How to nominate for the ET AI Awards 2025: A step-by-step guide

The ET AI Awards 2025 represent where innovation with impact meets recognition, defining a movement to identify, celebrate, and accelerate AI excellence in India. More than just an awards programme, it recognises the builders, visionaries, and implementers transforming possibility into measurable impact. With authoritative and prestigious stature, these awards set the standard for AI excellence, offering a rigorous and inclusive platform for startups, SMEs, and enterprises alike. Nominations are open until 23 November 2025, inviting organisations to showcase breakthrough innovations across 46 diverse categories. The journey culminates in the highly anticipated awards night on 26 February 2026 in Bengaluru, where India’s foremost AI leaders, investors, and policymakers converge to spotlight the transformative work shaping the nation’s AI future. This is a celebration not just of today’s successes but of the visionary leaders who will drive India’s AI evolution tomorrow.

The best part is that the ET AI Awards 2025 has made participation simple, transparent, and inclusive. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or enterprise, nominating your work is the first step toward joining India’s foremost circle of AI innovators.

Nominate Here for ET AI Awards 2025


Step 1: Visit the official nomination page
Begin by visiting the official ET AI Awards page: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/et-ai-awards-2025. Select ‘Nominate Now’ to start your application. Nominations close on 23 November 2025, so early submission is recommended to ensure adequate review time.

Step 2: Choose your category
Select from 46 award categories across four broad sections:

• Innovation and Impact Awards – celebrating AI solutions that redefine industries;
• Functional Excellence Awards – honouring the application of AI within specific business functions;
• Leadership Awards – recognising visionaries driving AI integration;
• Special Awards – spotlighting areas such as Responsible AI, Sustainability, and AI Democratisation.

You may enter multiple categories if your organisation’s work spans distinct AI applications or sectors.

Step 3: Fill out the application
Provide detailed, verifiable information about your innovation. The application should include:

• A concise problem statement;
• The AI solution applied;
• Quantifiable impact metrics (efficiency, revenue growth, or social value);
• Evidence of scalability and ethical implementation.

Entries are evaluated strictly on measurable results, not promotional claims. Transparency strengthens your submission.

Step 4: Submit supporting documentation
Attach relevant documentation, including project reports, datasets, client testimonials, or proof-of-concept details. Supporting media that demonstrates the real-world effect of your project strengthens your case. Confidentiality of sensitive material is guaranteed under ET’s data use protocols.

Step 5: Undergo evaluation
Once submitted, your entry enters a three-phase review:

1. Initial screening by ET editors and EY, the Knowledge Partner;
2. Jury evaluation, assessing innovation depth, business value, scalability, and ethical compliance;
3. Final shortlisting for category honours.

This multilevel process ensures fairness and merit-driven recognition.

Step 6: Join the community
Shortlisted nominees receive public acknowledgment and a digital profile page hosted on economictimes.com. This profile creates lasting visibility, connecting organisations with ecosystem partners long after the ceremony.

Step 7: Prepare for Bengaluru
The Awards night on 26 February 2026 in Bengaluru is positioned to be the pinnacle of India’s annual AI calendar. It will bring together innovators, investors, and policymakers to spotlight the most impactful work shaping the nation’s AI future.

Being part of this gathering is not just about prestige. It’s about writing the next chapter of India’s AI evolution, with you as a recognised contributor.

Submit your nomination before 23 November 2025, and be counted among those redefining India’s AI landscape through innovation, integrity, and impact.

Nominate Here for ET AI Awards 2025