The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) has unveiled the finalists for the 2026 State IT Recognition Awards this week. These awards celebrate innovation and excellence in technology within state governments.
NASCIO highlighted that the submissions reflected a wide range of creative uses for technology to solve important business challenges. The innovations aim to help connect citizens with their government more seamlessly, enhance operational processes, and create new opportunities that can improve people’s lives.
This year, NASCIO has chosen 31 finalists from nearly 140 entries submitted by states and territories. A dedicated panel of over 55 NASCIO members volunteered as judges. The categories for the 2026 awards include key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, enterprise technology management, and operational efficiency.
The winners will be announced during the awards dinner at the NASCIO 2026 Annual Conference, which will take place at the end of the month in San Diego.
Here are some of the finalists in various categories:
Artificial Intelligence
- California: Generating AI solutions for efficient transportation management.
- Indiana: “Ask Indiana,” a generative chatbot aimed at saving citizens’ time.
- Missouri: Using AI to modernize agricultural grant reviews.
Cross-Boundary Collaboration
- Connecticut: Implementing data-driven justice reform.
- Florida: Integrating background screening with educational resources.
- Texas: A multi-agency search engine to enhance public safety.
Cybersecurity
- Kansas: Establishing a comprehensive state information security office.
- Michigan: Offering cybersecurity training and awareness through MiLogin.
- Ohio: Revamping state cybersecurity operations.
Data Management, Analytics & Visualization
- Massachusetts: Developing a studio for data product creation.
- Ohio: Collaborative efforts in enterprise data management.
- Utah: Establishing a feedback system to improve government services.
Digital Experience: Agency/Program Solutions
- Colorado: Launching an energy savings navigator.
- Minnesota: Providing digital services for paid leave during critical life events.
- Utah: Modernizing the international document authentication process.
Digital Experience: Enterprise Solutions
- Oregon: Creating the Oregon Routing Information Online (ORION).
- Puerto Rico: Innovating transportation services for citizens.
- Texas: Modernizing family services through a user-friendly platform.
- Utah: Enhancing connections with residents through MyUtah.
Enterprise Technology Management
- Hawaii: Using AI to improve IT investment decisions.
- Minnesota: Protecting technology investments with CloudRAMP.
- Pennsylvania: Modernizing contact center operations.
Information & Communications Technology
- Illinois: Enhancing safety measures for blind students.
- Pennsylvania: Optimizing digital experience on PA.gov.
- Puerto Rico: Developing an alerts portal for critical information dissemination.
Operational Efficiency
- Indiana: Launching a program for data-driven insights.
- Minnesota: Creating a direct admissions platform for students.
- Ohio: Leveraging AI to drive cloud innovations across the state.
State CIO Office Special Recognition
- California: The DROP platform for request and opt-out services.
- Minnesota: The Technology Modernization Fund driving innovation.
- Utah: Establishing a state-endorsed digital identity for residents.
These finalists represent a commitment to advancing technology in state services and exemplify how innovation can positively impact the lives of citizens across the country.
