No-Dig Award
ISTT annually recognizes trenchless achievements through its No-Dig Awards program. Four topics are eligible for this Award: academic research or training aid/course; trenchless project completed; new machine, tool, material, system, or technique introduced; student or young professional paper. The Awards are presented annually at the ISTT's International No-Dig Conference (this year during International No-Dig Auckland). Since 1986, ISTT has recognized more than 60 trenchless organizations and individuals through this program. Please see HERE for the past winners.
Please read below before your submission.
The following items are required to complete your submission.
1. A 200-word summary.
2. A complete paper (in a single Microsoft Word file - see a sample template 
HERE).
3. Two images representing your entry.
Closing date: 30 July 2026 (17:00 US EDT)
You can modify your submission until the deadline using the link provided in the confirmation email.
How to submit
Applications must be in English and should be prepared with the following criteria in mind, with a maximum of 1,000 words supported by suitable illustrations. Note that the definition of the "1,000 words" is the number of words counted from the first paragraph (introduction) to the last paragraph (conclusion). One or two images representing your entry should also be submitted. Specify the category of the award from below and send it via the entry form. Note: A sample template is provided here to assist you in creating an entry (not mandatory). This example is for the Project category, so please modify it to fit your category.
Categories: Four categories are eligible to receive Awards, as shown below. Awards may not be made in all categories in a given year.
- Academic research or training course.
- Trenchless project completed (projects completed within a year or two)-limited to Corporate members.
- New technology (tool, material, system, or technique introduced)- limited to Corporate members.
- Student or young professional paper - Members enrolled in college or university, or spending at least half their time on academic coursework.
The aim of ISTT is to promote the science and practice of trenchless technology, and the Awards are to raise the profile and status of the Society and its Award Winners. All award winners (1) are recognized at the Gala dinner and presented a trophy and certificate, (2) are featured in an article in Trenchless Works (official magazine), (3) are added to the published list of ISTT award winner role of honor posted on the ISTT website, and (4) are authorized to use the ISTT logo on promotional material related to the award activity or recipients. In addition, the winner may be afforded an opportunity to make a brief presentation on the activity that received the award at the Conference time and schedule permitting. The student award winner receives a small cash award and limited financial travel assistance to attend the Conference.
Criteria for selection of Awards are as follows:
- Does the entry make a contribution to the advancement of trenchless technology worldwide?
- Does the entry contribute to protecting the environment and/or reducing social costs?
- Are the above benefits clear from the entry?
- Is the entry innovative, ingenious, elegant, or novel?
- Is the entry commercially and economically practicable?
- Will the award make an impact with the media, decision-makers, and the general public?
- Will the award impress ISTT members?
- Has the entry been well explained and presented?
Applicants for the categories of Trenchless Project and New Technology should demonstrate a practical use or development of trenchless systems or equipment for the installation or rehabilitation of underground utility networks. For example, entries may address achievements in:
- Improved economy and competitiveness of trenchless installations;
- Length and speed of drive for installation, replacement or renovation;
- Accuracy or size of installation;
- Materials used;
- Ground conditions successfully dealt with.
- Improved acceptability for clients, operators, and/or environment;
- Underground detection, recording, and mapping of obstacles, both natural and man-made;
- Health and safety of employees and the general public;
- Matters related to training in the field of trenchless work; and
- Research into any of the topics related to working on underground utilities.
Hope to receive many entries from all around the world.ISTT team - info@istt.com