Thinking of applying for the 2026 AI Awards? Here’s a quick guide to some of our most frequently asked questions about the application and nomination process, as well as the awards ceremony.

Applications & Nominations

1. Who is eligible to participate in the Irish AI Awards?

The Irish AI Awards are open to companies with a presence on the island of Ireland, individuals working in Ireland, and Irish individuals working abroad.

All applications must demonstrate a clear connection to Ireland. Applications without an Irish connection will not be considered.

2. What do winners receive?

Winners will receive a custom-designed AI Awards trophy, as well as valuable exposure through national and industry media outlets.

Previous winners and nominees have received coverage from outlets including RTÉ, Silicon Republic and The Irish Times.

There is no cash prize associated with the Irish AI Awards.

3. How much does it cost to enter?

It is free to submit an application to the Irish AI Awards.

If you are shortlisted, however, tickets must be purchased to attend the awards ceremony.

4. How can I apply to the AI Awards?

Visit the AI Awards website, select the category you would like to enter and complete the application form provided.

5. When do applications open?

Applications for the 2026 Irish AI Awards are now open.

6. What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications for the 2026 Irish AI Awards is 10pm on Monday, August 31st. Depending on volume of applications, the deadline may be extended.

7. How many categories can I apply for?

There is no limit to the number of categories you can apply for. You are welcome to submit applications across multiple categories where relevant.

8. What makes a strong application?

A strong application clearly explains:

• The problem or challenge being addressed
• How AI is being used to solve it
• The impact or results achieved
• What makes the solution innovative or distinctive

Where possible, avoid overly technical language and focus on clearly communicating the value and impact of your work.

We strongly recommend supporting your claims with evidence, such as metrics, data, graphs, case studies or other relevant results.

9. Can I save my progress and return to my application later?

No. The application form must be completed in one session. We recommend drafting your answers offline before starting the application and then copying and pasting your completed responses into the form.

10. Is there a word count limit for applications?

Yes. Each question on the application form has a maximum limit of 500 words. 

We encourage applicants to make full use of the available word count to clearly demonstrate the impact, innovation and results of their work. Applications with very brief or limited responses may not provide the judging panel with enough information to fully assess the submission and are therefore less likely to be shortlisted.

11. Can I include links or attachments in my application?

Yes. You may include URLs to supporting materials such as product demos, videos, reports, case studies or other relevant content.

Please ensure that all links are active and accessible to the judging panel. Links requiring a login or special access should be avoided where possible.

You may also upload supporting files through the application form. A maximum of five files can be uploaded.

12. Is there anything else I should submit with my application?

Yes. Please submit a high-quality PNG or JPG image of your company logo, which may be used for promotional purposes if you are shortlisted.

For individual categories, including leadership and student awards, you should also provide a high-quality headshot or profile photograph.

13. Can I self-nominate or nominate another organisation or person?

Yes. Self-Nominations are welcome. You can also nominate another individual or organisation, but please ensure that you have their permission before submitting the nomination.

When completing the form, please provide the nominee’s name and contact details.

14. Can international teams apply if part of the project is based in Ireland?

Yes. International teams can apply provided there is a clear Irish connection.

For example, the team may have employees based in Ireland or provide a product or service that actively engages with Irish customers. This connection must be clearly explained within the application.

15. Can I apply again if I was a previous nominee or winner?

Yes. Previous nominees and winners are welcome to apply again. Applications can relate to new projects, initiatives or developments or demonstrate significant progress or updated results from previous work.

16. Should I include sensitive or confidential information in my application?

We advise applicants not to share confidential, commercially sensitive or personally identifiable information within their application. If including sensitive information is essential to your submission, please contact liam@aiawards.ie before finalising your application so that we can advise you.

17. Can I update my application after submitting it?

Yes. You can edit or resubmit your application up until the application deadline. If you need to make changes, you can either resubmit an updated version through the application form or contact liam@aiawards.ie for assistance.

18. Can I use AI to help write my application?

Yes. Applicants may use AI tools to assist with drafting or refining their application. However, the information provided must be accurate, truthful and based on the applicant’s own work. Applicants remain responsible for the content of their submission, and AI-generated claims or information that cannot be substantiated may negatively affect an application.

19. How many stages are there in the application process?

There is just one stage – the online application. Therefore, it is vital to include as much information as possible in the application form as all nominees and award winners will be decided solely from online submissions.

Judging & Shortlisting

20. How are nominees and winners selected?

All eligible applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges against defined criteria relevant to each award category. The judging panel will assess the quality, impact, innovation and relevance of each submission.

21. What does the judging panel look for?

Judges will consider the criteria outlined for each individual category. Generally, strong applications demonstrate a clear problem or opportunity, explain how AI has been applied, provide evidence of measurable impact, and demonstrate innovation, scalability or wider significance where relevant.

22. When will I know if my application has been successful?

Shortlists are expected to be announced mid-October. Due to the volume of applications received, only applicants who are successfully shortlisted will be contacted. 

Unsuccessful applicants may request feedback to liam@aiawards.ie. However, due to the volume of applications, each judge may not be able to provide detailed feedback on every submission.

23. Are there any pre-ceremony requirements for shortlisted nominees?

Yes. Each successful nominee will be required to provide a 60–90 second video outlining their application and achievement. These videos will be shown to attendees during the awards ceremony.