Ad:tech Honours 2026 crowns winners in New Delhi

MUMBAI: The ad:tech Honours 2026 didn’t just hand out trophies, it handed the spotlight to the real engines powering modern brand engagement. The second edition of the prestigious awards reached its climax at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, honouring brands and agencies that are redefining marketing through the smart convergence of creativity and technology. Held on the sidelines of ad:tech New Delhi, the ceremony recognised outstanding work across an expanded list of 22 categories up from just 8 last year reflecting the explosive growth of AI, programmatic, retail tech, and immersive experiences in India.

Winners included standout campaigns from Laqshya Media Limited (multiple Golds and Silvers for Marriott and Tanishq), Mobavenue Media (Gold for Uniqlo and Boat), Publicis (Gold for Nespresso), Vayner Media India (Gold for Iqoo), and Glad U Came (Gold for Domino’s), among others. Categories ranged from AI & Creative Automation and Programmatic & Emerging Media to Influencer Marketing, OTT Innovation, and GenAI-led Creative.

The expansion of categories underscores a clear industry shift: data and creativity are no longer separate disciplines but essential partners for delivering measurable business impact. From predictive AI and omnichannel automation to interactive DOOH and retail media, the awards highlighted how technology is optimising every stage of the customer journey.

A new partnership with Huella added extra value for winners, offering NEXad advertising credits to amplify their winning work through high-impact Connected TV formats.

Speaking to the evolving landscape, the honours celebrated not just creative excellence but also the strategic use of emerging tools that help brands cut through the noise in an increasingly fragmented attention economy.

In a year marked by rapid MarTech evolution, ad:tech Honours 2026 proved that the future of advertising belongs to those who master the art of blending human ingenuity with intelligent technology. The message from New Delhi was loud and clear, the winners aren’t just keeping up with change, they’re defining it.