Artificial intelligence and borrower retention took center stage as 20 tech firms competed for top honors in the Innovation Challenge at Digital Mortgage 2025.

New homeownership portals, voice agents and lead generation tools all may find their way onto mortgage technology stacks if they are not already there.

The annual contest isn't just a showcase, it's a proving ground, with industry veterans judging entrants on both polish and market impact.

Serving as judges were Julian Hebron, founder of The Basis Point; Jonathan Kunkle, vice president, sales engagement — West for Freddie Mac; and John Wines, chief strategy officer at Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group. Overseeing the proceedings was Will Adams, senior vice president, head of sales at Lendingtree, sponsor of the Innovation Challenge and provider of a $10,000 grand prize awarded to the winner. 

Scroll ahead to see the digital tools that caught the judges' attention — including the winning entry — along with the rest of the standout competitors.