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SAP Innovation Awards 2026

Organizations innovating with purpose and achieving meaningful outcomes with SAP technologies.
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About the Innovation Awards

​For 13 years, the SAP Innovation Awards have celebrated organizations that have turned transformation into reality by using SAP’s cloud and AI technologies to take on real-world challenges and deliver results that matter. The annual program honors those who act with purpose and turn innovation into a reality ─ a reality that not only benefits themselves, but other businesses, communities, and even individuals around the world.

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How to enter

Take the eligibility self-assessment

​Use the online tool to check your submission eligibility before you start developing your innovation story.

Check eligibility 

Prepare your innovation story

​Craft a compelling, well-structured entry using the innovation story template. You can refine your story until the submission deadline.

Submit before Jan 20, 2026 to opt-in for a quality review by our writing experts.

Innovation story template 

Submit your entry

​Use the link below to complete the entry form and upload your innovation story in PDF format.

Submit entry 
SAP Innovation Awards News

Stay informed with the latest news on the SAP Innovation Awards.

Learn more

Award benefits

Recognition

​Showcase your company’s innovation on a global stage and be seen as a leader making a real impact in your industry and beyond.

Testimonials from previous winners

Celebration

​Win an exclusive trophy, as well as a complimentary pass to SAP Sapphire Orlando/Madrid or a US$1,000 Global Giving donation voucher.

Learn about Global Giving

Amplification

​Amplify your story through SAP channels, media coverage, and thought leadership opportunities.

Blogs from previous winners

Award categories

​For 2026, there are 16 total categories for innovators. Participants will be entered into two categories:

​Participants will select 1 of the following 11 to best describe their submitted transformation:

AI Excellence

SAP customers who are harnessing SAP Business AI to transform operations, elevate efficiency, and shape the future of work through intelligent automation and smarter processes with Joule, SAP AI Core, SAP AI Launchpad, and any SAP Business AI functionality embedded in SAP solutions.

Cloud ERP Champion

​SAP customers who embrace SAP Cloud ERP to transform, future-proof, and unlock new avenues for growth and innovation. Solutions include SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition and SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.

Customer Experience Innovator

​SAP customers who have transformed their businesses with cloud technologies, creating standout experiences that delight customers and fuel growth. Solutions include SAP Commerce Cloud, SAP Emarsys, SAP Sales Cloud, SAP Service Cloud, etc.

Financial Futurist

​SAP customers who are leveraging SAP Finance solutions to revolutionize financial processes to deliver new business models, optimize working capital, increase efficiency, and reduce risk. Solutions include S/4HANA Finance, Quote-to-Cash Management, etc.

People Experience Pioneer

SAP customers who are reimagining the employee journey through AI-enabled, cloud-powered transformation, crafting exceptional experiences that inspire and empower their workforce. Solutions include SAP SuccessFactors, etc.

Procurement Visionary

​SAP customers who are leveraging SAP Spend Management solutions to automate procurement processes and actively manage indirect and direct spend for better control, greater value, more savings, and operational efficiencies. Solutions include SAP Ariba, SAP Concur, SAP Fieldglass, etc.

Services Superstar

​SAP cloud customers who have leveraged SAP Services to accelerate their business goals by enabling organizational learning, increasing user adoption, enhancing productivity, and maximizing the overall value of their SAP solutions. Solutions include SAP ActiveAttention, SAP MaxAttention, SAP Preferred Success, SAP Value Assurance, SAP Enterprise Support, etc.

Sustainability Hero

SAP customers who are harnessing SAP Sustainability and the power of connected apps, data, and AI for improved efficiency, streamlined compliance, and business growth for a sustainable and resilient future. Solutions include SAP Green Ledger, SAP Green Token, SAP Responsible Design and Production, SAP Sustainability Control Tower, SAP Sustainability Footprint Management, SAP S/4HANA for Product Compliance, etc.

Supply Chain Catalyst

SAP customers who are using SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM) solutions to build strong, well-orchestrated supply chains. With SAP SCM solutions, companies can realize increased visibility across their supply chains, improved efficiency and compliance with regulations, and ensure customer satisfaction. Solutions include Integrated Business Planning, Digital Manufacturing, Transportation Management, and SAP Business Network.

