NSCA, the not-for-profit association representing the commercial integration industry, has announced that entries are now being accepted for the 13th annual Excellence in Product Innovation (EPI) awards. This recognition program honors manufacturers and products that have a profound impact on systems integrators.
For the second year in a row, the winners will now be announced at NSCA’s annual Excellence in Business Operations (XBO) Experience, held in Tempe, Ariz., on November 10 to 11, 2026.
What are the Excellence in Product Innovation Awards?
According to NSCA, the Excellence in Product Innovation awards feature divisions and categories that reflect the industry priorities shaping integrator success today. They highlight technologies that address real-world business, operational and technical challenges.
Main Categories and Divisions
Each division within the program contains between three and six categories; one winner will be named for each category. The divisions include:
- AI & Intelligent Automation: Products that harness artificial intelligence, machine learning, and/or automated processes to enhance integrator and/or end-user experiences.
- Recurring Revenue & Service Enablement: Technologies that empower integrators to build sustainable recurring revenue through service contracts, monitoring, and support platforms.
- Installation & Integration Excellence: Products designed for easy deployment, retrofitting, or seamless integration to reduce labor, time, and/or cost in the field.
- Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation: Technologies that strengthen system security, protect data, and help integrators offer secure solutions to clients.
- Platform Power & Ecosystem Integration: Technologies that serve as a central platform or integrate seamlessly with broader ecosystems to deliver scalable value.
- Next-Gen Innovation: Products that are trailblazing and future-forward, redefining what’s possible in the integration industry.
According to NSCA, any manufacturer that produces innovative technology solutions for installation by commercial integrators is eligible for this award. Industry manufacturers may also nominate their own products and are encouraged to take advantage of early-bird pricing now through July 9, 2026, for savings of $100 per submission.
What is the Significance of the Excellence in Product Innovation Awards?
“The Excellence in Product Innovation awards continue to evolve alongside the rapid pace of technology and business transformation in our industry so we’re always recognizing the innovations that drive commercial integration forward,” says Tom LeBlanc, NSCA executive director. “We strive to recognize not only breakthrough products but also solutions that solve critical business and operational challenges. These awards help integrators identify technologies that deliver measurable value, from improved efficiency to new revenue opportunities.”
Winners will be recognized through the following coverage:
- On-stage recognition at NSCA’s XBO Experience event
- Mention in Integrate (NSCA’s quarterly trade publication)
- Online Product Showcase on NSCA.org
- NSCA press release
- Article in Inside NSCA, NSCA’s biweekly e-newsletter
- Social media posts
- Mentioned in Commercial Integrator and Security Sales & Integration articles
Additionally, all entries will be featured in a photo gallery on CommercialIntegrator.com and included in a Commercial Integrator e-newsletter.
How To Enter
Entries for the Excellence in Product Innovation Awards are being accepted now through August 14, 2026. To enter, visit the Awards Submission site. Products submitted for consideration must be announced after July 1, 2025, and they must be available for sale and shipment on or before December 31, 2026.
According to the organization, each product entry is $697; however, NSCA members can save $200 per entry by contacting NSCA for a coupon code. (Call 800-446-6722 or email [email protected] for the code.)
