Technology Innovation Award opens for 2026

Attention Research Technology Innovators! Win the recognition you deserve.

Entry to the 2026 ASC/MRS Best Technology Innovation Award opens on April 28th.

The ASC/MRS Best Technology Innovation Award is now in its 23rd year, and the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down.  Last year saw a record-breaking number of submissions, showcasing an impressive breadth of innovation across the research technology landscape. 

Top honours went to Zappi’s Innovation System, while Project Rooftop—a collaboration between Unilever and Vurvey Labs—received a special commendation. Both demonstrated how AI-powered technology can unlock efficiencies and deliver significant value to the research process.

“Last year was exceptional, with an incredibly high standard of entries,” observes AJ Johnson, ASC director and chair of the judging panel. “Our industry is fortunate to have such extraordinary talent driving technology innovation forward.”

The purpose of the award is to showcase outstanding examples of software and technology innovation, which have led to demonstrable improvements for the market, opinion or social research sectors.

The entry deadline is August 21st, with judging taking place throughout the autumn. The winner will be revealed at the MRS Awards Dinner on December 7th — always a highlight in the insight sector’s annual calendar.

If you’re developing an innovative technology product for research, keep an eye out for further announcements.

We’re excited to see what ground-breaking innovations emerge this year.

Full details and the entry form will be available after the 28 April on the awards page of the ASC website.