Technology Pathfinder

​SAP customers who have implemented one or more SAP Business Technology Platform solutions to solve a business problem or unlock an innovative use case that results in a positive, measurable impact on the community or society. Solutions include SAP Build, SAP Integration Suite, SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Master Data Governance, SAP Datasphere, SAP Business Data Cloud, etc.

Transformation Impact

​SAP customers who are leveraging SAP Signavio, SAP LeanIX, and WalkMe to generate business value and strengthen their transformation capabilities. These organizations are consistently advancing critical dimensions—such as processes, applications, people, and data—to ensure they remain resilient and well-prepared for the future.

​The “Industry Leader” category: all entries are automatically considered for this category and grouped based on their industry:

Consumer Industries

  • ​Agribusiness

  • Consumer Products

  • Profit-based Healthcare

  • Life Sciences

  • Retail

  • Wholesale Distribution

Discrete Industries

  • ​Aerospace and Defense

  • Automotive

  • High Tech

  • Industrial Manufacturing

Energy & Natural Resources

  • ​Chemicals

  • Mill Products

  • Mining

  • Oil Gas & Energy

  • Utilities

Public Services

  • ​Defense and Security

  • Education and Research

  • Non-profit Healthcare

  • Public Sector (includes NGOs and other non-profits (e.g., Red Cross, UN Food Program, Girl Scouts, etc.)

Service and Financial Services Industries

  • ​Banking

  • Engineering Construction and Operations

  • Insurance

  • Media

  • Professional Services

  • Sports and Entertainment

  • Telecommunications

  • Travel and Transportation

Award timeline

Learn about important dates for this year’s awards.

Entry submissions

October 20, 2025 to February 20, 2026

Judging period

February 20 to April 3, 2026

Finalists announcement

April 7, 2026

Winners announcement

April 14, 2026

Judging criteria

Judges will review and score the entries to select the finalists and winners based on a set of specific criteria, which include:

Use case creativity: 

  • How compelling and disruptive is the use case?

  • Does it involve a big idea and innovative approaches?

  • Can it drive significant change?  

 

Outcome: 

  • How compelling are the results?

  • What is the impact on individuals and society?

  • Does it show how the customer solved a business problem within the context of their industry?  

 

Innovation: 

  • Is it applying a range of SAP solutions to form agile, integrated, digitized business processes to become more customer-focused, resilient, profitable, and sustainable?

  • Were SAP solutions used in unique ways to support new business models, connections, or industry convergence?  

2025 champions

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2024 champions

True stories. Real challenges. Impressive outcomes. Browse the 2024 SAP Innovation Awards winners, finalists, and outstanding achievers below.

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SAP Innovation Awards newsletter

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Other SAP awards programs

Explore SAP’s many prestigious recognition programs for customers and partners, including awards dedicated to specific regions and products.

Customer Success Awards for SAP UKI

The Customer Success Awards for SAP UKI honor customers using SAP products to transform their businesses and create a positive economic, environmental, or social impact in the region.

Learn more 

SAP ACE Awards

In conjunction with INDUS (SAP’s India User Group), the SAP ACE Awards celebrate organisations that demonstrate significant business impact using SAP technology and solutions.

Learn more 

SAP Best Tech Awards

The SAP Best Tech Awards celebrate the achievements of the top companies in Australia and New Zealand that use SAP products to turn insight into action, drive innovation, and transform their businesses.

Learn more 

Concur Innovation Awards

The SAP Concur Innovation Awards celebrate global stories of innovation, focusing on how customers and partners are improving their business processes with SAP Concur solutions.

Learn more 

SAP Customer Excellence Awards for SEA

The SAP Customer Excellence Awards for Southeast Asia (SEA) commemorate organizations that use cloud solutions from SAP to drive business innovation throughout the region.

Learn more 

SAP Heroes

The SAP Heroes program honors businesses that drive innovation and success with SAP technology and solutions, excelling in their fields and leading impactful go-lives.

Learn more 

SAP Pinnacle Awards

The SAP Pinnacle Awards showcase top-performing partners who demonstrate their ability to understand customer business needs and deliver unmatched value using SAP technology.

