The Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) today announces that its Director, David Crozier CBE, has been named a finalist in the AI Champion of the Year category at the National AI Awards 2026. The winners will be announced online on 9 June, with celebrations taking place on 10 June at The AI Summit London, the UK’s premier gathering for AI professionals and innovators.
The National AI Awards recognise the individuals, teams and organisations driving meaningful progress in artificial intelligence across the UK, spanning innovation, leadership and real-world application. The awards bring together leaders from across business, technology and investment at a time when AI adoption is accelerating rapidly.
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This recognition, within the AI Leaders category, places David Crozier among a select group of individuals shaping the future of AI through vision, influence and innovation. As Director of the AICC, he has played a central role in building Northern Ireland’s AI ecosystem, championing the adoption of Responsible AI and supporting organisations to move from exploration to practical, real-world implementation.
Under his leadership, the AICC has delivered measurable impact across Northern Ireland’s economy, supporting SMEs to adopt AI, building a pipeline of AI talent through funded postgraduate programmes, and enabling collaborative research and innovation across industry and academia.
David Crozier CBE, Director of the AICC, said:
“It’s an honour to be named a finalist for AI Champion of the Year. This national recognition reflects both the progress we’re seeing across Northern Ireland, as organisations move from exploring AI to applying it in meaningful ways, and the collective effort of the AICC team and our partners. At the AICC, we’re focused on making AI practical, accessible and responsible, ensuring organisations not only understand AI but can apply it in ways that deliver real value and long-term impact for businesses, the public sector and society.”
Fergus Bruce, CEO of The National AI Awards, said:
“We are pleased to recognise David Crozier CBE as a finalist in the National AI Awards 2026. The shortlist of finalists reflects the strength of work happening across the UK to move AI from ambition into practical impact. The diversity of entries and applications of AI have been fascinating and we expect this to only continue into 2027. This year’s finalists represent an impressively high standard of innovation, leadership and execution, and we look forward to announcing the winners and celebrating the overall achievements of the industry in June.”
For more information visit:
www.thenationalaiawards.com
