THE FAQS
AND RULES


We keep things simple. So here are the basics.

All work must be original. In the advertising categories, the project must be commissioned by the brand featured.


Entries must include meaningful use of generative video.

FAQS

Here are the most frequently asked questions.

ELIGIBILITY & ENTRIES

Anyone involved in making the work. That means creators, agency teams, technologists or freelancers. You can enter as an individual or a group. Global submissions are welcome.

Yes. You can enter as many categories as you like. Each entry must meet the criteria and be submitted separately.

No. All entries must have been released or completed during the 2025 calendar year.

Yes. You’ll be asked to nominate a ‘captain’ (ie the person responsible for submitting and handling any follow-up). Just make sure you have the right to submit the work and that key contributors are credited.

No. The winners will be announced live on stage. And if you want to come, we’d love to see you.

AI & TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Any AI-generated moving visuals or backgrounds are acceptable. Bionic is platform-neutral so you may use any tools, including Runway, Pika, Sora, Google Veo, or custom models. However, the generative video elements must be visible and creatively relevant.

All entries must include some use of generative video even if the focus is on storytelling or audio. The only exceptions are ‘Most Creative Influencer’ and ‘Best UK Creator’ which have their own rules.

That’s fine. Hybrid workflows are welcome but you must explain how the generative AI was used.

Yes. Tell us in the supporting notes what AI tools were used and how they contributed to the final result.

Still fine. Just describe what you used. We don’t penalise based on tool availability.

CATEGORIES & FORMATS

This depends on the type of master category. Advertising is up to 2 mins whereas The Experimental or Technical categories are both up to 10 mins.

Yes. The best use of sound or music in a short film or ad is your category. However, all Bionic Awards must still include some generative visuals. If you used AI for any moving images or effects, you’re golden.

That’s eligible, especially in categories like best pilot. Just submit one episode or a highlights reel (max 10 mins).

Yes. See best creator x brand film or best use of AI by an influencer category. Just make sure it includes at least some generative visuals or backgrounds.

Yes but only in the experimental categories. The creator-led entries must feature human influencers onscreen.

Upload a private video link (YouTube, Vimeo) and complete the short entry form and supporting notes. You’ll also be asked to describe your AI process.

No. Entries are final once submitted.

FEES, JUDGING & RESULTS

Yes A small entry fee helps cover the costs of running the awards. We deliberately keep this low. See pricing.

Not currently because The Bionic Awards are already designed to be affordable to everyone.

By our panel of expert creatives, technologists, and media professionals. Work is judged on the criteria set out within each category. Put simply, it’s originality, creative execution, and the role that AI plays.

No. Unfortunately Bionic can’t provide feedback on individual entries.

You’ll be contacted directly. Your film will be screened at the live event and listed publicly.

You do. Bionic will never claim ownership. By submitting, you grant us permission to screen your film and use stills or clips for promotion.

THE EVENT

5th March 2025, London

Yes. Selected entries will be screened live. This is a showcase, not just a trophy handout.

Yes, anyone can come to the awards, tickets will go on sale later in the year.

FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

The Bionic Awards 2025 celebrate creative excellence in advertising and experimental film projects that showcase artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. These awards are organised and operated by Bionic Tribes Ltd (the "Organiser") trading as The Bionic Awards.

Eligibility & General Rules

  • Open to individual creators, teams, and agencies worldwide, except where prohibited by UK sanctions (eg Russia, Iran, or North Korea).
  • Entrants must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of granting the rights required.
  • Entries must be original, with all content properly cleared and licensed.
  • Entries that are racist, hateful, discriminatory, or offensive will be disqualified. 
  • All entries must include some clear and meaningful use of generative video within the final film.
  • By entering, you confirm that all key contributors are properly credited. If submitting on behalf of a client or team, you must be authorised to do so.

Entry Rules

  • A single individual (ie "Project Captain") must submit each entry.
  • One entry per film per category. Duplicate entries of the same film in the same category may be disqualified.
  • Entries may not be withdrawn after submission except in exceptional circumstances (eg rights issues). Contact the organisers immediately if this occurs.
  • Bionic Awards reserves the right to reassign entries to more appropriate categories.
  • Films must adhere to runtime and eligibility requirements.
  • Entries with upheld complaints by UK advertising, broadcast, or online standards bodies (eg ASA or Ofcom) may be disqualified at the organisers discretion.
  • Films having their festival premiere must be flagged in the entry form. This will be factored into judging.
  • Entries not in English must include embedded English subtitles.
  • The organiser may disqualify entries that breach these rules or ethical standards at any stage. 
  • The organiser may use stills or short clips from shortlisted entries for promotional purposes.*

*If you highlight that an entry is a premiere, no clips will be shown prior to the Bionic Awards night.

Submission Requirements

The Project Captain is responsible for ensuring that all required information is submitted via the official entry form, including project details, credits, supporting notes, and a valid video link.

If shortlisted, entrants may be asked to supply a high-resolution version suitable for cinema projection (eg no watermarks). The organiser will contact selected entrants directly with any technical requirements.

Full submission requirements are outlined on the website entry platform.

Categories

Award categories are published on the Bionic Awards website and may be amended at any time at the organiser’s discretion. This includes the right to rename, merge, add, or remove categories. Where changes occur after an entry has been submitted, the organiser will reassign the entry to the most appropriate remaining category.

Submission Timeline

  • Platform opens: 15 October 2025
  • Final deadline: 30 December 2025
  • Shortlist announced: January 2026
  • Awards night: 5 March 2026 (London)

Pricing: 

  • Advertising categories: £40
  • Experimental/Craft categories: £20

All prices are shown in GBP.

Judging process

Entries will be assessed by a panel of industry experts chosen by Bionic. Decisions will be based primarily on the submitted film. Supporting notes may also be considered at the jury’s discretion.

Judging criteria include creative originality, craft, audience impact, and the meaningful use of AI.

All decisions are final and not subject to appeal. No correspondence will be entered into.

Legal & Rights

By submitting, you confirm that:

  • You hold all necessary rights and permissions to submit the work
  • Your entry does not infringe on any third-party rights
  • You grant Bionic Tribes Ltd a non-exclusive right to use stills or short clips for promotional purposes (e.g. awards reel, website, press)
  • You retain full ownership of your work 
  • The organiser is not liable for any disputes between collaborators, or between entrants and clients or brand partners

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These terms are governed by the laws of the United Kingdom (specifically, England and Wales). Any disputes arising in connection with the Bionic Awards will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Contact

For any questions regarding entries, email: hello@bionicawards.com