Learn more 

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the SAP Innovation Awards program.

The SAP Innovation Awards celebrate customers who are turning transformation into reality by using SAP’s cloud and AI technologies to take on real-world challenges and deliver results that matter. It’s our way of shining a light on the people and teams behind the breakthroughs. Winners and finalists get the chance to share their stories with the world, get recognized for their impact, and inspire others across industries and communities.

We have made several changes, including:

1.      Submissions close date February 20, 2026.

2.      Empowering our customers to choose the award category they align with.

3.      Renamed our template from “pitch deck” to “innovation story”.

4.      Enhancing the eligibility process to provide a quick assessment for your story (To access the assessment tool, click here.)

5.      For 2026, we have 16 total categories for innovators. Participants will be entered into two categories:

a.      The “Industry Leader” category: all entries are automatically considered for this category and grouped based on their industry:

Industry Leader – Consumer Industries

Industry Leader – Discrete Industries

Industry Leader – Energy & Natural Resources

Industry Leader – Public Services

Industry Leader – Service and Financial Services Industries

b.      Participants will select one of the following to best describe their submitted transformation:

AI Excellence
SAP customers who are harnessing SAP Business AI to transform operations, elevate efficiency, and shape the future of work through intelligent automation and smarter processes with Joule, SAP AI Core, SAP AI Launchpad, and any SAP Business AI functionality embedded in SAP solutions.

Industry Leader
SAP customers who use multiple SAP solutions to drive innovation. This may include reinventing business or industry models, streamlining operations, engaging customers, or serving constituents in new ways – collaborating across ecosystems and creating meaningful societal or environmental impact.

Cloud ERP Champion
SAP customers who embrace SAP Cloud ERP to transform, future-proof, and unlock new avenues for growth and innovation. Solutions include SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition and SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition.

Customer Experience Innovator
SAP customers who have transformed their businesses with cloud technologies, creating standout experiences that delight customers and fuel growth. Solutions include SAP Commerce Cloud, SAP Emarsys, SAP Sales Cloud, SAP Service Cloud, etc.

Financial Futurist
SAP customers who are leveraging SAP Finance solutions to revolutionize financial processes to deliver new business models, optimize working capital, increase efficiency, and reduce risk. Solutions include S/4HANA Finance, Quote-to-Cash Management, etc.

People Experience Pioneer
SAP customers who are reimagining the employee journey through AI-enabled, cloud-powered transformation, crafting exceptional experiences that inspire and empower their workforce. Solutions include SAP SuccessFactors, etc.

Procurement Visionary
SAP customers who are leveraging SAP Spend Management solutions to automate procurement processes and actively manage indirect and direct spend for better control, greater value, more savings, and operational efficiencies. Solutions include SAP Ariba, SAP Concur, SAP Fieldglass, etc.

Services Superstar
SAP cloud customers who have leveraged SAP Services to accelerate their business goals by enabling organizational learning, increasing user adoption, enhancing productivity, and maximizing the overall value of their SAP solutions. Solutions include SAP ActiveAttention, SAP MaxAttention, SAP Preferred Success, SAP Value Assurance, SAP Enterprise Support, etc.

Sustainability Hero
SAP customers who are harnessing SAP Sustainability and the power of connected apps, data, and AI for improved efficiency, streamlined compliance, and business growth for a sustainable and resilient future. Solutions include SAP Green Ledger, SAP Green Token, SAP Responsible Design and Production, SAP Sustainability Control Tower, SAP Sustainability Footprint Management, SAP S/4HANA for Product Compliance, etc.

Supply Chain Catalyst
SAP customers who are using SAP Supply Chain Management (SCM) solutions to build strong, well-orchestrated supply chains. With SAP SCM solutions, companies can realize increased visibility across their supply chains, improved efficiency and compliance with regulations, and ensure customer satisfaction. Solutions include Integrated Business Planning, Digital Manufacturing, Transportation Management, and SAP Business Network.

Technology Pathfinder
SAP customers who have implemented one or more SAP Business Technology Platform solutions to solve a business problem or unlock an innovative use case that results in a positive, measurable impact on the community or society. Solutions include SAP Build, SAP Integration Suite, SAP HANA Cloud, SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Master Data Governance, SAP Datasphere, SAP Business Data Cloud, etc.

