In its 60th year, the organisers of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity look to the future by inaugurating this year The Innovation Lions, a new awards category to honour the technology and innovation which lead to the creative idea being possible.

A dedicated jury will select the most pioneering forms of technology including, but not limited to, apps, tools, programmes, hardware, products and other radical software which have been developed to help facilitate creative excellence in communications.

“Big ideas that are executed using innovative forms of technology such as Nike+ Fuelband, winner of the 2012 Titanium Grand Prix and The Invisible Car, winner of the 2012 Outdoor Grand Prix, are already being recognised and awarded in Cannes,” says Terry Savage, chairperson of Lions Festivals. “Innovation Lions are different. They will pay tribute to the actual technology that is driving the industry forward and making it possible for these incredible award winning ideas to come to fruition, allowing the creative community to communicate with customers in a unique way.”

Entrants will be required to submit a written proposal and proof of concept. All shortlisted entrants will explain their technology to the jury in a 10-minute presentation followed by 10-minutes of questions. Cannes Lions delegates can attend these sessions which will take place in the Palais des Festivals on Sunday ,16 June. After discussion and voting, the jury will award an Innovation Grand Prix and Innovation Lions, which will be revealed and presented to the winners at the Tuesday, 18 June awards show in Cannes.

Entries can be submitted to The Innovation Lions from Thursday, 24 January until Friday, 19 April.

For additional information on The Innovation Lions, click here Anyone wishing to attend the 60th Festival of Creativity can view the available packages and find details of how to register at www.canneslions.com.