The International Publishers Association (IPA) announced on Wednesday, April 1st, the list of the five finalists for its 2026 Innovation Award. This award, which recognizes pioneering and replicable initiatives within the global book chain, will be presented at the 35th annual conference of the organization, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 5th to 9th, 2026.
Selected for their original approaches to promoting reading, marketing, and editorial practices, the 2026 nominees are:
– Abbecedario Inclusivo, a multisensory and inclusive learning alphabet to foster reading from a young age. – Ailaysa Technologies, a multilingual AI company behind Chai Reader, an innovative platform for reading and discovery. – APA: Australia Reads, an Australian national initiative to encourage reading in partnership with publishers, libraries, and authors. – Shimmr, creator of an automated marketing solution “Advertising as a Service” that effectively promotes book catalogs. – Supadu Smart Buy Buttons, a tool designed to streamline the transition from book discovery to purchase on publishers’ websites.
“Innovation is evident on many levels in publishing today, and this list celebrates some examples,” said IPA President Gvantsa Jobava in a press release. This award will be given to the winners of the IPA Voltaire Prize, which recognizes individuals dedicated to supporting freedom of speech every year.
