AI25

Recognizing 25 leading people, companies, and ideas building Ohio’s AI future.

About AI25

AI25, presented by Ohio Tech News and OhioX, is a new annual recognition of 25 top people, companies, and ideas making a significant AI impact in Ohio.

From startup founders and researchers to enterprise leaders and public sector champions, AI25 spotlights those turning ambition into action with artificial intelligence.

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Why AI25?

Artificial Intelligence is transforming every corner of Ohio’s economy. Whether building breakthrough models, deploying real-world applications, or shaping policy and the public good, the AI25 honorees represent the best of what AI can be with real world, built in Ohio applications.

Who Should Be Nominated?

AI25 honorees will be selected across two categories:

  1. Companies & Organizations: Recognizing Ohio-based or Ohio-operating organizations actively developing or deploying impactful AI technologies. (Ex: startups, enterprises, service providers, universities, hospitals, nonprofits, research labs, etc.)

  2. People & Practitioners: Recognizing individuals pushing the boundaries of AI in Ohio. (Ex: founders, researchers, engineers, CIOs, data scientists, educators, and more. Includes both public and private sector leaders)

Eligibility

  • Nominees must be based in or have meaningful operations in Ohio.

  • Work must be AI-focused or AI-driven, not just tangential. Real world case studies given most weight.

  • Companies and organizations can be of any size or stage.

  • Individuals can be in any role, industry, or sector.

  • Projects must have been launched or significantly advanced within the past 24 months. We care most about impact.

  • Anyone can submit a nomination (including self-nominations).

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! You are welcome to self nominate as either an (1) individual or (2) company representative.

  • Yes! Just fill out a separate form for each nomination.

  • AI25 honorees will be featured in a special editorial series on OhioTechNews.com. Select honorees may also be invited to participate in special OhioX events during 2025/26.

  • No. We're recognizing impact in all forms — whether in a Fortune 500, small business, classroom, nonprofit, public office, or something else.

    • Nominations Open: August 11, 2025

    • Deadline to Submit: October 11, 2025

    • Winners Announced + Feature Launch on OhioTechNews.com: Fall + Winter 2025

    • Nominees must be based in or have meaningful operations in Ohio

    • Work must be AI-focused or AI-driven, not just tangential. Real world case studies given most weight.

    • Companies and organizations can be of any size or stage

    • Individuals can be in any role, industry, or sector

    • Projects must have been launched or significantly advanced within the past 24 months. We care most about impact.

    • Anyone can submit a nomination (including self-nominations)

    On the fence on whether an application makes sense? Go for it.

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