2026 AI Impact Forum Awards
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AI IMPACT FORUM AWARDS
The AI Impact Forum Awards recognize organizations across Northeast Ohio that are using artificial intelligence in meaningful, measurable and real-world ways. Whether your organization is employing AI internally to improve operations and decision-making, or building AI-powered solutions that others rely on, these awards celebrate innovation that is creating tangible business and community impact throughout the region.
Award recipients will be recognized at the AI Impact Forum on August 27 at Landerhaven, where Northeast Ohio business leaders, innovators and technology professionals will gather to explore how AI is transforming organizations, industries and communities.
The awards program recognizes organizations in two key categories:
AI IMPLEMENTERS: Organizations using AI within their own business
How is your organization applying AI to improve performance, customer experience, products, services or operational efficiency? This category recognizes organizations using AI tools, models or platforms to drive measurable business outcomes such as revenue growth, cost savings, productivity improvements, quality enhancement, safety or risk reduction.
AI BUILDERS: Organizations developing AI solutions for others
How is your organization building, deploying or managing AI-powered products, platforms or services that external customers or users rely on? This category recognizes software companies, service providers, consultancies and innovation teams creating AI capabilities that deliver measurable value for clients, industries or broader ecosystems.
SELECTION DETAILS:
• Strong nominations clearly tell the story of one or two specific AI initiatives and the measurable impact they are having. The most successful submissions focus on concrete examples, business outcomes and lessons learned rather than listing numerous projects.
• Nominees are encouraged to provide a holistic narrative describing the problem or opportunity they addressed, why AI was chosen as part of the solution, how the initiative was implemented, and the results achieved. Well-crafted narratives are preferred, but bullet-point submissions are acceptable as well.
• Judges are particularly interested in real-world implementation and measurable outcomes, including operational improvements, customer impact, financial performance, innovation, organizational change and regional significance for Northeast Ohio.
• Wherever possible, include specific metrics, examples or stories that demonstrate the value and effectiveness of your AI initiative.
The nomination deadline is June 26, 2026.
NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Complete all the information on the nomination form.
SECTION ONE: Provide basic contact information about the person who begins the nomination process. This individual will likely represent the nominated company or individual or be familiar with its operations.
SECTION TWO: Provide basic information about the person being nominated, including company size and industry.
SECTION THREE: Explain why your Nominee should be recognized with a AI Impact Forum Award
1. Describe the AI initiative or solution you are nominating. What does it do, and who does it serve? 2. What problem or opportunity were you addressing, and why did you choose AI as part of the solution? 3. What impact has this AI initiative had so far?
For more information, please contact Lisa Dore at ldore@sbnonline.com or (440) 610-9929.
