New for 2026. These categories recognize innovation in the application of AI by individuals and organizations worldwide. Nominations should describe how AI technologies have been applied in innovative ways since 1 January 2024.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories in the 2026 competition include:

1. A written essay of up to 4,900 characters to the following questions, describing the nominated achievements since 1 January 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length that answers all of the same questions:
a. An essay of up to 4,000 characters describing the nominated individual or organization and the innovative aspect of the AI initiative since 1 January 2024(up to 4,900 characters). Required
b. Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 1,500 characters). Optional

2. Optional (but highly recommended), add to your entry up to 10 webpage links and up to 10 document uploads to support your case to the judges. These might be press articles, press releases, videos, work samples, internal or external reviews, or employee feedback, for example.

Individual AI Innovation Awards | Organizational AI Innovation Awards | AI Achievement & Breakthrough | AI for Business Functions | AI Creative & Content Output | AI Products, Services & Solutions

Individual AI Innovation Awards

S01. AI Innovator of the Year
Recognizes an individual (engineer, researcher, product leader) whose work significantly advanced AI applications or solutions.

S02. AI Leader of the Year
Honors a CEO, executive, or senior leader driving AI strategy and impact within their organization.

S03. AI Rising Star
Honors early-career professionals under the age of 30 making notable contributions to AI projects or research.

S04. Women in AI Leadership
Spotlights women executives, researchers, and entrepreneurs shaping the AI landscape.

Organizational AI Innovation Awards

S05. AI Company of the Year
For organizations demonstrating outstanding achievements in applying AI across operations, products, and services.

S06. AI-Driven Culture of Innovation
Honors companies fostering a strong culture of AI adoption, training, and ethical innovation.

S07. AI-Driven Startup of the Year
Recognizes startups whose growth and innovation are fueled by AI.

S08. Best Use of AI in Business Transformation
Recognizes companies that have reimagined core business processes through AI.

AI Achievement & Breakthrough

S09. AI Breakthrough of the Year
Honors a single AI innovation, invention, or project that stands out as transformative.

S10. AI Implementation of the Year
Recognizes organizations that have successfully integrated AI into their operations, products, or services, demonstrating measurable impact on efficiency, innovation, or customer experience.

S11. AI & Sustainability Achievement Award
Spotlights AI-driven initiatives that reduce environmental impact or advance sustainability goals.

S12. Ethical AI Initiative of the Year
Honors responsible and transparent approaches to AI development and deployment.

AI for Business Functions

S13. AI for Customer Experience
Recognizes the use of AI in customer support, personalization, or engagement.

S14. AI in Healthcare Achievement
Honors impactful AI applications in medical technology, patient care, or health outcomes.

S15. AI in Human Resources & Talent Management
Recognizes AI-driven solutions for hiring, learning, employee engagement, or workforce planning.

S16. AI in Marketing & Sales
Spotlights AI-powered tools for demand generation, analytics, personalization, or sales enablement.

S17. AI for Social Good
Spotlights initiatives using AI to address societal challenges such as education, accessibility, disaster relief, and community impact.

AI Creative & Content Output

S18. AI-Generated or AI-Enhanced Video
Honors videos that were created or significantly enhanced using AI tools, including AI avatars, synthetic voice, automated editing, or generative visuals. Entries should demonstrate innovation and impact.

AI Products, Services & Solutions

S19. Best AI-Powered Product or Service
Honors commercially available products or services that integrate AI to deliver exceptional results.