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As the nation marks 250 years, MeriTalk is spotlighting the government and industry leaders driving meaningful progress in two categories for our Powering Progress Awards:

  • 5th Annual Cyber Defenders: Open to individuals who are strengthening federal cyber security technology, policy, or processes
  • 3rd Annual AI Innovators: Open to individuals who are advancing AI innovation and mission impact for the federal government

Submit a nomination using the form below.

 

Nominee Type(Required)
Award Category(Required)
In order to complete the nomination process, please email a high-res photo of the nominee (min. 3000x2500 at 300 PPI) to aihonors@meritalk.com

Save the date – We’ll celebrate the winners at MeriTalk’s Tech Tonic on May 21: https://www.meritalk.com/event/tech-tonic-may-2026/



Nominations
Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Award Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 5 p.m. EDT

Morton’s The Steakhouse
1050 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Criteria
The awards recognize winners in the following categories:
Cyber Defenders
AI Innovators
Award nominees must work in the Federal IT industry and exhibit strong leadership in Cybersecurity or AI innovation in the field.
Questions
Contact Emily Wood
(703) 883-9000 ext. 127