Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Women’s Innovations in AI

As a society in which all domains, from medicine to leisure and recreation are transformed by artificial intelligence, we need the lights shone on the minds behind the transformation. And yes, I’m talking about the brilliant women in AI. As you may know, VentureBeat has been sponsoring a competition: the 6th Annual VentureBeat Women in AI Awards.

OPENING DOORS TO RECOGNITION

In a bid to reflect a sea change towards greater inclusivity and representation, nominations are now open for what’s arguably the most significant event for women in tech in 2024: the Women in AI Awards at VB Transform. The call is out to recognise women who are not just working in artificial intelligence, but whose talent and tenacity are already shaping its future. Nominations are now open – the community needs to step up and make this happen.

CATEGORIES THAT CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND EXCELLENCE

OPENING THE STAGE FOR RESPONSIBILITY & ETHICS IN AI

This tough category includes a woman who leads in an area that’s critical for the future of responsible AI – and it’s a call for others to do the same but prioritise ethics.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: The AI Entrepreneur Award

Once again, the nominations are open for female entrepreneurs running startups that are not just prospering but making a difference to the world of AI. A willingness to embrace the uses of technology and a broad view of what constitutes a business success are the hallmarks of this award.

THE OPEN BOOK OF AI RESEARCH

The award honours a woman whose research in AI is pushing the boundaries, advancing the field, and creating new directions for exploration. Whether in academia or industry, her work is showing the way forward for the next generation.

OPENING PATHS THROUGH MENTORSHIP IN AI

This award recognises a woman who leads by example, mentoring and encouraging other women in AI. Nominees in this category are standout sharers, passing on their knowledge, guidance, and encouragement to start and build careers in AI.

THE RISING STAR: OPENING THE FUTURE OF AI

The award is intended for early-career women doing outstanding work in AI, and it’s open to all who are dedicated to fighting the gender gap and taking leadership at the start of their career. The winner will also receive a $50,000 prize.

THE OPEN ROAD TO INCLUSIVITY AND INFLUENCE

Selection for these awards is not just about accomplishments, but also about the nominees’ commitment to diversity, inclusion and positive community impact in AI. The nomination period is currently still open until 18 June – time is running out to shine the spotlight on deserving cases.

ENGAGE WITH AI'S LEADING EDGE AT VB TRANSFORM 2024

And in addition to the awards themselves, VB Transform 2024 will be the place for anyone looking to stay on top of the AI zeitgeist: ‘An epic three-day AI and transformation conference for enterprise business and technology decision-makers.’ As a VentureBeat reader, you’re invited to attend VB Transform 2024 in San Francisco this August 29–31 as an attendee. Join us and 1,000 attendees exploring the AI innovation landscape and discovering how AI is reshaping industry and society.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE OPEN IN AI?

‘Open’ as in the Women in AI Awards opens up, but it’s also ‘open’ in a wider sense – to diversity, to imagination, to the scope of what we can achieve with AI when its development is guided by inclusive values. It’s open in the sense that it opens up discussions, opportunities and accolades for those women making progress in AI who haven’t had their achievements widely recognised yet.

At its core, being open means being willing to share ideas, be exposed to new ethical limits, and fostering diversity around a technology that is reshaping our world. Today, as the doors open for the 6th Annual VentureBeat Women in AI Awards, the community must be willing to share success, follow excellent work, and recognise the women who are pushing AI forward. This is an event that should not be missed, so please don’t hesitate to nominate or promote yourself and others!

Finally, as nominations are announced for this year’s event which is so vital in acknowledging the significant contributions of women to AI – not only for those recognised but for the industry as a whole – that remains a core message: that not only are those doors opened to these deserving innovators right now but that such pathways are kept opened for women and future generations to come, so that the field continues to truly reflect that spirit of diversity, innovation and inspiration.