R+T Innovation Award entering a new round
Applications accepted until September 2026 / Independent jury with new chairman to assess submissions
The R+T Innovation Award is entering the next round. Companies exhibiting at R+T 2027, the world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun shading systems taking place from 15 to 19 February 2027 at Messe Stuttgart, have until 11 September 2026 to submit their innovative products and secure a coveted award.
The R+T Innovation Award has been used as a platform for showcasing the industry’s latest groundbreaking innovations since 1991 and is considered a key barometer for innovative strength and future viability. During R+T 2024, 25 companies received awards for a total of 29 products. Overall, 79 companies from 17 countries took part – a new record.
“The R+T Innovation Award is far more than just simply another prize. It is a reflection of the innovative strength of our entire industry. We are delighted to see it continued again this year and invite all companies exhibiting at R+T 2027 to submit their new ideas and make the most of this global stage,” says Sebastian Esswein, Vice President of Messe Stuttgart.
Applications accepted until September 2026
Anyone looking to participate in the R+T Innovation Award must also have confirmation that they will be exhibiting at R+T 2027 and only products launched after R+T 2024 may be submitted for consideration. The products must not be ready for series production at the time they are submitted.
Representative of developments in the industry, awards will be presented in the following categories in 2027: drives for roller shutters and sun shading systems, drives, controls and security equipment for doors/gates, outdoor sun shading systems on the façade, digital and analogue tools, building automation/smart home/app-based solutions, indoor sun shading systems, outdoor solutions, special solutions, technical textiles and doors/gates. The jury may also present special awards to entries that demonstrate, for example, a high standard of sustainability or superb design.
Applications accepted until September 2026
Anyone looking to participate in the R+T Innovation Award must also have confirmation that they will be exhibiting at R+T 2027 and only products launched after R+T 2024 may be submitted for consideration. The products must not be ready for series production at the time they are submitted.
Representative of developments in the industry, awards will be presented in the following categories in 2027: drives for roller shutters and sun shading systems, drives, controls and security equipment for doors/gates, outdoor sun shading systems on the façade, digital and analogue tools, building automation/smart home/app-based solutions, indoor sun shading systems, outdoor solutions, special solutions, technical textiles and doors/gates. The jury may also present special awards to entries that demonstrate, for example, a high standard of sustainability or superb design.
Assessment by an independent jury of experts
Entries will be assessed in two stages. An independent jury of experts comprising 20 renowned industry professionals, among them representatives of the industry associations, trade journalists and other field experts, will select the winners during the final judging phase.
The jury will be chaired for the first time by Dr. Claus Schwenzer, Honorary Chairman of the National Federation of Door and Gate Manufacturers (BVT), and Chairman of Effertz Tore GmbH in Germany’s Mönchengladbach. He follows in the footsteps of Dr. Christoph Meyer, Managing Director of the Ingenieurbüro für Bauklimatik (engineering office for building climate control), who presided over the jury for several years. Dr. Schwenzer has been involved with the Innovation Award for more than 20 years in his role as a jury member: “The submissions impressively demonstrate the major significance of R+T: committed, innovative and market-driven. Many submissions often lead to robust discussions among jury members, others leave an immediate impression with their clarity or simplicity. In the end, though, an informed and collective decision is made.”
The winning products will be on display at R+T 2027, and promoted via the official communication channels of Messe Stuttgart. They will also come under the spotlight at the trade fair and in the Online Exhibitor Directory, with visitors given every opportunity to find out more.
