Trailblazing SMEs to be Honoured at Inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026

1. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore are no longer just experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI). Many are increasingly using it to transform their businesses, drive productivity, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

2. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) have jointly organised the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026 to recognise up to 30 SMEs that have harnessed AI to achieve real, measurable business outcomes, and to inspire other SMEs to follow suit. The Awards are part of the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP) and in support of Singapore's National AI Strategy (NAIS).

3. The SME AI Impact Awards ceremony will be held on 13 October 2026, in conjunction with SMEs Go Digital Day 2026, at Suntec Convention Centre. Nominations for the Awards will open on 1 June 2026 and close on 14 August 2026.

Award Categories and Verified Mark of Excellence

4. Up to 30 winners will be recognised across two categories:

• SME Innovation Excellence Award: For SMEs that have successfully developed proprietary AI solutions.
• SME Adoption Excellence Award: For SMEs that have successfully implemented ready-to-use or off-the-shelf AI solutions.

5. All winners will receive the SME AI Impact Awards Trustmark, a verified mark of excellence that boosts credibility, enhances market reputation, and gives them a competitive edge in their respective sectors. Winners will also enjoy industry recognition at the Awards ceremony, exposure on IMDA’s SMEs Go Digital platform, and publicity.

Eligibility Criteria

6. SMEs that meet the following criteria are eligible to submit their nominations on the SMEs Go Digital platform within the nomination period (1 June-14 August 2026):

• Singapore-registered company with local operations;
• At least 30% local shareholding;
• Group annual sales turnover below S$100 million, OR group employment size below 200; and
• Minimum six months of AI solution deployment with demonstrable, positive business impact.

7. SBF as the co-organiser will play an active role in driving nominations through its network of Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs), supporting the validation of nominations, and amplifying outreach and publicity efforts.

Judging

8. Entries will be assessed by a judging panel comprising representatives from IMDA, SBF, and industry partners, who bring both business and technology expertise to the evaluation process. Site visits will be conducted to observe and validate the use of AI within the nominated companies.

9. Three criteria will be used to evaluate entries:

• Impact and value-add of AI: The significance of the business challenge faced, and how effectively the AI solution addressed it.
• Measurable results: Quantifiable outcomes achieved, including productivity gains, financial benefits, and operational improvements.
• Change management and workforce impact: How the company trained staff, adapted work processes, and positioned itself for deeper AI adoption in the future.

10. The SME AI Impact Awards 2026 reflects IMDA’s commitment to building a vibrant, AI-ready business community. By recognising SMEs that have turned AI ambition into real results, the Awards aim to set a benchmark for excellence and chart the way forward for AI adoption among the broader SME community. All SMEs are encouraged to submit nominations to share their AI story and be recognised for the impact they have made.