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IAF World Automotive Awards • Programme Guide

How to Apply

Submit an entry with clear evidence, measurable impact, and strong alignment with one primary award category. This page explains eligibility, required materials and the step-by-step process.

Submit Entry Read FAQs Evaluation Framework
Submissions must be made by an authorised representative of the applicant organisation. Third-party nominations are not accepted.
One Entry • One Primary Category
Each form submission represents one entry in one primary category. If you wish to apply to another category, submit a new entry.
See examples in FAQs
Scope Options
An entry may represent a company, factory/site, brand programme, product platform, or a project team—as long as scope and evidence are clearly defined.
Read FAQs
Fees & Verification
There is no automatic fee at submission. Depending on category and verification needs, a post-submission participation fee and/or reimbursable expenses may be proposed. All chargeable activities require applicant approval in advance.
Fees explained in FAQs

Who Can Apply

Entries are open globally to organisations and teams operating within the automotive and mobility ecosystem. Membership is not required. Submissions must be made by an authorised representative of the applicant organisation.

OEMs & Brands
Vehicle manufacturers and mobility brands.
Suppliers & Tech Providers
Tier-1/Tier-2, platforms, software, components and systems.
Start-ups & Scale-ups
High-potential companies with traction and scalability.
Research & Public Bodies
Universities, labs, cities and authorities (where relevant).
If your initiative is relevant to multiple categories, you may submit it as separate entries— one per category—with evidence tailored to each category’s criteria. Read the FAQ examples

Submission Structure & Documentation Process

During the online submission process, applicants are expected to provide a clearly structured and comprehensive description of the initiative being entered. The entry form should outline the programme’s scope, objectives, implementation approach, measurable impact, and primary performance indicators.

The purpose of the initial submission stage is to present a transparent and well-defined overview suitable for preliminary evaluation. Applicants should ensure that the information provided is specific, measurable, and directly aligned with the selected award category.

Initial Submission Should Include:
  • Clear definition of the initiative (programme, platform, site or project scope)
  • Objectives and strategic rationale
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurable outcomes
  • Summary of impact and relevance to the selected category

Detailed technical documentation or confidential materials are not required at the initial submission stage.

If an entry progresses beyond preliminary review, the Awards Secretariat may formally request additional documentation, validation evidence, or supporting materials directly from the applicant. All such information will be handled in accordance with confidentiality and data protection principles.

Post-Submission Requirements

Following the initial submission and preliminary review, selected entries may be invited to provide additional clarification or supporting materials. This stage ensures that all shortlisted initiatives are evaluated on a consistent and evidence-based basis.

  • Supporting documentation confirming reported results
  • Validation data, certification references or independent assessments (where applicable)
  • Clarification of scope, deployment scale or measurable outcomes
  • Authorisation confirmation, where submission was made on behalf of a broader organisation
Additional documentation is requested only where necessary and typically applies to entries progressing beyond the initial evaluation stage.
What May Be Requested
  • Detailed impact metrics or KPI breakdowns
  • Technical validation summaries
  • Evidence sources supporting stated claims
  • Confidential materials under formal request
More information in FAQs

Step-by-Step Entry Submission Process

1
Select Primary Award Category

Choose one primary category that best matches your entry’s scope and impact. If the same initiative fits another category, submit a separate entry.

2
Prepare the Entry Narrative

Describe the initiative in clear, structured language: what it is, why it matters, and what outcomes were achieved.

3
Prepare Supporting Materials (If Requested)

Keep evidence and references available to support stated claims. Detailed materials are typically requested only for shortlisted entries.

4
Submit

Complete the online form and submit before the published deadline. You may be contacted for clarification or additional supporting materials during review.

Submit Entry FAQs View Timeline
The submission form focuses on a clear overview and measurable outcomes. Additional evidence is requested only where necessary to support consistent evaluation.

Evidence & Supporting Materials

Strong entries are supported by measurable outcomes and attributable sources. Evidence expectations vary by category, and detailed materials may be requested during review to validate shortlisted entries.

Technical & Test Evidence
Validation summaries, test results, reliability metrics, safety performance data.
Impact & KPIs
Deployment results, operational performance, measurable improvements and outcomes.
Sustainability Evidence
Lifecycle insights, tCO₂e reductions, energy/water/material efficiency, circularity indicators.
Independent Verification
Audits, certifications, independent assessments, customer references (as applicable).
Submitted materials are treated confidentially and used solely for evaluation purposes. Confidentiality details in FAQs

Participation Fees & Optional Verification

The IAF World Automotive Awards are evaluated through an evidence-based review process. In some cases, additional verification may be proposed after submission to ensure comparability and integrity across shortlisted entries.

Participation fee (if applicable)
There is no automatic fee at the time of submission. Depending on category, scope and verification needs, IAF may propose a post-submission participation fee covering administrative handling, documentation review and coordination of evaluation.
Reimbursable expenses (where necessary)
If a site visit or in-person evaluation is deemed necessary, related costs (evaluator time, travel and accommodation) are treated as reimbursable expenses.
Approval first
Any proposed participation fee and/or reimbursable expenses are calculated transparently after submission and presented to the applicant for approval before any chargeable activity takes place. Where feasible, alternative verification options may be offered.
Fees and verification steps, where applicable, are proposed only for entries advancing in the process and are subject to explicit applicant approval.

What Happens After Submission

1) Screening
Eligibility and completeness review by the Awards Secretariat.
2) Jury Review
Independent evaluation using the published scoring framework and category criteria.
3) Shortlisting
Finalists may be contacted for clarifications or additional supporting materials (where needed).
4) Confirmation
Final confirmation of award recipients, followed by official notification and publication.
Where supporting evidence is requested, applicants will be contacted with clear instructions and an appropriate timeframe for response.
Jury & Process Evaluation Framework FAQs

Ready to submit an entry?

Start your submission now, or review the FAQ and evaluation framework to ensure your entry is structured correctly.

Submit Entry Read FAQs Evaluation Framework

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