Tech Innovator Team Award Winner – TripStax
Responses by Scott Wylie, CTO, on behalf of the team

What does winning the Tech Innovator Team Award mean to your team?

Whilst the award was for the TripStax Leadership Team, winning it marks a proud moment for us all. It’s recognition of the creativity, resilience, and collaboration that our wider team brings to every challenge. It validates our belief in pushing boundaries and building smarter, scalable solutions together.

The judges highlighted your use of natural language processing and neurodiverse leadership — how has that shaped your innovation journey?

Natural language processing has helped us simplify complex workflows and make our tools more intuitive for users. But it’s our neurodiverse leadership that truly shaped our innovation journey, bringing fresh perspectives, challenging norms, and fostering inclusive problem-solving. That combination has driven smarter, more empathetic tech and helped us build solutions that resonate across the wider travel ecosystem.

What advice would you give to other teams trying to implement disruptive tech in traditional industries?

Start with your users, not your tech. Disruptive innovation in traditional industries only works when it solves real pain points. Build with empathy, test fast, and don’t be afraid to challenge legacy thinking. Empower diverse voices — especially those who think differently — and make sure your solution is as easy to adopt as it is powerful. And finally, be relentless about proving value early. That’s how you earn trust and drive lasting change.

How do you balance experimentation with delivery deadlines and client expectations?

We balance experimentation with delivery by embedding agile principles into our culture. We carve out space for rapid prototyping and testing but always align it with clear milestones and client priorities. Transparent communication is key — setting expectations early and ensuring clients understand the value of innovation without compromising trust. And by involving cross-functional teams early, we reduce rework and keep delivery on track while still pushing boundaries. It’s a rhythm of curiosity, discipline, and collaboration.

If you could take a trip anywhere in the world – with no limits on budget or agenda – where would you go and why?

If I could go anywhere with no limits, I’d choose Cappadocia, Turkey. Floating in a hot air balloon at sunrise over Göreme’s surreal landscape, fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and ancient castles. It would feel like stepping into a dream. It’s a perfect blend of natural wonder, history, and serenity — an unforgettable experience from every angle.

Discover all of our winners and browse the event images.