Brands
IFA Berlin unveils new innovation awards to spotlight tech breakthroughs
BERLIN: IFA Berlin, the world’s leading home and consumer technology event, has launched a new global awards programme: the IFA Innovation Awards. These awards, set to debut at IFA 2025 in Berlin, aim to celebrate exceptional innovation, design, and market impact within the industry.
Clarion Events managing director James McGough, stated that the awards will “recognise the Best of IFA, rewarding the incredible progress being made in home and consumer technology.” He added that the initiative would help identify brands “truly shaping how we live, work and play,” particularly those implementing AI and designing sustainable and accessible solutions.
Geekspin editor in chief and jury member Helena Stone highlighted that the IFA Innovation Awards represent “the natural evolution of IFA’s century-long commitment to showcasing the technologies that transform how we live, work, and connect.” She believes these awards will “spotlight the innovations that define the future of consumer technology” as IFA enters its second century.
The new awards follow IFA’s hundredth anniversary in 2024, which attracted over 215,000 visitors from 138 countries and more than 1,800 exhibitors.
The comprehensive programme will recognise innovations across various sectors, including smart home and IoT, sustainable technology, health and wellness tech, gaming and entertainment, mobile communication, audio-visual excellence, kitchen and home appliances, and emerging technologies. Winners will receive either the official IFA “Best of category” or “Innovation Award” certification, along with full licensing rights to use the awards logo. Additional benefits include an exclusive showcase at IFA 2026’s Innovation Gallery, prominent placement across IFA’s global media channels, and coverage in official IFA publications and social media.
Helena Stone affirmed that the IFA Innovation Awards are poised to “become the gold standard for consumer technology recognition in Europe and beyond,” with an international jury of experts ensuring the winners represent “truly groundbreaking achievements.”
The awards are open to manufacturers, designers, engineers, start-ups, and technology companies worldwide. Eligible products must be innovative consumer technology or home appliance solutions commercially launched between 1 February 2025 and 30 April 2026, and must be available in European markets. Applications are now open, with an independent panel of global technology experts, industry analysts, and innovation specialists overseeing the evaluation process.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
