Dallas-Fort Worth is charting its own path in artificial intelligence. From applied AI to research and engineering advances, our region leads in advancing real-world solutions. Behind every breakthrough and solution are the people making it happen.

For the third year, Dallas Innovates, in partnership with the Dallas Regional Chamber, will spotlight 75 people leading AI innovation in North Texas.

These local pioneers—from startups, corporations, nonprofits, and research labs—will be revealed at an AI 75 2026 event during Convergence AI Dallas (March 30-31, 2026). The annual list of innovators will be published on Dallas Innovates.

“Dallas Innovates is a verb,” said Quincy Preston, the publication’s co-founder and editor. “Last year’s class of innovators put AI into production—improving patient care, speeding supply chains, modernizing city services, and securing infrastructure—while driving measurable gains in finance, retail, mobility, manufacturing, media, and education.”

“If you built it, deployed it, or advanced it in the lab or the field in 2025, nominate yourself or someone we should know,” Preston said.

Go here to nominate. 

AI 75 2026 builds on success

The AI 75 initiative began in 2024 when we joined forces with Dallas AI, the region’s largest nonprofit AI professional group with more than 5,000 members, and the Dallas Regional Chamber to spotlight AI innovation in North Texas. The program revealed the region’s unique strengths in artificial intelligence.

“We’re truly inspired by the incredible talent we have right here,” said Duane Dankesreiter, senior vice president of research and innovation at the Dallas Regional Chamber, during the reveal of last year’s inaugural class. “These brilliant minds are not just working on AI; they’re changing the game and shaping what’s next.”

Who should be nominated?

Being named to AI 75 2026 means recognition among the region’s most innovative minds, who are shaping the future of AI in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond. We’re seeking nominations in these seven categories:

AI Visionary: Leaders and thought leaders shaping the future of AI.
AI Maverick: Pioneers inventing novel AI technologies.
AI Transformer: Practitioners revolutionizing industries through AI adoption.
AI Champion: Community leaders and allies supporting the growth of AI.
AI Catalyst: Investors powering advancements in AI innovation.
AI Research Pioneer: Scientists and academics on the cutting edge of new AI discoveries.
AI Impact Innovator: AI for good; socially conscious AI applications.

Eligibility for AI 75 nominations

Eligible individuals are North Texans who have made significant contributions to artificial intelligence in the last 12 months, whether through groundbreaking research, innovative applications, catalytic efforts, or transformative solutions.

• Nominees must be based in North Texas, though their organizations may be headquartered elsewhere
• Contributions must be from the past 12 months.
• Previous AI 75 honorees are eligible only if they’ve taken new roles or made significant new contributions.
• Self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome
• Nominations are free and must be submitted online

How to write a strong AI 75 nomination

We’re looking for people who did meaningful work related to AI this year—and can show it. Keep your nomination clear, recent, and specific.

Focus on individual contribution (what the nominee did vs. the organization). Tell us exactly what was built, deployed, or discovered—and why it matters. We suggest covering these elements:

• Start with the nominee’s role and organization.
• Explain what they did in two or three sentences.
• List three concise impact bullets with numbers or facts.
• Tell us what’s unique about the approach or execution.
• Add two or three proof links.

What helps us evaluate quickly

• Action: What was built, shipped, validated, or published.
• Scale: Where it runs or who it touches.
• Result: Concrete numbers help more than adjectives—share the lift, savings, accuracy, or reach.
• When: Keep it within the past 12 months.
• Proof: Link to videos, papers, patents, case studies, benchmarks, pilot results, or credible media.

Pro tip: Clarity wins. Please use your own words. You’re welcome to attach press materials as background. 

Nominating someone else? Great. Tell us why their work stands out this year. You don’t need every detail—share the highlights that show impact in North Texas’ business and AI community.

To help you put your best insights forward, here’s a preview of the information you’ll need.

Preview: AI 75 2026 form

Preview sample AI 75 information below, then go here to nominate.

Preview sample AI 75 information above, then nominate for AI 75 2026 here.

North Texas has the talent, ideas, and momentum to make a lasting impact in AI. Nominate someone now—or nominate yourself—and help us recognize the people turning innovation into action.

The editors of Dallas Innovates will lead the nomination review and honoree selection process for the 2026 AI 75 program. Our program partner, the Dallas Regional Chamber, will provide strategic guidance and input on the editors’ honoree selections across award categories. Nominees will be reviewed for demonstrated excellence across key criteria, including recent AI innovations, adoption impacts, industry technological advancement, future potential, and contributions to society.

Updated November 8, 2025, with 2026 nomination information.