Analytics & AI Awards 2026

The AI Project of the Year Award recognises organisations and teams that have delivered excellence in real-world AI deployment, achieving measurable business or societal impact. This award celebrates projects that demonstrate successful implementation of AI technologies to solve meaningful challenges, drive innovation, and deliver clear, tangible outcomes.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Project Strategy & Objectives – Clear goals, strong business case, and alignment to organisational priorities.

• Innovation & AI Application – Effective and creative use of AI to solve a real-world problem or unlock new value.

• Implementation & Delivery – Quality of execution, scalability, and integration into business processes or operations.

• Impact & Value Delivered – Demonstrable benefits delivered to the business, customers, or society.

• Evidence of Success – Measurable outcomes supported by performance metrics, results, or documented impact.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Innovation Award recognises achievement in applying a progressive, analytics-based approach to solve a business challenge or create new business opportunities. This award celebrates people-, business-, or technology-led innovation where analytics sits at the core of the solution and drives meaningful impact.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Description of Challenge or Opportunity – Clear definition of the business problem addressed or opportunity identified.

• Innovative Business Solution – Explanation of the originality and distinctiveness of the solution developed.

• Analytics-Based Approach – Detail on how data, analytics, or AI underpinned the solution and informed decision-making.

• Performance Outcomes & Results – Demonstrable impact supported by measurable business results or outcomes.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Customer Insight Award recognises organisations that have successfully developed customer insight in an innovative way, delivering clear business impact. This includes projects that use analytics and data-driven approaches to better understand customer behaviour, preferences, and needs, leading to improved engagement, experiences, or commercial outcomes.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Project Strategy & Objectives – Clear objectives aligned to customer needs and organisational goals.

• Innovative Approach – Creative use of data and analytics to uncover meaningful customer insight.

• Systems/Technology – Effective use of tools, platforms, and data sources to support insight generation.

• Impact for the Business – Evidence of measurable improvements in customer outcomes, performance, or decision-making.

• Evidence of Success – Demonstrable results supported by data, metrics, or clear business outcomes.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Data for Good & Societal Impact Award recognises organisations and teams that are using data and AI to drive positive humanitarian, health, economic, or social outcomes. This award celebrates initiatives that apply advanced analytics responsibly to address real-world challenges and deliver meaningful benefits to communities and society at large.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Purpose & Social Value – A clear articulation of the societal challenge being addressed and the intended positive impact.

• Innovative Use of Data or AI – Effective and responsible application of data, analytics, or AI technologies to create solutions.

• Ethics & Responsibility – Consideration of fairness, transparency, privacy, and governance in the development and deployment of the solution.

• Collaboration & Reach – Evidence of partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and scalability of impact.

• Evidence of Impact – Demonstrable social, economic, environmental, or health outcomes supported by measurable results.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Business Value Award recognises organisations that have successfully implemented data and analytics to boost business outcomes and deliver measurable value. This award celebrates initiatives that demonstrate how analytics has enhanced performance, improved decision-making, and created tangible benefits across the organisation.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Analytics Journey – Overview of the organisation’s progress and maturity in adopting analytics.

• Challenges Before Adoption – Key barriers or limitations faced prior to implementing analytics-driven approaches.

• Analytics Approach Adopted – Description of the methods, tools, teams, or frameworks used to deliver analytics capability.

• Value Delivered – Evidence of how analytics has improved outcomes, efficiency, growth, or decision-making.

• Future Developments – Planned initiatives or investments to further enhance analytics capability and business value.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Data Leader of the Year Award recognises individuals who have provided leadership both to the data and analytics team and also within their organisation by giving the practice of analytics visibility, status, credibility and sustainability.

An individual cannot nominate themselves in this category. They must be nominated by their team, a team member, their manager or a credible third party that has had direct experience working with the nominee.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Name of individual being nominated & name of person who has nominated them

• Background of the nominated leader - key attributes, skills and experience

• The role of the leader in the organisation 

• Analytics within the organisation and how this leader has championed data driven approaches

• Evidence of strong leadership qualities

• Internal team feedback

• Why this leader should receive this award

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Data Team of the Year Award recognises the impact that teamwork has on performance, focusing on team organisation, clear definition of roles, allocation of tasks, generation and sharing of ideas, team motivation, a culture of support, open communications, problem solving and measurement methods.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Business / Organisation background

• Role of the team in delivering business/organisational value

• How this is achieved (people, process, technology)

• Business impacts

• How teamwork was effectively employed to deliver these impacts

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Practitioner of the Year award celebrates the success of Ireland’s top Analytics Practitioner and acknowledges their individual achievements in this industry.

An individual cannot nominate themselves in this category. They must be nominated by their team, a team member, their manager or a credible third party that has had direct experience working with them.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Name of individual being nominated & name of person who has nominated them.

• Evidence of life long learning.

• Demonstrate evidence of track record of success in utilising analytics.

• Evidence of commitment and passion for the profession.

• Demonstrate professional achievements and contribution in the area of Analytics.

