Exploring virtual reality technology with a headset and brain visuals in an interactive setting

Worldwide innovation awards

Celebrating the next generation of play, and entertainment

The DaVinci Awards® recognizes originality and creativity within the worlds of toys, gaming & interactive entertainment. We’re looking for the innovations that encourage new ways for children or adults to interact, learn, play, explore, and connect through their hobbies or via interactive entertainment experiences. If you have a technical or product innovation that captures the imagination, you could win a DaVinci Award®.

Worldwide innovation awards

how have you excelled?

Entertainment has never been more interactive. The boundaries between physical products, digital experiences, education, storytelling, and technology continue to blur, creating completely new ways for people to play, compete, learn, and connect.

The DaVinci Awards® recognizes the innovators behind the toys, games, and interactive experiences that are setting new standards for creativity and engagement.

Innovation may lie in the product itself, the technology behind it, the design process, or the way it brings people together. Traditional toys or games reimagined, immersive AR/VR experiences, community-driven platforms, or examples of thoughtful product design or manufacture are all areas of interest.

Successful entries combine originality with execution – demonstrating clear design thinking, solving genuine user challenges, or delivering memorable experiences.

Role playing tabletop game and board games hobby concept. Hand holding blue and red dice for choosing on blur background with adventure story setup ttrpg table.

Worldwide innovation awards

Areas of Interest

The DaVinci Awards recognizes outstanding feats of human ingenuity, and product innovation. Entries are welcomed from individuals, teams, startups, or established enterprises based anywhere in the world. Areas of interest include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Connected Toys & Smart Play Systems: AI-powered companion toys  |  App-connected construction systems  |  Adaptive voice, motion, or haptics

  • Digital Games & Interactive Entertainment:  Procedural gameplay systems  |  Narrative-driven interactive experiences  |  Cloud-native multiplayer platforms

  • Immersive Reality & Spatial Experiences:  Augmented reality play environments  |  Virtual reality educational experiences  |  Mixed reality attractions or installations

  • Educational Play & STEM:  Robotic learning kits  |  Coding and computational thinking games  |  Engineering & maker-focused construction systems

  • Game Design, Mechanics & Player Experience:  Co-operative gameplay mechanics  |  Adaptive difficulty & personalized progression  |  Emergent sandbox & open-ended play

  • Inclusive & Accessible Play:  Adaptive gaming controllers  |  Multi-sensory toys  |  Accessible interface and interaction design

  • Product Design & Manufacturing Innovation:  Sustainable materials  |  Modular product architecture  |  Novel manufacturing & rapid prototyping techniques

Game developers leverages AI chatbot and software to create Mars environment

Impress the judges

Ingenuity of Approach

We evaluate the creative spark, psychological insight, or technical craftsmanship behind your vision. How have you combined separate disciplines – like cognitive psychology, hardware engineering, ergonomics, or narrative design – to construct a form of play that feels genuinely unprecedented? We champion those who avoid predictability to venture into uncharted creative territory.

Impress the judges

The Problem Solved

Strong nominations should detail to the judges the motivation, user need, or market gap that has driven your innovation. While creativity is important, nominees should demonstrate how it has been guided, and by what metrics its success or impact has been measured. These could include increased engagement with the brand or product, the opening up of new audiences, and positive user feedback.

Friends playing arcade game in bowling alley having fun
Friends playing arcade game in bowling alley having fun
Toys and games innovation

Impress the judges

Scalability & Legacy

Can your innovation endure and thrive within a crowded marketplace? We look for concepts that possess the structural and commercial stamina to outlast short-lived viral trends. Your entry should demonstrate that your mechanics, safety protocols, and materials are refined enough to sustain prolonged use, safeguard user well-being, and leave a lasting, uplifting mark on global entertainment culture.

Leaders in Toys, Gaming & Interactive Entertainment

Spotlights

Winners’ rewards

Promoting your success

Winners may make full use of The DaVinci Awards® hallmark of excellence, linked to your level of accreditation, on all relevant materials.

DaVinci Star Line
DaVinci Awards one-star
DaVinci Awards two-star
Three-star DaVinci Award badge

All winners also receive a DaVinci Awards® trophy, and substantial press opportunities working in partnership with our editorial team. Find out more.