AI Categories
New categories for 2026. Recognizing the achievements of individuals and organizations using AI in the workplace.
Nominations that won in the 2025 ABAs may be resubmitted for consideration in the 2026 ABAs. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be submitted to the same categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.
Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories for the 2026 ABAs will include
a. An essay of up to 650 words describing the nominee's accomplishments since January 1 2024, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.
b. In bullet-list form, a brief summary (up to 150 words) of up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of the nominee since the beginning of 2024.
c. Optional (but highly recommended), a collection of supporting files and web addresses that you may upload to our server to support your entry and provide more background information to the judges.
Individual | Company-Wide Achievements
Q01. AI Innovator of the Year
Recognizing an individual (engineer, researcher, product leader) whose work significantly advanced AI applications or solutions.
Q02. AI Leader of the Year:
Honoring a CEO, executive, or senior leader driving AI strategy and impact within their organization.
Q03. AI Rising Star
Honoring early-career professionals making notable contributions to AI projects or research.
Q04. Women in AI Leadership
Spotlighting women executives, researchers, and entrepreneurs shaping the AI landscape.
Q05. AI & Sustainability Achievement Award
Spotlighting AI-driven initiatives that reduce environmental impact or advance sustainability goals.
Q06. AI Breakthrough of the Year
Honoring a single AI innovation, invention, or project that stands out as transformative.
Q07. AI Company of the Year
For organizations demonstrating outstanding achievements in applying AI across operations, products, and services.
Q08. AI-Driven Culture of Innovation
Honoring companies fostering a strong culture of AI adoption, training, and ethical innovation.
Q09. AI-Driven Startup of the Year
Recognizing startups whose growth and innovation are fueled by AI.
Q10. AI for Customer Experience
Recognizing the use of AI in customer support, personalization, or engagement.
Q11. AI for Social Good
Spotlighting initiatives using AI to address societal challenges (education, accessibility, disaster relief, etc.).
Q12. 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.
Q13. 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.
Q14. AI in Healthcare Achievement Award
Honoring impactful AI applications in medical technology, patient care, or health outcomes.
Q15. AI in Human Resources & Talent Management
Recognizing AI-driven solutions for hiring, learning, employee engagement, or workforce planning.
Q16. AI in Marketing & Sales
Spotlight AI-powered tools for demand generation, analytics, personalization, or sales enablement.
Q17. Best AI-Powered Product or Service
Honoring commercially available products/services that integrate AI to deliver exceptional results.
Q18. Best Use of AI in Business Transformation
Recognizing companies that have reimagined core business processes through AI.
Q19. Ethical AI Initiative of the Year
Honoring responsible and transparent approaches to AI development and deployment.