A standard product datasheet takes ten seconds to read and is often forgotten just as quickly. The Pitch Battle of the Pool Innovation Awards, a major new feature at Piscine Global 2026, introduces a completely different approach to highlighting technical progress. On Wednesday November 18 from 10 am to 12 15 pm, selected candidates will present their innovations aloud and live in front of a jury of industry experts.
The Pool Innovation Awards recognize the most notable products, equipment, and services showcased at the international exhibition each year. The competition remains fully open to all exhibitors, allowing major global corporations alongside pioneering startups to compete on equal terms. A discerning jury made up of international professionals and opinion leaders carefully reviews every submission to spot solutions that truly stand out.
The Pitch Battle adds a live, interactive stage to this selection process. Candidates no longer simply wait for the verdict behind their booths, they must now actively persuade a demanding audience through a timed oral presentation.
Insightful takeaways from the 2024 award winners
Analyzing the choices made during the previous edition offers valuable insight into what appeals to the judges. First prize went to an anti drowning t shirt for children created by Floatee, making a strong impression through its immediate societal benefit. Fluidra secured second place with Sandbag, an innovative filter media that also captured the highly coveted sustainable innovation award. Third place on the podium was awarded to Novpool for a clear water treatment tablet, while the public choice award recognized the Vigiline device developed by CCEI.
A closer look at this list reveals neither gimmicks nor artificial revolutions. The jury clearly favors practical responses to real world operational challenges such as child safety, filtration efficiency, and simplified water treatment. It remains to be seen whether this new pitch format will bring similar grounded ideas or more dramatic proposals to light.
A clear time saving advantage for trade show visitors
At an event of this scale, a busy installer or distributor rarely has enough time to walk through every single aisle. In just over two hours, this session allows attendees to watch a lineup of key market innovations explained directly by their creators. Visitors can evaluate core arguments, intended applications, and technical considerations for each product. For participating companies, this platform offers invaluable visibility facing a targeted professional audience, ensuring strong exposure even for businesses without large exhibition stands.
Following the pitch session, the winners will gather at the Trend Hub, the dedicated area showcasing new market trends, before attending the official award ceremony taking place live at the Pool Arena.
Final logistics to be confirmed by event organizers
Organizers have not yet released full details regarding the exact running order of the Pitch Battle or the specific scoring criteria used to designate the winners. This new format will become clearer in the weeks leading up to the trade show, which runs from November 17 to 20 at Eurexpo Lyon. Visitors are advised to check the updated schedule on site before reserving their Wednesday morning time slot.
