ad:tech Honours 2026 Reveals Winners Transforming the Marketing Landscape

2026-07-13 05:31:38

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New Delhi, April 7, 2026 – The second edition of the ad:tech Honours reached its pinnacle at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, as the industry’s most forward-thinking brands and agencies were crowned winners. Held on the sidelines of ad:tech New Delhi, the ceremony celebrated those at the intersection of creativity and technology, recognising the "engines" driving modern brand engagement.

Presented in association with the International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter and new partner Huella, the 2026 awards expanded to 22 categories, reflecting the surge in AI, Programmatic, and Retail Tech adoption over the past year.

2026 Awardees

Across a diverse spectrum of categories, the following winners were recognised for excellence in leveraging technology to deliver measurable impact:

Affiliate & Partner Marketing
Lyxel & Flamingo (Boat)- Silver
Paytm Ads (Giva)- Silver

AI & Creative Automation – AI-Driven Dynamic Creative Optimisation
Laqshya Media Limited (Tata Coffee)- Silver
Mobavenue Media Private Limited (Uniqlo)- Gold

AI & Creative Automation – Creative AI Collaboration
Rediffusion Brand Solutions Private Limited (Dabur Amla)- Gold
The Salt Inc. Consulting Private Limited (Kotak Education Foundation)- Silver

AI Conversation Agents
Laqshya Media Limited (Marriott) Gold

AI in Marketing – Predictive AI
Strong Metrics (Navi)- Silver
Tyroo & Criteo (Libas)- Silver

Commerce & Retail Tech – Immersive Retail Tech
Orient Bell Limited- Silver

GenAI in Marketing – GenAI-Led Creative
Laqshya Media Limited (Marriott)- Silver
The Salt Inc. Consulting Private Limited (Kotak Education Foundation)- Silver
Sumimoto (Sumi Max)- Silver

Influencer Management
Publicis (Nescafé)- Silver

Influencer Marketing – Influencer Measurement & Analytics
Glad U Came Private Limited (Dominos)- Gold

Marketing Automation – Omnichannel Marketing Automation
CereOne Media Pvt. Ltd. (Intel)- Silver
Globale Media (Paytm Money)- Silver

OTT Innovation
ADMOTT Private Limited- Silver

Performance Marketing - Search, SEO, and Performance Marketing
Arm Worldwide (Niva Bupa)- Silver
Publicis (Nespresso)- Gold
The Trade Desk (Spotify)- Silver

Programmatic & Emerging Media - Connected TV Advertising
Animmoov Digital Media Pvt Ltd (Asus)- Silver
Lyxel and Flamingo (Boat Nirvana)- Silver
Mobavenue Media Private Limited (Boat)- Gold

Programmatic & Emerging Media – Interactive DOOH
Laqshya Media Limited (Tanishq)- Silver
Laqshya Media Limited (Tata Coffee)- Gold

Programmatic & Emerging Media – Retail Media Advertising
Cheggout Services Private Limited- Silver
Paytm Ads (Versuni)- Gold

Social Media - Community & UGC Engagement
Under 25 (Oppo)- Silver
Vayner Media India (Iqoo)- Gold

Innovation
Segumento- Silver

The ceremony underscored a significant shift in the marketing ecosystem, where the convergence of data and creativity is no longer optional but essential for success.

The expansion from 8 categories last year to 22 in 2026 highlights the rapid evolution and increasing complexity of the Indian MarTech ecosystem. This growth reflects a decisive shift toward specialised technological applications, from AI-driven creative automation and predictive intelligence to immersive commerce. By broadening the scope of recognition, the awards spotlight how data and creativity now work in tandem to optimise customer journeys and deliver high-performance business outcomes.

Beyond the trophies, the new partnership with Huella provided a tangible boost to this year's innovators. Selected winners received NEXad advertising credits, a strategic incentive designed to amplify their success stories. This support enabled winners to leverage Connected TV (CTV) through interactive, high-impact formats, extending the reach of their pioneering work while showcasing the potential of next-generation media channels.

About ad:tech New Delhi:

ad:tech is a global network of marketing and technology events. For over 15 years, the New Delhi edition has served as the definitive platform for digital transformation, bringing together pioneers to explore the future of the industry.

About IAA India Chapter:

The International Advertising Association (IAA) is the world’s only globally-focused integrated advertising trade association. The Indian Chapter is recognisaed as one of the most active worldwide, hosting marquee industry events and knowledge-sharing forums.