EPAM Recognized as Microsoft's 2025 Partner of the Year for Azure AI Innovations

EPAM Wins 2025 Microsoft Innovate with Azure AI Platform Award

On November 13, 2025, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM) proudly announced that it has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Microsoft Innovate with Azure AI Platform Partner of the Year Award. This recognition highlights EPAM's exceptional commitment to pushing the envelope in AI innovation through Microsoft's Azure technology, particularly in developing strategic customer solutions.

The award acknowledges the ingenuity and execution of partners who excel in harnessing Microsoft technology to provide cutting-edge AI solutions. EPAM stood out among a global pool of Microsoft partners, demonstrating its remarkable ability to create impactful innovations that drive significant customer outcomes.

Dmitry Tikhomirov, VP of Technology Solutions at EPAM, expressed, “We are honored to receive this acknowledgment from Microsoft for our leadership in advancing AI innovation on Azure. Our engineering teams leverage profound technical and industry expertise, particularly in Azure technologies, to transform business challenges into scalable solutions that are effective and responsible.”

Central to EPAM's winning submission was its collaboration with Albert Heijn, the largest retailer in the Netherlands. Together with Microsoft, EPAM developed a scalable Generative AI (GenAI) platform that seamlessly integrates AI-powered features into Albert Heijn's operations. This transformative platform includes an innovative virtual assistant built into the employee app, providing store teams with instant access to critical information about products and stock levels.

This AI-driven solution significantly enhances various operational aspects—simplifying the restocking process, improving customer service quality, and streamlining employee onboarding. The collaboration illustrates Albert Heijn's commitment to leveraging AI technology to boost workforce productivity and customer satisfaction.

Wilco Brandt, CIO at Albert Heijn, articulated the impact of this collaboration, stating, “This award reflects the hard work and brilliance of the engineers at EPAM and Microsoft, who are redefining the use of AI in enhancing our customers' experiences and operational efficiencies. Together, we created a GenAI platform that not only transforms our store operations but delivers tangible value to our employees and customers.”

In addition to the Innovate with Azure AI Platform award recognition, EPAM garnered multiple accolades, including finalist distinctions in various categories such as Azure Awards Finalist and Partner Innovation Awards Finalist. These honors underscore EPAM’s consistent aim for excellence across diverse sectors, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in AI solutions and enterprise transformation.

Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer at Microsoft, congratulated the award winners, noting, “Our partners demonstrate exceptional innovation by harnessing Microsoft’s Cloud and AI platforms to deliver groundbreaking solutions. The imagination and enthusiasm across this ecosystem are truly inspiring.”

The accolades EPAM has received further establish its growing partnership with Microsoft. As a Globally Managed Enterprise Systems Integrator, EPAM's role as a Microsoft Global Systems Integrator reflects its commitment to delivering pioneering solutions on the Microsoft platform. This partnership enhances EPAM's capabilities to drive enterprise-scale transformations, leveraging its profound cloud expertise and commitment to innovative growth.

Elaina Shekhter, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at EPAM, added, “We're excited to leverage the opportunities stemming from our partnership with Microsoft. This acknowledgment as a GSI partner empowers us to help our clients unlock substantial value from their Microsoft investments, accelerating cloud adoption and fostering avenues for ongoing innovation.”

For more information about how EPAM harnesses Microsoft Azure for advanced enterprise solutions, visit EPAM's website. Explore the complete list of award recipients at Microsoft’s official site. EPAM Systems continues to lead in transforming Digital Engineering, Cloud, and AI-enabled services, ensuring client success across various industries.

About EPAM Systems
Since its inception in 1993, EPAM Systems has evolved into a global leader in digital transformation services, specializing in software engineering and consulting. The firm is dedicated to enhancing client transformation journeys by combining strategy and technology, emphasizing the adoption of AI and GenAI innovations that help organizations stay competitive in rapidly changing markets. With a strong presence across six continents, EPAM stands among the top companies in Information Technology Services, demonstrating unwavering commitment to elevating customer experiences and business outcomes.