Transportation Review

Launch of the I-nnovation Awards 2025

Transportation Review | Friday, June 20, 2025

SOLUTRANS 2025, the global trade show for commercial vehicles, has officially opened entries for its prestigious I-nnovation Awards. These awards aim to spotlight the most impactful and forward-thinking innovations in the transport industry, across both heavy and light commercial vehicles. Whether the solutions are already on the market or still under development, the awards are designed to promote projects that enhance vehicle performance and push the sector forward in terms of efficiency and sustainability.

Award Categories

The competition is open across four key categories:

• Body Builders

• Equipment Suppliers

• Digitalisation & Connectivity

• Cargo Bikes

These categories reflect the diversity of innovation drivers in the commercial vehicle ecosystem. In addition, a special ‘Joseph LIBNER Award’ will be granted to one project that significantly contributes to the energy transition in transport, underlining SOLUTRANS' strong commitment to sustainable mobility and innovation.

Strategic Impact for Past Winners

The press release highlights the real-world impact of winning the I-nnovation Awards.

• Electro Maintenance reported immediate visibility and growth in development requests after winning for their connected bodywork solution.

• Lecapitaine, which won two awards in 2023, stated that the distinction significantly enhanced their credibility and media exposure, accelerating R&D and new projects.

• Benalu noted the positive internal effect of the awards, which motivated teams and reinforced the company’s innovation culture.

These testimonials reinforce how the awards can serve as a true launchpad for growth and recognition in the industry.

Judging Panel & Evaluation Criteria

A jury of professionals, innovation experts, and trade journalists will evaluate the entries. They will assess each project based on four main criteria:

• Technological innovation

• Environmental performance

• Economic viability

• Originality of the concept

This rigorous selection process ensures that awarded projects stand out not just for creativity, but also for meaningful contributions to the sector’s evolution.

Awards Ceremony & Symbolic Setting

The winners will be honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony on 18 November 2025, the opening day of the exhibition. This year, the event will take place at the Parilly Racecourse, near Lyon Eurexpo, a location chosen for its symbolic value.

This venue pays tribute to the 180th anniversary of the FFC (French Bodywork Federation), which owns SOLUTRANS, and echoes the legacy of the coachbuilder and wheelwright trades. The Berliet Foundation, which preserves industrial vehicle heritage, will also be celebrated and will exhibit historic vehicles both at the racecourse and within the show itself.

Entry Process

Exhibitors wishing to apply can do so through their dedicated SOLUTRANS exhibitor account, accessible via the official website.

Deadline for entries: 20 October 2025

This streamlined registration process allows companies to submit their innovations efficiently and gain a chance at wide-scale recognition.

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