BERLIN:  IFA Berlin, the world's leading home and consumer technology event, has launched a new global awards programme: the IFA Innovation Awards.  These awards, set to debut at IFA 2025 in Berlin, aim to celebrate exceptional innovation, design, and market impact within the industry.

Clarion Events managing director James McGough, stated that the awards will "recognise the Best of IFA, rewarding the incredible progress being made in home and consumer technology."  He added that the initiative would help identify brands "truly shaping how we live, work and play," particularly those implementing AI and designing sustainable and accessible solutions. 

Geekspin editor in chief and jury member Helena Stone highlighted that the IFA Innovation Awards represent "the natural evolution of IFA's century-long commitment to showcasing the technologies that transform how we live, work, and connect."  She believes these awards will "spotlight the innovations that define the future of consumer technology" as IFA enters its second century. 

The new awards follow IFA's hundredth anniversary in 2024, which attracted over 215,000 visitors from 138 countries and more than 1,800 exhibitors. 

The comprehensive programme will recognise innovations across various sectors, including smart home and IoT, sustainable technology, health and wellness tech, gaming and entertainment, mobile communication, audio-visual excellence, kitchen and home appliances, and emerging technologies. Winners will receive either the official IFA "Best of category" or "Innovation Award" certification, along with full licensing rights to use the awards logo. Additional benefits include an exclusive showcase at IFA 2026's Innovation Gallery, prominent placement across IFA's global media channels, and coverage in official IFA publications and social media. 

Helena Stone affirmed that the IFA Innovation Awards are poised to "become the gold standard for consumer technology recognition in Europe and beyond," with an international jury of experts ensuring the winners represent "truly groundbreaking achievements." 

The awards are open to manufacturers, designers, engineers, start-ups, and technology companies worldwide. Eligible products must be innovative consumer technology or home appliance solutions commercially launched between 1 February 2025 and 30 April 2026, and must be available in European markets.  Applications are now open, with an independent panel of global technology experts, industry analysts, and innovation specialists overseeing the evaluation process.