By A Correspondent

The land of ‘jugaad’ scored a blank at the inaugural innovative lions category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

The organisers announced the Innovation Lions shortlist ahead of the 2013 Festival which kicks off in just under two weeks’ time. The Innovation Lions, introduced as a new entry category this year, will honour the technology and innovation which lead to the creative idea being possible. A total of 270 entries from 40 countries have been received in the category’s launch year. The jury, led by jury president David Droga, Founder, Creative Chairman, Droga5, have viewed all of the entries and voted to arrive at a shortlist of 25 entries which have come from a wide breadth of countries.

Entrants who have been shortlisted will now present to the jury in Cannes who will then discuss which entries are worthy of taking home the first Innovation Grand Prix and Innovation Lions. For the first time in the Festival’s history, delegates will be invited into the jury room to watch the live presentations which will take place across June 15 and 16 in the Palais des Festivals, Cannes. The winners will be announced and honoured on stage at the second of the Festival’s awards ceremonies on June 18 which will be followed by the official Opening Gala.

Commenting on the judging so far, David Droga said, “New category, new expectations, same excitement. I can’t wait to see it literally come to life at Cannes.”

Cannes Lions is the most prestigious international advertising and communications event in the world, accepting entries into sixteen categories and awarding sought after Lions to the greatest creative work, ideas and technologies. Taking place from June 16 to 22, the festival will also feature over 100 pieces of inspiring content given by exceptional speakers as well as offering unbeatable learning and networking opportunities. More information can be found online at www.canneslions.com.