December 8, 2003 – After another long day of review and deliberation, the international ispo BrandNew Awards jury selected the new winners – for the 9th time.

The ispo BrandNew Awards continue to celebrate the truth that innovations in sport never stop. This time 148 companies from 22 countries – including new entrants Brazil and Guadeloupe – entered the biggest start-up contest of the sports industry. This represented an increase of applications of 22% compared to summer 03. Since the beginning of the BrandNew Awards at ispo winter 2000, almost 1,000 companies have competed, out of which 360 got the chance to present their unique ideas at the world's largest sports trade fair.

Participating in the ispo BrandNew Awards has proven to be an incredible support for companies breaking into business and developing their international distribution. Brand names like Naish Kites (surfkites, USA), Alprausch (streetwear, Switzerland), Allian (snowboard, Sweden), Leedom (freeski + snowboard helmets, USA), Schneemond (snowboard wear, Germany), Naxo (touring binding, Switzerland), Liquid Ice (cool compression, USA), We (snowboard + streetwear, Sweden) and many others showed or launched their products through this unique innovation contest. They established their brands in the international business and became regular exhibitors at ispo.

Now for the ninth time the jury gathered at the showground in Munich to see the latest start-up ideas of the international sports community. The organizers enlarged the jury by two new members, Thomas Hollauf from SportScheck to represent the retailers, and Florian Weingärtner, marketing manager of Head Snowboards, to bring in his winter hardware expertise.

The criteria to participate in the ispo BrandNew Awards are – company or brand has to be younger than 4 years – company or brand has never been registered as an exhibitor at ispo before – innovative product or concept or hot brand

The applicants had to send in company, brand and product information, samples of their marketing material, product sample, logo and photographs. The more progressive entrants even sent in a short video in which they explained their idea in their own words.

After a long day, intensive testing and discussion the jury selected the eight winners of the ispo BrandNew Awards winter 04 and 32 finalists. All of them will receive a free booth and a considerable number of other benefits.

The winners of the 9th ispo BrandNew Awards are:

Lycra Overall Winner – ParaBaseTec, Germany The Para Golfer, a compact electronic wheelchair, enables disabled sportsmen to practice all kinds of sports for which one usually has to stand e.g. golf, archery, fishing etc. What the jury liked most is the fact that it brings a new group of people to the sports community. This unique product was developed by Anthony Netto, a former golf pro.

Delrin Hardware Award – Rezotec (Germany): 7TM, the world's first tour safety telemark combination.

Hytrel Hardware Summer – EABO (USA): Indoboard, the ultimate balance board for surfers.

Coolmax Hardware Accessories Award – Saddleco (USA): FLOW, a completely new “no numb feeling” bike seat concept.

Thermolite Accessories Award – GeoView (Germany): Vitaphone, a new GPS-based emergency call system for outdoor sportsmen.

Cordura  Bag Award – logstoff.com (Germany): bags for the digital sports lifestyle.

Tactel Style Award – km/a (Austria): a white stylish collection made of an unusual material called Tyvek.

Teflon  Sportswear Award – Radiator (Australia): a 4-layer super thin and super flexible surf suit collection from Down Under.