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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.

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’s the Jury looking for?

The work should demonstrate groundbreaking creativity through the use of technology, data, or new platforms in innovative ways. 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.

The work should reflect originality, the effective use of new tools or systems, and the ability to create tangible, measurable outcomes, whether in terms of audience reach, behaviour change, or new business opportunities.

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.

VANISHING EMAILS | AMAZON WEB SERVICES | VML, LIMA | BRONZE, INNOVATION LIONS | 2024

The Categories

A. Early-Stage Technology

B. Innovation

Eligibility

Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 8 February 2024 – 10 April 2025.

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 in a position to fully demonstrate any technology entered. Concepts alone will not be permitted.

REEF RELIEF | STREAM2SEA | McCANN DEMAND, LONDON | BRONZE, INNOVATION LIONS | 2024

Previous Winners

Voice 2 Diabetes

Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix Klick Health, Toronto / KVI Brave Fund Inc / 2024

‘Voice 2 Diabetes’ is an AI-based innovation that detects type 2 diabetes through voice analysis. It’s already been effective in India and has the potential to scale to other markets, with estimated savings of $32bn on costlier diagnosis tools.

VOICE 2 DIABETES | KVI BRAVE FUND INC | KLICK HEALTH, TORONTO | GRAND PRIX, INNOVATION LIONS | 2024

Why the work won

The Innovation Jury awarded this work the Grand Prix for its inclusive and cost-effective approach, recognising how it innovatively addressed challenges while ensuring broad accessibility.

Jury member Jody Samuels Ike highlighted the significance of the project’s inclusivity, stating, "This level of inclusion and giving people agency is a trend I’d love to see more in healthcare." The work stood out for its ability to empower individuals, offering them greater control and agency over their own experiences, particularly in a field where accessibility and personalised solutions are often lacking.

By combining innovation with a thoughtful, cost-conscious strategy, the project not only made healthcare more inclusive but also demonstrated the power of creativity to drive meaningful change.

VOICE 2 DIABETES | KVI BRAVE FUND INC | KLICK HEALTH, TORONTO | GRAND PRIX, INNOVATION LIONS | 2024

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.

Entries & Judging

What are the judging criteria?

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

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 also be able to submit optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry.

All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.

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

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”.

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

AXA - THREE WORDS | AXA | PUBLICIS CONSEIL, PARIS | GOLD, INNOVATION LIONS | 2024

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 2025
  • 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