Brighton, UK – [13th October 2026] – The highly anticipated AI Awards 2026 are now officially open for entries, inviting individuals and organisations from across the globe to showcase their groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence.
Taking place on 21 April 2026 in the heart of London, the AI Awards promise an unforgettable evening dedicated to honouring exceptional achievements within the field. This prestigious event not only celebrates remarkable innovations but also provides a unique platform for networking with leading AI professionals, innovators, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of technology.
As AI continues to redefine industries and push the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s more important than ever to recognise the brilliant minds driving that transformation.
Meet the Expert Judging Panel
The AI Awards’ credibility is built on its exceptional judging panel, featuring experts with more than a decade of experience leading in AI across global organisations.
Judges include:
- Maria Stefanova (Chair)– Head of PMO – Artificial Intelligence, MSc, SPC, International Airlines Group (IAG)
- Apoorv Kashyap– Head of AI, Santander
- Annie Hou– SVP, Global Head of Data & AI, McCann Worldgroup
- Luke Tonin– Head of AI & Machine Learning, Funding Circle
- Professor Julie Wall– Professor of AI & Advanced Computing, University of West London
🔗 See the full judging panel here: https://theaiawards.co.uk/judging-panel/
How to Enter
Entries are open until 19 March 2026.
Each entry will undergo a rigorous evaluation process by the judging panel, ensuring fairness, depth, and transparency. Judges will review submissions against a structured scoring system, focusing on innovation, impact, leadership, and execution quality.
Key highlights of the process include:
- Each submission is matched to the most relevant judge based on expertise.
- A minimum score of 15/30 is required to progress to the finals.
- Finalists are announced the day after judging day, with winners revealed at the gala dinner on 23 April 2026.
🔗 Learn more about the entry process: https://theaiawards.co.uk/entry-process/
🔗 View the entry template: https://theaiawards.co.uk/demo-project-template/
Tips for a Winning Entry
Judges from previous years have highlighted what distinguishes the strongest submissions:
✅ Clearly demonstrate the business value and strategic importance of your project.
✅ Showcase leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to team development.
✅ Provide detailed insights into challenges faced and the innovative solutions implemented.
Weaker entries often failed to align with the judging criteria or lacked depth in explaining the problem-solving approach.
Watch an insightful interview with Professor Julie Wall from the University of West London, where she shares her thoughts on the evolution of AI and her experience as a judge:
🎥 Watch here
Become a Partner
Join hands with the AI Awards and position your brand at the forefront of innovation and excellence. As a partner, you’ll gain unparalleled visibility among industry leaders, visionaries, and decision-makers driving the future of AI. Align with a platform that celebrates transformative achievements and fosters meaningful connections across the global AI community.
🔗 Click here to become a partner: https://theaiawards.co.uk/category-sponsonship/
About the AI Awards
The AI Awards is a premier event celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership within the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Each year, the awards bring together top professionals and organisations from around the world for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and collaboration — spotlighting the individuals and teams who are redefining the possibilities of AI.
Press Contact:
Test Associates Ltd
📧 hello@testassociates.co.uk
🌐 www.theaiawards.co.uk
