Submissions for the Innovation Excellence Awards 2025 are now closed. Read more about 2025’s winners below.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners – Telecommunications

Superloop Refreshify

Superloop has been a leader in innovation, having previously won Canstar Blue’s Innovation Excellence award in 2023 for its My Speed Boost internet service. Now, Superloop has been recognised for its internet Refreshify tool, which forms part of the Superloop app and is designed to reduce the reliance on customer support calls by giving customers easy access to diagnostic tools and troubleshooting tips.

The Refreshify tool allows Superloop’s internet customers the option to access and quickly run a diagnostic test from the convenience of the Superloop app — rather than relying on a customer service representative to run the test for you. The test is capable of identifying internet connection problems and whether they are related to the user’s account or a wider problem with the network — such as a planned outage — and it can also automatically book an NBN technician if required.

Spriggy Mobile

Kid’s budgeting app and debit card provider Spriggy, launched its kid-focused telco, Spriggy Mobile, which offers a simple selection of prepaid phone plans with safety and parental control features. While safety and parental features such as tracking already exists, Spriggy Mobile is the only telco focused on only offering phone plans for kids with a wide range of features that parents can access via the Spriggy app.

Spriggy Mobile offers unlimited standard national calls and SMS along with no excess data charges and no lock-in contracts, while data inclusions vary between the plans. It uses the Optus 4G and 5G networks across all three plans and data banking is included on all but the cheapest plan. In addition to these standard plan features, parents are able to turn mobile data on and off as needed and monitor their child’s call history. This makes Spriggy Mobile a good option for a child’s first phone plan or for parents concerned about their child’s phone usage.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners – Energy

Amber Electric — Vehicle to Grid

Amber Electric’s Vehicle to Grid program enables compatible electric vehicles to access bidirectional charging. This means that not only can an EV draw electricity from the grid or rooftop solar, it can also store energy for later use in the home, or export it back to the grid in times of high demand. The Vehicle to Grid scheme turns EVs into mini mobile power stations, which — when paired with Amber’s live energy pricing to automate the best times for charging/discharging — can help customers cut their energy bills.

The program is the first of its kind to be available to Australian residential customers, and offers households a new way to manage their electricity usage and store energy without a home solar battery. Used effectively, Amber’s Vehicle to Grid technology can help Aussies reduce their dependence on the grid during on-peak hours, which in turn leads to lower electricity bills and less demand on the grid itself. 

Although currently only available with one approved wall charger and three compatible EV models, Amber’s trial program aims to onboard 1,000 vehicles over two years. While a small-scale innovation today, Amber’s Vehicle to Grid has the potential to offer significant savings long-term to participating customers, in addition to supporting a sustainable energy future for Australia. 

EnergyAustralia — Community Battery Ease

EnergyAustralia’s Community Battery Ease initiative offers customers in eligible areas the opportunity to contribute to and/or access community battery energy in times when electricity demand is highest. Like home solar batteries, a community battery stores solar-generated energy for export during heavy demand hours; this is generally in the evenings and at night, when renewables production drops but reliance on the electricity grid is high. Community batteries store and share power locally, helping to lower energy prices by reducing grid demand. 

Community Battery Ease allows more Australian households to participate in the renewable energy transition, including customers like renters or apartment owners who can’t install rooftop solar. The program also rewards current solar panel owners who don’t have battery storage, but want to ensure their excess solar generation is used when it’s most needed.

With solar battery uptake still slow when compared to solar panel installation, Community Battery Ease offers a practical and flexible alternative. The program currently consists of 13 community battery locations across the Ausgrid network in New South Wales, and is easy to join — eligible customers can access it through a competitive EnergyAustralia plan, with no membership or sign-up fees. 

Origin — EV Power Up

Origin’s EV Power Up product is aimed at electric vehicle owners looking for an optimised home charging solution that combines renewable energy use with electricity savings. The initiative uses smart technology to find the most cost-effective times to automatically charge a customer’s EV, such as when the grid is flush with solar-generated electricity. Power Up uses data from the grid and from the EV itself to find the best time to charge, taking the pressure off the grid in high demand periods and helping to lower a customer’s power bill. 

The program takes the guesswork out of EV charging, and is the first in Australia to offer ‘anytime’ EV charging discounts without a fixed time window. Once customers have signed up, they can access EV charging rates as low as 8 cents per kilowatt hour. Origin states that participating users can save an average of $378 per year on the program. 

The service is offered through the Origin app for customers with an eligible Origin electricity plan, and a compatible EV. Power Up supports a range of EV models, including Tesla, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and no smart charger is required — making it a more accessible option for EV owners looking to lower their energy costs and take advantage of peak solar hours.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners

Eva — Delve Bed Frame

The Eva Delve Bed Frame introduces removable, machine-washable fabric covers – a feature not commonly found in comparable products. This design offers consumers a practical way to maintain fabric cleanliness while retaining a premium aesthetic at a mid-range price point. The washable covers address a key consumer pain point, eliminating the need for spot cleaning or professional services, and may signal a shift toward more practical care options for fabric bed frames.

