Greater Cleveland’s technology community came together in force for Best of Tech Day 2025, an inspiring celebration of the people, companies and organizations shaping the future of our region’s tech economy.
Nearly 300 of Cleveland’s tech leaders gathered for Best of Tech Day 2025 — and they weren’t the only voices in the mix. An AI “GPT panelist” joined the conversation virtually, underscoring just how quickly the future of technology is becoming part of today’s dialogue.
The GPT offered advice with a local twist — suggesting “AI is like a good playoff run. The sooner you start, the better your chances.” — before predicting AI could help Cleveland teams win a championship in our lifetimes.
From awe-generating displays like this to thought-provoking conversations about the future of AI, cybersecurity and tech education to an all-star panel on how AI is transforming finance, education and health care, the day was packed with insights from Cleveland’s business leaders.
Breakout sessions offered a glimpse into the innovations and challenges that will define the next decade, setting the stage for the day’s most anticipated conversation: the panel discussion on how AI is transforming industries.
Moderated by Baiju Shah, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the panel brought together leaders from healthcare, finance and the higher education and arts to share firsthand how AI is already reshaping their work.
Kathryn Heidemann, President and CEO of the Cleveland Institute of Art, reflected on the intersection of creativity and technology, emphasizing how AI is opening new possibilities for artists and educators while also raising critical questions about authenticity and human imagination.
Dave Fiser, Senior Vice President and CIO of The MetroHealth System, highlighted AI’s potential to transform patient care.
And Audrius Jucaitis, Senior Vice President of NextGen Enterprise Transformation at KeyBank, shared how AI is driving efficiency and security in financial services.
What emerged was a powerful narrative: AI is not a distant concept, but a force actively reshaping industries across Greater Cleveland – and the world. Each panelist underscored the urgency of embracing AI while thoughtfully considering its impact on people, ethics and long-term growth.
Following the panel, the spotlight shifted to the presentation of the 2025 Best of Tech Awards, celebrating 108 innovators who are building, supporting and advancing our region’s tech sector.
And the 2025 honorees are …
Companies and Organizations Embracing Technology
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Specialty Networks (now a Cardinal Health company)
Staffing Solutions Enterprises
Early Stage / Tech Start-Ups
Small to Middle Market Tech Companies
NCompas Technology Solutions Inc.
Education, Training and Accessibility
Center for Computing Education and Instructional Technologies (CSU)
Cleveland State University Center for Cybersecurity & Privacy Protection
Greater Cleveland Neighborhood Centers Association
Tech Talent Pipeline (Cleveland)
Organizations Supporting Tech Company Growth
Cleveland Institute of Art Interactive Media Lab
xLab at Weatherhead School of Management
Tech Community Groups / Ecosystem Amplifiers
Cleveland Python Meetup (ClePy)
Community Hub Inc.
OCWiC ACM-W Professional Chapter
Out In Tech (Cleveland Chapter)
Leave a Comment
Comments
0 comments on "From AI surprises to tech superstars: Meet the 2025 Best of Tech honorees"