About the Digital Darwins
Celebrating the people and projects helping humanity stay relevant in a rapidly changing AI‑driven world.
Nominate a HeroHow It All Began
On 1 May 2025, Dutch AI speaker Robbert van Empel shared a LinkedIn post listing “32 AI experts you must follow”. The post went viral—82,000+ views—and the community quickly suggested 45 more names. The overwhelming response revealed a need to recognise the voices shaping AI in the Netherlands and beyond.
Van Empel turned to ChatGPT for a name. The result: Digital Darwins—a nod to Charles Darwin’s survival‑through‑adaptation theory. In today’s digital age, staying relevant means embracing AI. The Digital Darwins celebrate the innovators helping society adapt.
Less than two weeks later, the awards programme was born, with a press release announcing open nominations. Today, Digital Darwins stands as the premier Dutch platform honouring AI excellence.
Award Categories
AI in Education
Individuals whose work leverages AI to transform learning and teaching.
AI in Government
Public-sector leaders or civil servants who’ve harnessed AI to improve services and policy.
AI Research
Researchers whose groundbreaking academic or industrial AI work has advanced the field.
AI Influencer
Individuals whose outreach has educated and inspired the public about AI.
AI Products
Stand-out AI products that deliver real value.
AI Companies
Companies whose core business revolves around AI.
AI in Marketing
Marketers who’ve used AI to design campaigns that personalise and optimise engagement.
AI in Law
Legal professionals who’ve applied AI to enhance access to justice and ensure compliance.
AI Ethics & Responsibility
Champions whose AI projects address fairness, transparency and societal impact.
AI Art
Artists or projects pushing the creative boundaries with artificial intelligence.
AI Entertainment
Innovations in entertainment and AI.
AI Books
Authors or publications that provide significant insights into AI.
How the Awards Work
1. Nomination
From 2 June 2025 until 16 June 2025, anyone can nominate an individual or organisation.
2. Expert Jury Review
A panel of independent AI experts vets each nomination for eligibility and impact.
3. Community Voting
The public votes to decide the Digital Darwin in each category. The live top‑3 per category appears on our home page.
4. International Stage
Dutch winners automatically advance to the International Digital Darwins, competing for global recognition.
Ready to Nominate?
Help us spotlight the innovators keeping humanity future‑proof. It takes less than five minutes to put forward a name.
Nominate Now