In January 2026, we published the first annual CNN Underscored Innovation Awards, which highlighted a selection of truly inspired products that stood out for their ability to improve one’s day-to-day through outstanding design, functionality and ingenuity. Now we’re looking ahead to 2027 and seeking the next crop of innovators.
The products we’re looking for aren’t just original; they should also have a clear purpose, the most important of which is to make users’ everyday lives more efficient, convenient and enjoyable — think a vacuum cleaner that picks up your socks, a tiny tool that can give you a pro-level facial from your own bathroom or a device that provides real-time language translation from within your existing phone apps — and maybe even a little fun. Rather than bestowing yet another accolade upon the same old “award-winning” products you’re accustomed to seeing on these lists, we’ll call attention to their combination of inventiveness, usefulness and value.
Winners will be determined via rigorous hands-on testing by our writers and editors, who will put these products through their paces in real-life scenarios. We’ll also focus on each product’s value — is it reasonably priced, and does the price sync well with the cost per use? — and consult experts to ensure we’re 100% confident in our recommendations.
We’re now accepting submissions for the 2027 CNN Underscored Innovation Awards. If you have a product you think we should consider, here’s what you need to know:
How to submit products for consideration
To submit a product for consideration, fill out this form (one product per submission, please, but multiple submissions per brand are allowed). The deadline for all submissions is Aug. 31, 2026, with some exceptions. Please note that samples are required for participation but only upon request. If your submission is successful, a team member will be in touch.
Eligibility
- Product must have been released between Oct. 16, 2025, and Oct. 31, 2026
- Product must be widely available for purchase in the US by Dec. 31, 2026
Products that are under embargo or scheduled to launch on or before Oct. 31, 2026, are still eligible, but the details must be submitted by Aug. 31, 2026, so our editors can plan testing accordingly.
We’re seeking submissions from the following list of product categories:
- Beauty and grooming
- Electronics
- Travel
- Outdoors
- Home
- Fitness and wellness
Samples for testing
Samples are required for participation but only upon request. If your submission is successful, a team member will be in touch.
Evaluation criteria
- Performance and efficiency
- Innovation
- Design and build quality
- Market impact
- Value and accessibility
Timeline
Winners will be announced in January 2027.
Contact
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to underscoredawards@cnn.com.
Why trust CNN Underscored
CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products we review and provides full transparency about our testing methodology. We’re made up of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted.
Chelsea Stone is the editorial director for CNN Underscored based in NYC. She oversees Underscored’s editorial strategy and manages content production across verticals including electronics, lifestyle and deals. Outside of work, Stone is usually spending time with her cat and their many houseplants.
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