Transformation Impact
SAP customers who are leveraging SAP Signavio, SAP LeanIX, and WalkMe to generate business value and strengthen their transformation capabilities. These organizations are consistently advancing critical dimensions—such as processes, applications, people, and data—to ensure they remain resilient and well-prepared for the future.



Please note that for 2026, the SAP Innovation Awards will no longer recognize the Partner Paragon category. Details surrounding partner recognition can be found on the SAP Partner Portal with more updates to follow shortly.

 

6.      Celebrating the career-defining achievements of the winners and finalists by inviting them to the SAP Innovation Awards Reception. This prestigious event at Sapphire Orlando or Madrid offers an excellent platform for them to share true stories, real challenges, and impressive outcomes. The reception is a great networking opportunity and a chance to celebrate everyone’s success.

 

7.      Finalist Entries in each Entry Category who plan to attend SAP Sapphire will receive one (1) ticket to SAP Sapphire Orlando or Madrid (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) USD $2,900).

 

8.      Winning entrants may select one (1) ticket to SAP Sapphire Orlando or Madrid (Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) USD $2,900) or donate USD $1,000 to a charity of their choice through Global Giving. If no one representing a winning Entry is planning to attend SAP Sapphire Orlando or Madrid, the ticket will not be given to that winning Entry, and the Winning Entry may elect to donate to a charity of their choice through Global Giving.

  • October 20, 2025: Submissions open

  • February 20, 2026: Submissions close

  • April 7, 2026: Finalists announced

  • April 14, 2026: Winners announced

  1. All SAP Customers who deployed SAP solutions as a core part of their innovation.
  2. Deployments must be live (no proof of concepts.)
  3. Participants from non-eligible countries can still be recognized as winners and receive a trophy but are not eligible to win any of the prizes.
  4. Please use the self-assessment tool to check your eligibility.
  5. It should be noted that for 2026, the SAP Innovation Awards will no longer recognize the Partner Paragon category. Details surrounding partner recognition can be found on the SAP Partner Portal with more updates to follow shortly.

Participants from all countries are eligible to enter the Innovation Awards. Participants from non-eligible countries can still be recognized as winners and receive a trophy but are not eligible to win any of the prizes.

 

The following countries are eligible for the monetary prizes in the 2026 SAP Innovation Awards: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada (excluding Quebec), Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Kazakhstan, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Venezuela.

 

Note: Every year the Innovation Awards team works with SAP’s legal counsel to expand the list of eligible countries, i.e., verify local laws governing contests. The application that is the subject of the entry must be deployed in an Eligible Country or has been developed and intended to be sold and used by customers in an Eligible Country to be eligible for the monetary prizes.

Each winner will receive a trophy and a complimentary pass to attend SAP Sapphire Orlando or Madrid 2026, our company’s signature and largest event that showcases the cutting-edge advancements in business and technology innovation. SAP Sapphire is a highly anticipated gathering that offers unparalleled opportunities for networking and learning.

 

Alternatively, winners have the option to choose a $1,000 Global Giving donation voucher, allowing them to make a positive impact in their chosen charitable cause. In addition, winners and finalists will be offered several opportunities to participate in promotional activities such as podcasts, events, videos, media /analysis interviews, social media, and more.

 

Finalist will receive a plaque in honor of their achievements. Finalist Entries in each Entry Category who plan on attending SAP Sapphire will receive one (1) ticket to SAP Sapphire Orlando or Madrid.

 

Note: Prizes are subject to change. Travel and expenses to attend the SAP Sapphire event in Orlando, FL or Madrid, are not provided.

Government and government-related entities employees may participate and are not eligible for the prizes identified above but may receive recognition for their achievements in the form of a trophy. Participants from non-eligible countries and/or deployments in non-eligible countries may participate and are not eligible for the prizes identified above but may receive recognition for their achievements in the form of a trophy.

The selection process for finalists and winners involves two rounds of judging.

 

In the first round, a panel of SAP experts carefully reviews all entries to select the finalists.

 

These finalists then proceed to the second round of judging, and winners will be selected.

 

The judges base their assessments on the judging criteria, which can be found here.

 

If a submission doesn't secure a winning position, particularly compelling entries will still be eligible to receive formal recognition as Outstanding Achievements when the winners are announced.

 

  • Use Case Creativity: How compelling and disruptive is the use case described in the entry? Does the use case involve a big idea and innovative approaches? Can it drive significant change?

  • Tangible Outcomes: What was the result of the project? What is the magnitude of the outcome, what is the impact on individuals, society, and how compelling are the quantified results? Does the submission outcome illustrate how the customer was able to solve a business problem within the context of their own industry?

  • Innovation: Is your company applying a range of SAP solutions, technologies, cloud approaches – or innovations like Artificial Intelligence – to form agile, integrated digitized business processes that help make them more customer-focused, resilient, profitable, and sustainable? Are you using SAP solutions and technologies in unique or dramatic ways to support new business models, connections with customers, or industry convergence?

  1. Partners can submit as a customer (using SAP within their own organization) – the partner as customer will then be eligible for the prize.
  2. It should be noted that, in 2026, the SAP Innovation Awards will no longer recognize the Partner Paragon category. Details surrounding partner recognition can be found on the SAP Partner Portal with more updates to follow shortly.

You can enter by following these steps on the How to Enter section:

  1. Take the Eligibility Self-Assessment (optional): Use the online tool to check your submission eligibility before you start developing your innovation story.
  2. Prepare your innovation story (required): Maximize your chance of winning by submitting a compelling and well-structured story. The innovation story template is a vital tools to help prepare and structure your pitch using your own voice. You can find the innovation story template on the SAP Innovation Awards website.
  3. Submit your Entry (required). Along with the innovation story, you must also complete the Entry Form through the Customer Appreciation Network platform. The form includes basic information about you (participant) and your company, and the promotional opportunities you would like to participate in. Remember to upload the innovation story in PDF format.

Each entry will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness by the awards team. Qualified entries will be posted on the awards website. Entries must be in English.

Submissions must utilize one or more SAP products and be deployed in production (go-live.)

 

Note: Proof of concepts will not be considered.

Customer benefits:

 

Celebrate your project’s success

  • Showcase your company’s innovation on a global stage and be seen as a leader making a real impact in your industry and beyond.

  • Honor the individuals and teams who made innovation possible - marking a proud career milestone in their professional journey.

  • Win a trophy and prizes (see the question “What are the prizes available to winners of the award?” for details), assets for promotion and social media.​

Share your expertise in exclusive promotional opportunities

  • Be celebrated and recognized by SAP’s top executives at a dedicated exclusive celebration event​.

  • Amplify your story through SAP channels, media coverage, and thought leadership opportunities through participation in various promotional activities, including podcasts, events, videos, media/analyst interviews, and social media initiatives.

 

Extend your network and do good

  • Take part in the unique opportunity to expand your network and build relationships with peers and other prominent business leaders.

  • Improve people’s lives by supporting a good cause with the awarded $1,000 Global Giving donation voucher per winner (if you choose the donation instead of the SAP Sapphire Orlando pass.) Public sector companies and related public sector companies and entries from non-eligible countries are not eligible for the donation or SAP Sapphire Orlando pass.

Partner benefits:

 

Promote your company’s innovation story as an SAP Customer

  • Highlight your company’s innovation on a global stage and be seen as a leader making a real impact in your industry and beyond.

  • Build credibility with your customers, prospects, and industry peers.​

  • Win big prizes​.

Promote your customer’s innovation story

  • Showcase your customers’ successes, and amplify their story to a broad audience, positioning them as leaders and innovators.

  • ​Promote your role as a trusted partner helping customers to innovate.

  • Take advantage of various opportunities to tell your customers’ stories through the SAP Innovation Awards (podcasts, events, videos, media/analyst interviews, and social media initiatives.)

  • Note: your customer will be recognized as the participant and the prize will be awarded to them should they become a finalist or winner.

All previous award winners are publicly available on the awards website – “Past Winners.” Submissions for the 2026 Awards will be posted on the website as soon as they are verified.

The SAP Innovation Awards logos can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: 2026 SAP Innovation Awards Logo

Contact us

Please let us know if you need assistance or have questions about the awards.

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