Award Force, the leading platform for awards management, has launched new AI tools designed specifically for awards programs worldwide, introducing a secure, privacy-first approach to artificial intelligence that operates entirely within the company's own virtual private cloud environment. The announcement comes as organizations increasingly seek AI solutions that don't compromise data security or compliance requirements.
The new AI capabilities enable awards program managers to work more efficiently while maintaining complete control over their data, with all processing occurring within Award Force's secure infrastructure rather than relying on third-party systems. According to Richard de Nys, Managing Director of Award Force, the company deliberately avoided simply adding another AI feature, instead building what he described as "a responsible foundation for the future" that supports awards managers in practical ways while protecting data integrity at every step.
Unlike many technology providers that depend on external processing, Award Force's AI tools ensure that all data remains private, fully compliant, and never leaves the Award Force environment. Clients can choose from embedded language models that never send data outside the company's systems, with every AI interaction handled securely without external data sharing, third-party access, or confidentiality compromises. This approach addresses growing industry concerns about data privacy in AI implementations.
Participation in the AI features is completely optional, requiring program managers to actively opt in before any data interacts with AI systems. Unless specifically activated, no data is shared with AI tools, ensuring total isolation for organizations not yet prepared to adopt the technology. "It's your data, and it's your choice," de Nys emphasized, noting that AI should be "a tool you invite in, not something quietly running behind the scenes." Users also have flexibility in selecting language models they trust, including options like Claude Sonnet, GPT OSS, and Qwen3, depending on their location and preferences.
The initial release features 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 the Award Force platform. Once activated, managers can automatically or manually summarize entries, generate fair feedback for entrants, support judges with contextual insights, and maintain control over when and how AI responses are generated and shared. All these interactions occur entirely within the Award Force environment, providing program managers with full flexibility and control over visibility and usage.
AI fields represent the first phase of a broader initiative by Award Force to deliver intelligent, secure AI features across its platform, with future releases planned to expand capabilities while maintaining the same principles of safety, fairness, and practicality. The development reflects increasing industry demand for AI solutions that balance technological advancement with robust data protection measures, particularly in sectors handling sensitive information. As organizations worldwide continue to navigate the complexities of AI adoption, Award Force's approach offers a model for implementing artificial intelligence without sacrificing the privacy and security standards that clients have come to expect from established technology providers.
