Drug delivery and patient interaction are recognised separately. Drug Delivery, Devices & Packaging Innovation rewards advances that improve usability, adherence and product integrity across the treatment journey, with this year's finalists including microneedle delivery platforms and connected device technology.
Two of the newest categories address advances in infrastructure shaping the industry's future. Innovation Catalyst, introduced for 2026, recognises innovations that extend beyond a single application to enable broader industry-wide progress; finalists include Touchlight's cell-free DNA platform and Prolific Machines' optogenetic platform. Digital Transformation, also new this year, recognises organisations that have achieved measurable, enterprise-wide gains in efficiency and quality through digital adoption, with finalists spanning AI-driven manufacturing tools and enterprise-wide quality systems.
Supply Chain Excellence recognises innovation in the safe handling, security, and traceability of pharmaceutical materials and products. Adalvo's supply chain resilience initiative is counted among this year's finalists.
Sustainability is celebrated across two distinct categories. Sustainable Pharma Excellence honours environmental innovation across the pharmaceutical value chain, including green chemistry, solvent recovery and circular packaging. Touchlight is again represented here, touted for the sustainability profile of its DNA manufacturing facility. Sustainable Transformation Partnership, another new award for 2026, focuses on sustainability achieved through cross-industry collaboration rather than individual initiative, with finalists including a supply chain decarbonisation partnership.
Partnership and purpose are also formally recognised this year. True Partnership Excellence, a new category for CDMOs and CMOs, honours organisations that function as genuine development partners rather than service providers; Medpharma's co-development work with Palvella, and Enzene's client partnership initiative are both shortlisted. Excellence with Purpose, also new, acknowledges organisations demonstrating that patient access and commercial success are mutually reinforcing, with finalists spanning emerging-market access programmes and oncology initiatives.
The shortlist concludes with recognition of individual leadership. Future Leader honours rising talent under the age of 35 already shaping the industry's next chapter; this year's exceptional nominees include Seán McMahon (Ashland) and Jakub Knurek (Mabion), alongside candidates from DFE Pharma, Crystec, and Pfizer CentreOne. The Woman of the Year award champions leadership that has advanced diversity, inclusion and progression within the industry; Martina Feitzinger (Adalvo) is among this year's nominees.
Winners will be announced live at CPHI Milan on 6 October 2026.
The CEO of the Year & Woman of the Year categories will be announced amongst pharma decision makers and leaders during the leadership summit on October 6th, from 11:45 onwards, in the Stella Polare Auditorium.
We will then announce all other category winners and celebrate all our winners together in our new CPHI Celebration.
The ceremony is designed as an informal happy hour/aperitivo style event rather than a formal seated dinner, creating a relaxed and energetic atmosphere where all interested colleagues are welcome to join the celebration on October 6th from 18:30-20:30 in Hall 2, at the Supply and Formulation Theatre.
Attendance at the CPHI celebration is complimentary with no restrictions on the number of representatives.
