WANTED: The Best Smart Factory Solutions 2027

Are you a software provider, software user, research institution, or educational organization? Then showcase your innovative solution at the Factory Innovation Awards 2027 online pitch! Impress the jury and the audience with your innovations and clear unique selling points. Use our platform to put your product, organization, or service in the spotlight. Boost your reputation and attract new customers, partners, and decision-makers.

Eligible participants

• Providers: Factory software producers
• Users: Companies successfully using factory software
• Research institutions: innovations in factory software
• Further training: innovative training programs and methods

Dates

• Online Info Sessions: Oct 29, 2026 – 11:00 AM CET | Nov 25, 2026 – 2:00 PM CET | Dec 17, 2026 – 11:00 AM CET
• Public Online Pitch (each participant 15 min): Feb 17, 2027 | Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 24, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027
• April 4, 2027 Award Ceremony at Hannover Messe, starting at 5:00 PM CET

Award Categories Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory

• Smart Factory in Practice – Successful Implementation of Real-World Use Cases
• Artificial Intelligence in the Factory – Best AI Application in Production and Quality Assurance
• Best IoT Solution – Innovative Connectivity of Machines, Systems, and Products
• Digital Transformation of the Factory – Holistic Digital Transformation of Processes
• Platforms for the Connected Factory – Most Impressive Smart Factory Platform or Ecosystem
• Manufacturing BI and Analytics – Exemplary Use of Data Analysis to Increase Efficiency
• MES/MOM Excellence – Outstanding Manufacturing Execution or Operations Management
• Digital Twin – Benefits and Innovation – Best Application for Simulation, Planning, and Optimization
• Intelligent Alarm and Monitoring Solutions – Effective fault management and predictive alerts
• Worker Assistance Systems – Systems that optimally support employees (e.g., AR, exoskeletons, smart glasses)
• Connectivity and Interfaces – Best practices for seamless integration of systems and machines
• Training and Continuing Education in the Smart Factory – Innovative educational programs for the digital factory
• Resilient Factory – Concepts for robust, flexible, and crisis-resistant production systems
• Sustainable Smart Factory – A model for climate and resource protection
• Cybersecurity in Production – Outstanding protection against attacks in connected factories
• Edge and Cloud Computing in Manufacturing – Optimal Use of Hybrid Infrastructures
• Automation and Robotics – Most Innovative Integration of Collaborative and Autonomous Systems
• 5G and Communication Technologies – Most Efficient Use of Modern Wireless Networks in Manufacturing
• Human-Machine Collaboration – Exemplary Collaboration Between People and Machines
• Start-up Innovation Award – Outstanding Contribution by a Young Company to the Smart Factory

About the Award

The “Factory Innovation Award” competition is one of the most prestigious smart factory software awards in Europe. An independent jury selects one overall winner per category. The competition is organized by the Berlin-based GITO Media (Organizer), LSWI at the University of Potsdam (Scientific Partner), Center for Industry 4.0 (Knowledge Partner), the trade journal FACTORY INNOVATION (Media Partner), and Hannover Messe (Event Partner).

Further Links

Winners 2026
Award Ceremony 2026
Pitch Videos 2026
Watch the Jury Live at the Pitch
Learn More About the Jury
Winners 2025 
Award Ceremony German 2025
Jury Statements 2025
Jury Questions 2025
Digital Pitch 2025

Any questions? Write us an email