• Excellence achieved, but not limited to, any of the following areas:

• Creativity and innovation

• Customer Focus

• Technical Ability

• Project Management

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Rising Star Award recognises emerging professionals with under five years’ experience in the data, analytics, or AI field who are already demonstrating exceptional promise. This award celebrates individuals who show strong technical ability, innovation, leadership potential, and a clear impact within their organisation or industry.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Professional Achievement – Evidence of strong performance, progression, and contribution within their role.

• Innovation & Initiative – Demonstration of creativity, problem-solving, and proactive contribution to projects or improvements.

• Technical & Analytical Capability – Strength of data, analytics, or AI skills applied effectively in real-world situations.

• Impact & Contribution – Clear examples of how their work has delivered value to a team, project, or organisation.

• Future Potential – Evidence of leadership potential, ambition, and continued growth in the field.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Employer of the Year Award recognises an organisation which creates and fosters an exceptional working environment for data talent to thrive. This can include a public or private sector organisation which places an emphasis on data talent and encourages professional development to help data professionals to meet their potential.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Quality of work undertaken in data analytics.

• Integration of analytics into the wider organisation.

• Evidence of a Data Driven culture.

• Support for Continued Professional Development and Training.

• Other initiatives.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Public Sector Project Award recognises excellence in analytics within the Public Sector and the contribution analytics makes to Irish life and society as a whole. This award category focuses on analytics projects that have helped to transform or progress functions within state, semi state or local government organisations in the interest of citizens.

The impact on society can stem from new analytical technology itself or from the innovative ways analytics is being leveraged.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Project Background and Overview

• Strategic Objectives

• Key Challenges

• Innovative Solution

• Positive Impact for Society

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Data Culture Award recognises teams that have successfully fostered an exceptional data culture within their organisations. This award celebrates initiatives that embed data-driven thinking into everyday decision-making, empower employees with data skills and access, and promote collaboration, governance, and accountability around data usage.

Awards Criteria
The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Vision & Strategy for Data Culture – A clear and defined approach to building and sustaining a data-driven organisation.

• Leadership & Engagement – Evidence of executive sponsorship, cross-functional collaboration, and employee engagement in data initiatives.

• Capability Building – Investment in data literacy, training, tools, and accessibility to enable widespread data adoption.

• Cultural & Organisational Impact – Demonstrable shifts in behaviours, decision-making, and ways of working.

• Evidence of Success – Measurable outcomes showing improved performance, innovation, efficiency, or strategic advantage as a result of the enhanced data culture.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.
Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count

The Data Transformation Award recognises projects that have successfully transformed how work is executed through the use of data, analytics, or AI technologies. This award celebrates initiatives that redesign processes, modernise operations, and embed intelligent decision-making to deliver meaningful and measurable business impact.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Transformation Vision & Strategy – A clear and compelling case for change, aligned to organisational priorities and long-term objectives.

• Innovative Application of Data or AI – Creative and effective use of data, analytics, or AI technologies to rethink and improve ways of working.

• Implementation & Change Management – Strong execution, stakeholder engagement, and adoption across teams or functions.

• Operational & Business Impact – Demonstrable improvements in efficiency, productivity, customer experience, or strategic outcomes.

• Evidence of Success – Tangible, measurable results supported by data, performance metrics, or documented outcomes.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Data in Finance / Fintech Award recognises organisations and teams that have successfully used data analytics and/or AI to deliver value within the finance sector. This award celebrates initiatives that enhance customer experience, improve risk management, strengthen compliance, drive innovation, or deliver measurable commercial outcomes through data-driven solutions.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Project Strategy & Objectives – A clear business need and defined goals aligned to financial services priorities.

• Innovative Use of Data or AI – Creative and effective application of analytics, automation, or AI to solve industry challenges.

• Systems, Security & Governance – Strong use of technology, data quality, governance, and security within a regulated environment.

• Impact for the Business or Customers – Demonstrable value delivered through improved performance, efficiency, risk reduction, or customer outcomes.

• Evidence of Success – Measurable results supported by data, metrics, or proven business impact.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.

The Data in Pharma / Healthcare Award recognises organisations and teams that have successfully used data analytics and/or AI to deliver value across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. This award celebrates initiatives that improve patient outcomes, accelerate research and development, enhance operational efficiency, or support better clinical and commercial decision-making through data-driven innovation.

Award Criteria

The following criteria will be used by our judging panel to assess applications:

• Project Strategy & Objectives – Clear goals aligned to healthcare or pharmaceutical priorities and patient needs.

• Innovative Use of Data or AI – Effective and forward-thinking application of analytics, AI, or automation to solve complex sector challenges.

• Systems, Governance & Compliance – Strong use of secure technology, data governance, and regulatory awareness in a highly sensitive environment.

• Impact for Patients, Services or the Business – Demonstrable improvements in care delivery, efficiency, safety, research, or commercial outcomes.

• Evidence of Success – Measurable results supported by data, metrics, published outcomes, or proven performance improvements.

Applicants should submit a document, containing details of your entry, no longer than 1000 words in length.

Any references, images or supporting documents are not included in the word count.