AI25 Awards
Recognizing 25 leading people, companies, and ideas building Ohio’s AI future.
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.
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:
- 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.)
- 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).
Important Dates
- Nominations Open: August 11, 2025
- Deadline to Submit: December 5, 2025
- Winners Announced + Feature Launch on OhioTechNews.com: Early 2026