AmSTERDAM INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS 2026

Company: Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG
Stand: 01.135

Jury comment: Chosen by the public, the Visitors’ Choice Award honours the innovation that captured the most votes worldwide. Since the announcement of the nominees, visitors have cast their votes online, leading to this winning innovation.

Company: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Stand: 10.101
Category: Sustainability & Environment

Jury comment: Essity’s “Tork Hygiene for All” initiative stood out for going beyond product innovation to address inclusivity in public washrooms. With dispensers certified under Design for All standards, alongside accessible packaging and skin-friendly formulations, the initiative aims to improve the experience for both users and cleaning professionals. The jury highlighted its potential to raise awareness and set new benchmarks for inclusivity across the sector.

Company: FacilityApps
Stand: 05.524
Category: Smart Technologies & Digitalization

Jury comments: FacilityApps was recognised for its immersive VR training platform, offering a plug-and-play, multilingual solution that overcomes language barriers in a diverse workforce. The system enhances engagement through gamified learning and improves accessibility for users with ADHD, dyslexia and language challenges. The jury noted the growing importance of digital tools in workforce development and the significant potential of this solution.

Company: DRYFT World
Stand: 01.511
Category: Workforce & Ergonomics

Jury comment: Also named overall winner, DRYFT leads this category by prioritising the wellbeing of cleaning operatives. Its ergonomic design reduces repetitive motion, lifting and fatigue, while maintaining high performance standards, demonstrating how innovation can directly improve daily working conditions.

Company: Vileda Professional
Stand: 05.307
Category: Hygiene & Health

Jury comment: Vileda Professional’s TraXero addresses an often-overlooked hygiene risk: contamination via wheels in controlled environments. By automating a traditionally labour-intensive task, the system ensures consistent, auditable cleaning while reducing physical strain. The jury recognised its wide application potential across healthcare, cleanrooms and food environments.