As a global media judge representing Innovation & Tech Today, I recently had the unique privilege of evaluating some of the most forward-thinking startups shaping the future of technology and business. The Global Media Innovation Awards is our platform to honor breakthroughs in technology, design, and global potential. It provides a window into innovations that are not only technologically impressive but also poised to have a tangible impact on industries and communities worldwide.
Over several days of interviews, demos, and discussions, three companies stood out for their ingenuity, scalability, and vision: Crosshub, Kalman Inc, and bemyfriends. Each offers a distinct approach to solving complex challenges, and all earned recognition for their potential to transform industries on a global scale.
Crosshub: Redefining Identity and Security in Fintech
Crosshub was named a CES 2026 Best of Innovation award honoree in the FinTech category. They impressed me with a decentralized, fourth-generation blockchain-based ID authentication platform designed to protect user data while enabling global financial interactions. At the core of their innovation is a zero-knowledge proof system: personal information is never centrally stored, reducing the risk of hacks and leaks that continue to plague traditional identity and payment systems.
What makes Crosshub particularly compelling is its real-world traction. In under two years, they have onboarded more than 270,000 users across Southeast Asia and forged partnerships with banks and payment gateways to facilitate regulation-compliant e-wallets and cross-border payments. They are also piloting real-time, account-free, stablecoin-based remittance services in collaboration with major financial institutions—a sign of both technical maturity and market vision.
The Global Media Innovation Award recognized Crosshub for solving pressing global challenges in identity verification, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Their platform not only allows financial institutions to scale internationally without repeatedly navigating local regulations, but it also positions the company as a leader in secure, borderless digital finance. In essence, Crosshub embodies the fusion of blockchain innovation and practical, global-scale application—traits that made them a standout winner.
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Kalman Inc: Transforming Industrial Automation Through Humanoid Robotics
Kalman Inc represents a leap forward in industrial robotics, blending AI, adaptive learning, and human-robot collaboration. Their humanoid robots are capable of interpreting complex environments, learning new tasks in real time, and safely working alongside human colleagues. This adaptive intelligence allows Kalman Inc to tackle challenges in manufacturing, logistics, and other industrial settings that have traditionally relied on either rigid automation or human labor.
During my interview with Kalman Inc, it became clear that their strength lies not only in sophisticated robotics but also in scalability. Their systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, minimizing operational disruption and reducing the need for specialized staff. Pilot projects and partnerships with multinational clients demonstrated the technology’s commercial viability and adaptability across diverse markets.
The award recognized Kalman Inc for pioneering “human-centric” robotics: machines that can be retrained on-site with simple demonstrations, increasing accessibility and operational flexibility. Beyond technical achievement, the company has a strong user-centric focus, emphasizing workplace safety, efficiency, and productivity. Kalman Inc’s combination of AI, practical deployment, and global scalability earned them the Global Media Innovation Award and positioned them as a potential disruptor in industrial automation worldwide.
bemyfriends: Empowering Creators with Fan-First Platforms
bemyfriends from b-STAGE takes innovation into the entertainment and creator economy, providing a comprehensive platform for artists, brands, and organizations to engage with global fan communities. Unlike traditional social media, which tends to fragment audience engagement across channels, bemyfriends integrates live streaming, real-time chat, forums, e-commerce, and membership management into a single ecosystem. This holistic approach fosters deeper connections between creators and their superfans—those fans who are most likely to drive growth, engagement, and revenue.
A defining feature of bemyfriends is full data ownership. Creators and their teams maintain control over fan data, enabling targeted merchandise drops, event planning, and global expansion strategies tailored to audience preferences. Its white-label flexibility allows rapid customization for any artist, organization, or even fictional character, all without requiring coding expertise. With global shipping, content management, and commerce tools built in, the platform supports scalable direct-to-fan monetization worldwide.
The Global Media Innovation Award recognized b-STAGE for creating a “superapp” that reimagines fan engagement. By combining community, commerce, and content in a single platform, bemyfriends empowers creators to retain control over their audiences, data, and revenue streams—a model increasingly relevant as the creator economy reshapes entertainment. Their proven ability to support global fan communities, from music and esports to culinary arts and animation, underscores the platform’s versatility and transformative potential.
Reflections on Judging Global Innovation
Serving as a judge for the Global Media Innovation Awards provided a rare vantage point to observe innovation in real time and understand how startups bridge the gap between technology and practical, scalable solutions. The three awardees—Crosshub, Kalman Inc, and b-STAGE—exemplify how focused innovation can drive both industry disruption and global impact.
Crosshub’s blockchain-based ID verification addresses privacy and compliance concerns that affect millions worldwide. Kalman Inc’s humanoid robotics offer a safer, more efficient model for industrial automation. b-STAGE transforms the entertainment landscape by giving creators direct access to fan communities and data-driven monetization. Each company demonstrates not just technical brilliance but a keen understanding of market dynamics, global scalability, and the social and economic contexts in which their innovations operate.
As a judge, I was struck by the clarity of their visions and the maturity of their execution. It is one thing to propose a breakthrough concept; it is another to deliver a fully functional, market-ready solution with measurable impact. These startups have achieved the latter, making their recognition by the Global Media Innovation Awards both meaningful and well-deserved.
Innovation is, ultimately, about solving real-world problems in ways that improve lives, create opportunities, and inspire new possibilities. The awardees exemplify this mission, reminding us that technology is not merely a tool, but a force for global transformation when combined with vision, execution, and a commitment to solving meaningful challenges.
Crosshub, Kalman Inc, and bemyfriends are excelling in their domains while demonstrating the potential to scale globally. Recognized for their creativity, practicality, and vision, these companies embody the spirit of the Global Media Innovation Awards. They showcase how thoughtful, impactful innovation can shape industries, economies, and communities worldwide. Judging their work was not only a professional honor but a personal inspiration, affirming the transformative power of technology and the promise of the next generation of global startups.
