Burlington-Hamilton • 2026

Celebrating AI innovation built by our community.

The AI Catalyst Awards recognize founders, students, businesses, non-profits, agencies, and community builders using artificial intelligence to solve meaningful problems.

Nominations Now Open

Finalists and winners will be featured across partner channels and invited to demo their AI use case to the community.

  • Social media spotlight
  • Winner trophies
  • Community demo opportunity
  • Partner exposure

Why this matters

AI is not just happening in big labs. It is happening here.

These awards are designed to surface practical, local AI use cases — from student prototypes and community services to established companies modernizing operations and founders building new ventures.

Recognize

Celebrate people and organizations using AI to create measurable impact.

Connect

Introduce builders to regional partners, mentors, customers, and collaborators.

Inspire

Show the community what practical AI adoption looks like across sectors.

Program Timeline

Simple path from nomination to showcase.

1

Nominations Open

Jul 27, 2026

2

Nominations Close

Sep 6, 2026

3

Verify Finalists

Sep 7-25, 2026

4

Announce Winners

TechPlace Fall Annual Open House

Stay Connected

Follow the awards beyond your nomination.

Get deadline reminders, finalist news, and winner announcements—or reach out with a question.

Ready to nominate?

Share an AI story worth celebrating.

Nominations should take less than 10 minutes. If you are unsure which category fits, submit anyway and the committee can place it.

Nominate Now