The IFOY process

We have summarized how to apply correctly and what is important in the IFOY process.

All manufacturers of intralogistics products and solutions can apply for an IFOY AWARD in various categories, such as manufacturers of industrial trucks, robotics or software companies with any number of new devices/solutions.
Eligible are new developments, further developments or special models with significant technical changes. A study, a prototype, a blueprint or a minor visual facelift are not sufficient for participation. Eine Integrated Customer Solution muss in einem Unternehmen in Industrie, Handel oder Dienstleistung erfolgreich umgesetzt worden sein.

The IFOY Start-up of the Year Award is a spin-off for innovative prototypes or functional developments, intralogistics products, software, vehicles or components from newly founded companies.

Step 1: Register application
Anyone wishing to take part must first register at www.ifoy.org . This requires the contact details as well as the type and name of the device or solution and the selection of a category. After a formal preliminary check, the IFOY organization sends the access data to the applicant portal, where the application data can be entered. The required content can be saved and edited at any time and is only visible to the applicants themselves at this stage. Applicants can already see what their application looks like in the front end of the website during data entry. This view will later be activated for the jury and the test teams and will be public in the event of a nomination for the final. A case study with a maximum of 7,000 characters is required for a customer solution.

It is not important to write a lot. On the contrary: it is advisable to answer the questions briefly, clearly and boldly. It is crucial that the jury recognizes the novelty and its value for users at first glance. A bold headline and a concise summary are an advantage.

Important to know: Once you have saved the input template, it is no longer possible to withdraw.

Step 2: The nomination
After a formal and technical preliminary examination, the jury nominates between 10 and 20 products and/or solutions from all valid applications for the final. Non-nominated applications remain confidential in order to avoid negative selection. Each applicant will be informed in writing before publication whether the jury has made a nomination.

Step 3: TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS and IFOY Audit
The main event for the nominees is the IFOY Audit, which brings together the jury, testers and nominees.
Important to know: The decisive factor in all tests is that the nominees in a category are not compared with each other, but with their competitors on the market.

The methodology of the IFOY Audit
The IFOY Audit consists of three parts: IFOY Innovation Check, IFOY Tests (only for industrial trucks) and Jury Test.

IFOY Innovation Check: In order to be able to assess the technological value of an innovation, a comparison with market standards is necessary. This is done by the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, which is carried out by the Dortmund-based Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), the Chair of Technical Logistics at the University of Dresden, the Chair of Materials Handling Material Flow Logistics at the Technical University of Munich and the Stuttgart-based Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA). The innovations emphasized by the manufacturers are first verified on site in the test hall by means of visual inspections and functional tests. The scientific team then assesses the finalists in terms of the four criteria of degree of innovation, customer benefit, market relevance and functionality using a points system and then gives an overall rating.
In a comparison of technologies, the scientists also assess whether they are innovative further developments, new compositions or genuine innovations.

The results of the Innovation Check are confirmed by a certificate.

IFOY test: The industrial trucks also undergo standardized or individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria, which determines the cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency, sustainability, safety and ergonomics of the equipment and compares it with competitor products.
Jury test: Finally, the jurors and their advisors travel from 19 countries to test the devices and solutions themselves.

Step 4: The choice
After the IFOY Audit and numerous jury meetings, the jurors vote on the winners. The voting takes place online and database-supported on the jury portal.

Step 5: The award ceremony
The highlight of the IFOY AWARD is the announcement of the winners and the award ceremony at a festive gala. However, it remains exciting until the very end, as neither the nominees nor the winners are informed in advance.

If you have any questions about your application, please contact us.

Request access data to the IFOY AWARD applicant portal to enter one or more applications.