Announcing the Cincy AI Week Leadership Awards!

Cincy AI Week · Cincinnati, OH · June 9–11, 2026

The Cincy AI Week Awards Luncheon

Celebrating the people, teams, and organizations building Cincinnati's AI future; the founders, investors, public servants, educators, and ethical leaders putting AI to work for real outcomes.

Nominations open May 26, 2026

Thursday, June 11 ·11:30am-1pm·during the Cincy AI Week Community Summit

The luncheon is open to VIP ticket holders, award nominee finalists, and invited guests.

About the luncheon

Cincinnati's AI community has grown into something remarkable.

In just a few short years, the region has built a genuine ecosystem; a network of builders and organizations moving AI from idea to impact. The Awards Luncheon brings that community together during Cincy AI Week to honor the work driving Cincinnati forward, and to celebrate the momentum carrying us into the next year. This year we are presenting five returning awards and introducing seven new recognitions.

Who can nominate

The people closest to the work decide who we celebrate.

Event attendees

Host committee & volunteer team members

Sponsors, speakers & official partners

The five returning awards

Recognizing the leaders shaping our ecosystem.

Cincy Catalyst

Transforming Cincinnati's AI ecosystem.

Future Builder Award

Shaping the next wave of human-centered tech.

Guardian of Good

Advancing ethical, transparent, and responsible AI.

AI Rising Star

Bold ideas and big momentum.

Inclusive AI Award

Making AI work for everyone.

New for 2026: seven new recognitions

Honoring the breakout work across every sector.

New

AI Investor of the Year

Backing the bets that move the ecosystem forward.

New

AI Startup of the Year

The breakout company defining what comes next.

New

Best AI Use Case: SMBs

Small and midsize businesses turning AI into results.

New

Best AI Use Case: Enterprise

Large organizations deploying AI at scale.

New

Best AI Use Case: Public Sector

Government putting AI to work for the people it serves.

New

Best AI Use Case: Nonprofit Sector

Mission-driven impact powered by AI.

New

Best AI Use Case: Education

Teaching, learning, and skilling with AI.

How to nominate

It starts with your seat at the table.

Register to attend

Secure your spot at Cincy AI Week, held June 9–11 in Cincinnati.

Get nomination access

Registered attendees unlock the nomination form the moment nominations open on May 26.

Submit your nominees

Put forward the people and organizations across all twelve categories who deserve recognition.

Celebrate together

Finalists, VIP ticket holders, and invited guests gather Thursday, June 11 from 11:30am-1pm to honor this year's recipients during the Community Summit.

Ready to recognize Cincinnati's best?

Awards Luncheon: Thursday, June 11, 11:30am-1pm · Nominations open May 26, 2026 · hello@joineta.org