This award recognises AI solutions that made a genuine difference for people delivering operationally in the past year. The award is for work that has been used in live operations, major exercises or deployments, or mission‑rehearsal settings, and that can clearly show improved outcomes for the user. The focus is on real‑world impact: helping someone make a faster decision, spot something they would otherwise have missed, or operate more safely and effectively.

Suggested areas to evidence:

The operational context and the problem being addressed

This award celebrates teams who didn’t stop at a good idea but carried it all the way through to something Defence could use or fund. It highlights the journey from early experimentation to a pilot, and then into capability. Rather than requiring a solution to have been fully adopted, the emphasis is on practical progress in the past year, collaboration and overcoming the barriers that often slow Defence adoption.

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This award recognises the partnership that in the last year best demonstrates genuine collaboration, co-creation and shared values. It is for teams who came together across organisational boundaries, whether UK Government, industry, academia or Allies, to solve a Defence problem collaboratively, making the most of organisational strengths. The focus is on teamwork, openness and a shared commitment to Defence outcomes.

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The roles each partner played and how responsibilities were shared

This award shines a light on emerging talent, whether civilian, military or reservist, who has already made a meaningful difference to Defence AI. It recognises people who in the last year have delivered at pace, supported others, acted as role models and contributed beyond what would normally be expected at their grade or rank.

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