Utah is launching the Pro-Human AI Elevation Awards to recognize companies using artificial intelligence in ways that deliver meaningful, measurable benefits for people. The awards will spotlight businesses that are not simply adopting AI, but using it to strengthen their workforce, improve communities and solve significant problems.
The Big Picture
As AI becomes more common across the economy, Utah leaders want the state to stand out for an approach that keeps people at the center of innovation.
The Elevation Awards grew out of conversations with business, higher education and state leaders about Utah’s Pro-Human AI initiative. The goal is to celebrate companies that are using AI to enhance human capabilities, improve lives and demonstrate that innovation and accountability can advance together.
The awards also give Utah an opportunity to share those success stories beyond the state and show how businesses can embrace AI while remaining focused on positive outcomes for people.
What’s Happening
Utah is accepting nominations from businesses of all sizes, from early-stage startups to established companies. A business may nominate itself, and individuals may nominate another company they believe is doing exceptional work.
The awards include three categories:
- Workforce Elevation: Recognizing companies that use AI to help employees build skills, work more effectively and take on greater opportunities—rather than treating the technology only as a way to reduce costs or eliminate jobs.
- Community Advancement: Honoring companies that use AI to expand access, address community needs and improve people’s lives in areas where resources or opportunities may have previously been limited.
- Pro-Human Breakthrough: Celebrating significant innovations that use AI to tackle major challenges in fields such as health care, life sciences, water, energy or air quality.
A review committee will evaluate the nominations using published criteria. Winners will be announced and recognized at the Utah AI Summit in December.
Why It Matters
Public discussion about AI often focuses on disruption, job displacement and risk. The Elevation Awards are designed to broaden that conversation by identifying real examples of AI being used as a tool for good.
For workers, that could mean training, upskilling and support that help people succeed as technology changes their jobs. For communities, it could mean better access to information and services. For entire industries, it could mean breakthroughs that would not have been possible without AI.
The awards also make room for companies at every stage. A small Utah startup has the same opportunity to compete as a large business, provided it can demonstrate that its work is real and its impact is meaningful.
The Bottom Line
Utah wants to recognize businesses that are proving AI can be human-enabling and human-enhancing—not simply efficient.
Companies must be able to show that they have put their ideas into practice and produced tangible results. Businesses can nominate themselves, and members of the public can nominate companies whose work deserves recognition.
To learn more about the Pro-Human AI Elevation Awards, submit a nomination or register for the Utah AI Summit, visit https://prohumanai.utah.gov/elevation-awards/