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Powered by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®

Apply to be a 2026 Judge in the CES Innovation Awards® Program

Accepting judge applications through Sunday, August 10, 2025

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® is seeking highly respected experts in their fields, including consumer technology designers, engineers, industry analysts, and members of the media. 

NOTE: This page is for judge applications only. The Product Application site will be opening soon. Sign up to be notified when you can apply for a CES Innovation Award.

 

JUDGE OVERVIEW

Applicants must:

  • Have expert knowledge as an engineer, designer, industry analyst or member of the media.
  • Agree to the CES Innovation Awards® 2026 Judge Agreement as part of the application.
  • Applicant must personally complete the application. Those submitted by a third party will be rejected.
  • Applicant will receive a notification of their selection status by Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

Selected Judges must:

  • Complete all your assigned product reviews between Tuesday, Sept. 12 – Sunday, Sept. 29, 2025.
  • Each product review will take ~20 minutes, with a maximum of 50 products per judge.
  • Judges who complete their reviews will receive one (1) complimentary Exhibit Plus Pass to CES 2026, along with digital badge graphics, a certificate of recognition, and a featured listing in the CES Innovation Awards® 2026 Judges Gallery on CES.tech in late October.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Create or Log In to Your CTA/CES Account

NEW for CES 2026: All applicants will need a CTA/CES Account to submit a judge application for the CES Innovation Awards. If you do not have an existing account, you will be prompted to create one the first time you try to access the Judge Application site. 
Tips: 

  • If you are a CTA Member, use the email address where you receive communications about CTA membership benefits.
  • To create a CTA/CES Account, you must have a unique and verifiable email address and the password cannot contain your username – the system won’t accept it. 
  • Create a CTA/CES Account and/or visit the CTA/CES Account FAQ page for assistance. 

2. Complete Judge Application

Once signed in to your CTA/CES account, you will be directed to the judge application site. 
Tips: 

  • Applicants are responsible for verifying that their information is accurate and current before submission. Modifications to applications will not be allowed after submission.  
  • A professional headshot is required as part of your application. 
  • Agree to the CES Innovation Awards® 2026 Judge Agreement as part of the application.
  • If selected as a Judge, the name, job title, company name, and headshot you provide within your application will be displayed on the CES Innovation Awards® 2026 Judges Gallery on CES.tech in late October.

3. Receive Notification

Applicants will be notified of their judge selection status by Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 via email as well as within their application site panel.

Begin Judge Application 

ASSISTANCE: