Recognizing the Minds Moving AI Forward in The Great Lakes!

Nominate the innovators, builders, and leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence. This is your chance to spotlight the people making a real impact—in Columbus and beyond.

Awards and recognitions will be announced live at the Great Lakes AI Week 2025 VIP Happy Hour. They will also be published on the website following the event. We can’t wait to see you there!

Man wearing a black baseball cap and striped shirt speaking into a microphone

Award Categories

  • AI Catalyst

    A leader accelerating meaningful change through AI.

    This award honors someone who’s not just talking about AI innovation—they’re making it happen. Whether they’ve launched a game-changing product, transformed how a business works, or pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, the AI Catalyst sparks momentum across industries.

  • Guardian of Good

    A leader championing ethical, responsible AI.


    This award celebrates someone making sure AI serves everyone. They’re building with integrity, advocating for transparency, protecting data and human rights, or working to ensure AI is used in ways that are safe, fair, and aligned with societal values.

  • AI Rising Star

    A newcomer making major waves in the AI space.


    This award recognizes an emerging voice—someone early in their career or just stepping onto the AI scene—who’s already showing impressive promise, fresh thinking, or breakout leadership in AI research, development, or application.

  • Future Builder

    A visionary shaping tomorrow’s world with AI.


    This award goes to someone with bold ideas and the drive to make them real. Whether they're building startups, launching research, or leading ambitious projects, they’re actively constructing the future we’ll all live in—with AI at the core.

  • Inclusive AI

    An individual or team advancing equity through AI.


    This award honors work that ensures AI doesn’t leave anyone behind. It’s for those creating inclusive technologies, widening access to opportunity, or using AI to elevate marginalized voices and communities.

Nominate SOmeone You Know!

A woman in a pink top speaking into a microphone during a presentation, sitting at a table with a laptop and an award.