Automax.ai Wins LendingTree’s 2026 Mortgage Innovation Challenge

Platform targets a time-consuming mortgage step

Automax.ai was named the winner during LendingTree’s annual Mortgage Summit, held this week at the Knight Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nine fintech companies competed in the challenge, with each delivering a seven-minute pitch to industry judges and Summit attendees.

Founded and led by CEO Humza Ahmed, Automax.ai presented an end-to-end property appraisal platform. Instead of relying exclusively on traditional, in-person inspections, the system allows a certified data collector or homeowner to complete a guided video walkthrough of a property.

According to the company, the walkthrough captures more than 800 data points, including information about the condition and quality of flooring, ceilings and other property features. That information is then used to create a detailed 3D model that appraisers can review and verify.

Digital inspections can support appraisal decisions

Depending on loan eligibility and applicable requirements, Automax.ai says its process may support an appraisal waiver. It can also allow an appraiser to use the platform’s AI-powered tools to complete an appraisal report.

The platform gives lenders, underwriters and processors greater visibility into appraisal status throughout the process. Automax.ai reports average appraisal turnaround times of one to three days, with reports completed within 24 hours following an inspection.

The company also reports savings of approximately $50 to $100 compared with traditional appraisals. Those figures represent Automax.ai’s claims and could help reduce costs and delays in the homebuying process if the platform is used in eligible cases.

LendingTree highlights practical implementation

Challenge participants were assessed by judges and audience members using criteria that included increased conversion and originations, implementation potential, market relevance, product quality and user experience, and demo quality and salesmanship. The judging panel included Jessica Gardner, CMO of Armed Forces Bank and Academy Bank, Erin Dee, SVP and Chief Innovation Officer at BankSouth Mortgage, and Chad Smith, CEO of Envoy Mortgage.

“Automax.ai stood out for its practical approach to addressing a critical part of the mortgage process,” Will Adams, LendingTree’s Head of Sales, said in the company’s announcement. He added that the technology has the potential to reduce costs, accelerate timelines and improve the experience for lenders, borrowers and appraisers.

For mortgage users, the announcement points to a possible shift toward more digital appraisal workflows, while lenders may gain additional visibility into a key step in loan processing. LendingTree said its Innovation Challenge is intended to connect industry leaders with emerging innovators and spotlight solutions aimed at more efficient lending and a simpler, more transparent consumer experience.