates a sound strategy for taking advantage of opportunities outside its own country.
The champion of this prize will place innovation at the centre of its strategy for business development. Candidates vying for the award may be introducing innovative technology to the market or using innovative techniques in their day-to-day operations. The winner will be well-managed and successful in its sector. The jury will pay particular attention to the future potential offered by the winner's innovation.
The champion of this prize will place corporate citizenship and good governance at the core of its strategy and operations. Candidates vying for the award may actively integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors—such as climate impact, labour conditions, employee wellbeing, and ethical governance—into their company policies, practices, and reporting. The winner will demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. The jury will pay particular attention to the development of ESG- focused solutions and/or the issuance of sustainable financial instruments.
This Special Mention aims at recognising an initiative, an individual or a company which has had a significant impact on small and mid-cap issuers accessing capital markets.
Nominations for this category can be submitted by multiple stakeholders, including exchanges, companies, policy makers, and others, but excluding initiatives managed by exchanges. Nominations may be submitted by intermediaries such as SME Listing Partners or Advisers who support companies on their journey.