Innovation Lions

The Innovation Lions celebrate ground-breaking innovation, technology and problem-solving ideas that turn imagination into impactful reality.

Introduction

The history of the Innovation Lions

The Innovation Lions were introduced to the Cannes Lions Festival in 2013 to recognise and celebrate groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of creativity and technology within the creative marketing space.

Over the years, it evolved to encompass a wide range of work, from pioneering digital tools and creative use of tech to game-changing product innovations and experiential campaigns. In 2024, the Award was updated to become a more holistic home for innovation. This update saw an increased focus on societal, environmental and fintech-led innovation as well as product and brand-led innovation.

The Innovation Lions continue to highlight the growing intersection of creativity, technology, and problem-solving, showcasing how innovation can transform industries and redefine the future of brand communication.

Guidelines to Entering

What kind of work can be entered?

Tools, products, models, platforms and other forms of adtech, as well as creative campaigns utilising new technology.

Technology entered may be at prototype/pre-production stage. Pre-development ideas/concepts are not eligible. Entrants must be in a position to fully demonstrate the technology.

What are the judging criteria?

The main criteria considered during judging will be the idea, the execution and the impact.

Eligibility

Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 06 February 2025 - 09 April 2026.

Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?

The same piece of work may be entered in section A or B, not both.

  • Work can be entered up to two times in section ‘B. Innovation'. However, the same piece of work may only be entered once in ‘A. Early-Stage Technology’.
  • Work entered into 'A01. Early-Stage Technology' may be at prototype/pre-production stage.

Entrants in all categories must be able to fully demonstrate any technology entered. Concepts alone will not be permitted.

Presentation in Cannes

Shortlisted entrants will be required to present their work to the Jury in Cannes. These are live presentations with an audience that include a Q&A session where entrants will be expected to answer questions from the Jury.

What do I need to provide with my entry?

To enter, you’ll need to complete an online entry form, which can be found on the Cannes Lions entry site. In the ‘Written Explanation’ section, you’ll be asked to provide the Jury with everything they need to know about your work.

You'll be required provide proof of impact, supported by verifiable evidence, this information will not be shared with the Jury, but will be used to verify claims made in your entry materials. You'll also be required to provide details of a senior executive from both the brand and the entrant company (CEO, CMO or equivalent) who can formally approve the submission.

Optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry can also be uploaded.

Subtitles are highly recommended on all case films, films, demo films and original content.

Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on our Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.

More information on the rules for entry can be found on the Summary of Key Rules for Entering and the handbook for our new Integrity Standards can be found on the Integrity Standards.

What if I don’t have all the details right away?

Don’t worry – you can fill in the form in any order and save your progress at any time while it’s still in the pending stage. However, please only check out when your entry is 100% complete as no changes can be made to your entry once you’ve clicked “Submit” and “Checkout”.

Entry Tips

What’s the Jury looking for?

Groundbreaking creativity. Projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible, showcasing how emerging technologies and innovative solutions can be harnessed to solve complex problems, create new consumer experiences or redefine industry norms.

  • A strong insight, impressive execution and real results that link back to the objective
  • Considered strategy, thoughtfully designed at every touchpoint

Tips from the Jury

  • Determine the most impressive part of your campaign and find a category that showcases it
  • Provide tangible results that demonstrate impact
  • Remember the Jury are from all over the world, so provide context throughout your entry to ensure they understand the significance of your results and the relevance of your insight
  • The Jury look at hundreds of pieces of work, use storytelling in the written submission and case film to help your work stand out

Inside the Jury Room: Innovation Lions

To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.

The Categories

A. Early-Stage Technology

BABY MINDER | EUROFARMA | OGILVY HEALTH, NEW YORK | SILVER LION, INNOVATION LIONS | 2025

B. Innovation

SOUNDS RIGHT | MUSEUM FOR THE UNITED NATIONS - UN LIVE, SPOTIFY | AKQA, COPENHAGEN | GRAND PRIX, INNOVATION LIONS | 2025

The Written Submission

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.

To start your entry to the Innovation Lions, go to our Awards page.

The Jury will refer to the written explanation you provide throughout the judging process. Our advice is to provide as much relevant detail as possible.

When answering the following questions keep the main element you’re trying to celebrate in mind (e.g. the storytelling, the strategy, the craft, the use of data).

The bullet points under each question are prompts designed to guide your thinking, based on the factors the jury will be considering when reviewing your work. You might not need to use them all, and that’s totally fine. They’re there to help you consider what’s most important in your work.

Questions

Contact us

Everything you need to know to enter

For more detailed information on how to use the entry site, craft a compelling submission or submit your work we have a whole range of resources.

From Entry Guides that give you a step-by-step overview of the entire process to the Entry Kits that provide all the detailed rules and requirements for each and every category.

Information and advice on how to enter

We are here to help

As Awards Experts, we know the Lions inside out. We can help with:

  • Sharing the updates to the Awards for 2026
  • Offering best-practice advice on how to craft a compelling entry
  • Discussing your work and relevant categories
  • Scheduling regular catch-ups to answer any questions that arise throughout the entry process.

Whether you have a specific query or would like expert advice, get in touch today.

Email: awards@canneslions.com Helpline: +44 0 20 7046 1155