Flora — Block Salted

The FLORA Block Salted submission was recognised for its accessibility, inclusivity and practical functionality. As an affordable and widely available product, it offers a vegan, plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free formulation that caters to a range of dietary requirements. Its 1:1 butter substitution allows for straightforward use in cooking and baking, while the block format adds convenience for portioning, melting or spreading. Judges highlighted the breadth of its appeal, noting its combination of accessibility, affordability and inclusive formulation as key strengths in positioning it as a versatile butter alternative.

IXL Home Pty Ltd — IW25-5 Wall Mounted Dehumidifier

The IW25-5 Wall Mounted Dehumidifier by IXL Home Pty Ltd offers a distinctive approach to residential humidity and air quality control with its wall-mounted, tankless and fully automated format. Integration into the home’s plumbing system enables continuous, hands-free operation and reduces the need for user involvement. This setup may be particularly useful for landlords, supporting consistent humidity and mould management without relying on tenant action, and aiding in long-term property maintenance with minimal oversight.

Koala — Plus Mattress

The dual-sider topper is recognised for its innovative approach to sleep temperature regulation, catering to both seasonal changes and individual comfort preferences. By allowing users to manually flip the topper to choose between a cooler or warmer sleep surface, it offers a flexible, user-controlled solution that adds versatility beyond
standard single-sided designs.

Navman — MiVue Rider DC

The dual camera functionality and magnetic sensor technology of the Navman MiVue Rider DC enhance the motorcycle camera experience by providing both front and rear coverage, increasing the likelihood of capturing critical incident footage. The magnetic sensor system enables automatic activation without the need for hardwiring the motorcycle, offering a user-friendly solution that integrates seamlessly with the helmet. Together, these features contribute to improved usability and reliability, addressing motorcyclists’ needs for comprehensive and effortless event documentation.

Navman — MiVue M820D

The combination of continuous high-resolution recording and dual-camera functionality in the Navman MiVue M820D is a significant specification likely to be highly valued by motorcyclists. This capability enhances incident documentation by providing consistent, detailed front and rear footage. The integration of a motion-activated parking mode alongside these advanced recording features further differentiates this product, offering a broader range of protective measures. Together, these innovations position the M820D as a well-rounded and forward-thinking solution that addresses key concerns around safety, accountability and vehicle security in the motorcycle segment.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners – Cleaning Appliances

Narwal — Zero Tangling Aerodynamics Brush Technology

While other brands have introduced solutions to mitigate hair tangling in robotic vacuum brushes, none employ the same mechanical approach, or level of effectiveness, as Narwal’s Zero Tangling Aerodynamics Brush Technology. At the time of judging, Narwal’s brush technology was the only one in the market that held certifications from both SGS and TUV Rheinland. This certified performance reflects a considered advancement in robotic vacuum brush design, particularly in addressing the common consumer challenge of hair tangling. The solution demonstrates an effective and validated approach to a persistent issue in home cleaning technology.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners – Kitchen Appliances

Bosch Home Appliances — Series 8 Ovens

Bosch’s Series 8 Ovens incorporate a range of advanced features, including updated steam capabilities and the addition of new technologies. The enhanced steam function now operates at higher temperatures, supporting more efficient cooking. A notable inclusion is the crisp function, which uses AI and an internal camera to improve browning results – particularly for layered dishes – offering users more control and consistency. These updates contribute to the Series 8’s position as a feature-rich option within the premium oven segment.

KitchenAid — Cordless Go

KitchenAid’s Cordless Go range offers increased functional flexibility, enabling users to convert a broader range of spaces, both indoors and outdoors, into efficient food preparation areas. The use of a single, interchangeable battery across the entire range was viewed positively, representing a notable advancement in cordless appliance design. This approach aligns with successful applications seen in other sectors, such as power tools and electronics, where interchangeable battery systems have proven effective and in demand.

NEFF Home Australia — Flex Design Range

The NEFF Flex Design Range’s key feature is the removable Twist Pad Flex dial for its ovens and cooktops, which was highlighted in the evaluation, though the interchangeable metal finishes also offer significant value. These finishes allow users to select colours that complement their kitchen, catering to the growing preference for customisability. The Twist Pad Flex dial provides the flexibility to switch between touchscreen and dial controls, with the added benefit of automatically adjusting when used or removed. Its portability across stovetops and ovens enhances its versatility, while the design also simplifies appliance surface cleaning, offering added practicality and convenience.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners – Laundry Appliances

Samsung — Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo

The Samsung Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo stands out for its speed and energy ratings, offering improved efficiency and potential time savings compared to other models. Its compact design is ideal for consumers with limited space, providing the convenience of both washing and drying in a single unit. Additionally, its larger load capacity addresses a common limitation of combo units, which often require multiple cycles and do not allow for simultaneous washing and drying, as with separate machines. This increased capacity can help reduce the frequency of laundry cycles, making it a practical solution for households seeking both space efficiency and enhanced laundry performance.

2025 Innovation Excellence Award Winners – Home Entertainment

Samsung — S95 OLED Glare Free TV

Samsung’s OLED Glare Free technology, validated by UL certification, stands out for its innovation, making OLED TVs far more versatile for use in bright environments. The Samsung S95 was the first model to showcase this feature, highlighting advancements in OLED TV technology and reinforcing its position as a noteworthy option in the market. Specifically designed for bright Australian homes, it minimises screen glare while preserving brightness, colour accuracy, and picture detail.

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