MJBizCon is spotlighting the products, technologies, and companies pushing the cannabis industry forward with the announcement of its 2026 Innovation Awards finalists. Recognizing advancements across cultivation, manufacturing, retail, technology, business services, and more, the awards celebrate the groundbreaking solutions helping shape the future of cannabis.
This year’s finalists will be recognized at the MJBizCon Innovation Awards Ceremony on Thursday, December 3 at 12 PM, taking place on the Innovation Stage at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Powered by Flowhub, The Innovation Stage is a new addition to the MJBizCon Expo Floor, bringing innovation directly to attendees December 2–4. Accessible with any MJBizCon ticket, the Stage will feature expert-led sessions exploring emerging trends, technologies, and practical solutions across the cannabis industry, connecting big ideas with real-world business applications.
“MJBizCon has always been a place where the industry comes together to discover what’s next and The Innovation Stage takes that a step further,” said Harrison Radie, Vice President, Commercial and Brand Leader, MJBizCon. “From recognizing the companies developing breakthrough solutions to bringing industry experts together to share ideas and insights, we’re creating more opportunities to turn innovation into action.”
2026 Innovation Awards Finalists
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
Charles MacGowan
Dana Shoched
RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Giosk 32 Cash
Dutchie Consumer AI Suite
PACKAGING INGENUITY
X3 Pouch Container
Tap Tubes
MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
Desperado Case-Level RFID Handheld
Xylem AX
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Airbotx 440X
Battery Free Vape
HARDWARE & DEVICE INNOVATION
Giosk 32C Curve Kiosk
Electric Filter or E-Filter
GENETICS ADVANCEMENT
Sour Blue Lemonade
EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY
JuanaPack
VAS 2.0 In-Rack Airflow System
LAB SERVICES TRANSFORMATION
SteriRad
BUSINESS SERVICES IMAGINATION
Cannabis Credit Reporting
MCP Connector
“The future of retail won’t be built around one AI model. Retailers should own their data, choose their tools, and have the freedom to innovate as technology evolves,” said Kyle Sherman, Founder and CEO of Flowhub. “Flowhub MCP gives operators a flexible foundation to use the best AI for their business today and adopt the breakthroughs of tomorrow. We’re proud to have MJBizCon recognize that vision.”
“For too long, the cannabis industry has operated without the credit transparency that nearly every other major industry takes for granted,” explained Brett Gelfand, Founder, Cannabiz Credit Association. “We built Cannabiz Credit Association to change that by giving operators shared visibility into payment behavior and the tools to make smarter credit decisions. Being recognized by MJBizCon is an exciting validation of the progress we’re making toward a more transparent, accountable, and financially sustainable cannabis industry.”
“Being named an MJBizCon Innovator of the Year finalist is a tremendous honor. I founded O2VAPE fourteen years ago because patients deserved better hardware than the industry was giving them. People and brands want hardware that preserves and delivers everything the plant has to offer. This recognition tells me the industry is embracing that standard, and it belongs to the entire O2VAPE team that builds it every day,” stated Dana Shoched, Founder & CEO, O2VAPE.
MJBizCon 2026 returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center December 1–4, kicking off with Pre-Conference Certifications on Tuesday, December 1. For more information or to register, visit mjbizconference.com.
