Innovation doesn’t always begin onboard. Sometimes it starts with a prototype, a new product, a smarter way of doing things or an idea that could transform the passenger experience – but is still waiting for its time to shine onboard.
That’s where the Ones to Watch categories come in.
Part of the Innovation pillar of the Onboard Awards 2027, Ones to Watch is the only area of the awards that is open to products and innovations that are not yet in onboard service.
There are two categories:
Ones to Watch – Food & Beverage
For food and beverage innovations that are not yet being served onboard.
Is your product a hit on-the-ground? Then maybe it would be popular onboard, too.
Whether it’s a new product, format, concept or approach to onboard food and beverage, this category provides an opportunity to showcase what could be next for passengers.
Ones to Watch – Non-Food & Beverage
For pre-launch non-food innovations that are not yet in onboard service.
From new passenger products and amenities to innovative materials, technologies, services and other solutions, this category is open to ideas that could have a future role in the onboard experience.
NEW for 2027: Breakthrough Innovation
There’s also a new opportunity for the innovation with the potential to go even further.
Breakthrough Innovation will recognise the most transformative innovation with the potential to redefine the onboard experience.
And there’s an important reason to enter: all entries into the Ones to Watch categories will automatically be considered for the Breakthrough Innovation Award.
More than an award entry
One of the biggest opportunities for Ones to Watch entrants comes during the judging process.
All entries are fast-tracked to be judged in person by an expert panel of passenger experience professionals, bringing together airline and rail buyers alongside other experts from the travel hospitality sector.
For an emerging product that isn’t yet onboard, that’s a valuable opportunity to put it directly in front of people who understand the market – and who could potentially be part of its future.
Entries are assessed on innovation, suitability for onboard service, potential, quality, and – where applicable – taste and presentation. Products are considered through samples as part of the judging process, giving the panel the chance to experience the innovation for themselves.
And the opportunity doesn’t stop with judging.
All Ones to Watch entrants are invited to the Onboard Awards ceremony at WTCE in Hamburg, providing a chance to meet fellow innovators and industry professionals, build connections and get your product in front of a wider audience of the onboard hospitality community.
There’s no need to wait until your product is already flying or travelling to make your mark.
Plus, each entry comes with a valuable marketing package, including coverage in Onboard Hospitality magazine and a free listing on Onboard Finder.
If your innovation could shape the future of the onboard experience, this is your opportunity to get it in front of the people who could help make that future happen.
Enter the Onboard Awards 2027
Entries cost £480, with a series discount available for multiple entries.
Entries close 1 December 2026.
Is your next onboard innovation one to watch? Enter now: onboardawards.com
