One year after the closing of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and the Global Industrial and Social Progress Research Institute (GISPRI) announce the return of the Expo Innovation Award for Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade.

For this second edition, a prize of 50,000 euros will be granted in each of two categories – Technological Innovation and Social Innovation – to support the further development of the winning innovations.

The two categories are:

  • Technological Innovation: honouring cutting-edge technologies, innovative systems, and exhibits and events that align with the Expo’s theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”.
  • Social Innovation: highlighting novel, effective, and sustainable solutions to social challenges. Eligible initiatives should demonstrate a lasting impact on society, particularly by raising awareness or engaging communities both during and beyond the Expo.

The award is open to individuals, private companies, NGOs, and other non-governmental entities whose innovations are presented or demonstrated at Expo 2027 Belgrade. Governmental entities are not eligible.

The winners will be honoured during an award ceremony that will take place towards the conclusion of Expo 2027 Belgrade.

The Expo Innovation Award is a collaboration between the BIE and GISPRI. Established in 1988, GISPRI conducts research on global resources, the environment, industry, the economy, culture and society, and since 2007 has carried forward the legacy of Expo 2005 Aichi. At Expo 2027 Belgrade, GISPRI will present its own pavilion in the Best Practice Area.

The inaugural edition, at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, honoured Inkspire 3D's coral-restoration project Engineered Reefs (Technological Innovation) and the Special Kids Future Concept Challenge Consortium's Docodemo Expo, which enabled children with severe disabilities or illnesses to visit the Expo through robotic avatars (Social Innovation). An additional award, the Special Recognition Award for Cross-Sectoral Enlightenment, was also presented to the RITE Future Forest Group for its project RITE Future Forest.

Specialised Expos, officially known as International Recognised Exhibitions, are global gatherings of nations dedicated to finding solutions to a precise challenge facing humanity. These events offer a journey inside a chosen theme through engaging and immersive activities. Expo 2027 Belgrade, held under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”, will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027.