Award Force, the leading platform for awards management, has launched new AI tools designed with a secure, privacy-first approach for awards programs worldwide. The announcement marks a significant development in how artificial intelligence can be integrated into professional awards management while maintaining strict data protection standards.
The new AI capabilities enable awards program managers to work more efficiently and fairly without compromising the privacy, security and control that Award Force clients have traditionally relied upon. According to Richard de Nys, Managing Director of Award Force, the company set out to build a responsible foundation for the future that supports awards managers in meaningful, practical ways while protecting data integrity at every step.
Unlike many technology providers that rely on third-party processing, Award Force's AI tools operate entirely within the company's own secure virtual private cloud (VPC). This architecture ensures that all data remains private, fully compliant and never leaves the Award Force environment. Clients can choose from powerful, embedded language models that never send data outside of Award Force's environment, with every AI interaction handled securely without external data sharing, third-party access or confidentiality compromise.
Participation in the AI tools is completely optional, requiring program managers to actively opt in to enable AI functionality within their Award Force accounts. Unless specifically activated, no data is shared with any AI systems, ensuring total isolation for organizations not yet ready to adopt the technology. Users can also select the LLM models they trust, including options such as Claude Sonnet, GPT OSS, Qwen3 and others depending on location.
The first release in the AI tools suite is AI fields, a new field type that allows program managers to use natural language prompts to analyze entries, summarize content, generate consistent feedback and assist judging processes directly within Award Force. Once activated, managers can summarize or analyze entries automatically or manually, generate fair and consistent feedback for entrants, support judges with contextual insights, and control when and how AI responses are generated and shared.
All AI interactions occur entirely within the Award Force environment, giving program managers full flexibility and control over visibility and use. This approach addresses growing concerns about data privacy in AI applications while providing practical tools that can enhance the efficiency and fairness of awards programs.
AI fields represent the initial step in a broader initiative by Award Force to deliver intelligent, secure AI features across its platform. Future releases will continue to expand AI capabilities while maintaining the same guiding principles of safety, fairness and practicality. The development signals a shift toward more responsible AI implementation in business applications, particularly in sectors handling sensitive data and requiring high levels of trust and compliance.
The implications for business leaders and technology professionals are significant, as this approach demonstrates how AI can be integrated into enterprise applications without compromising data sovereignty or security. For awards programs specifically, the technology could streamline operations while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality that participants expect. The opt-in model also provides organizations with flexibility in adopting AI at their own pace, reducing barriers to implementation while maintaining control over sensitive information.
