Rhenac finalist in the Smarter Sports Awards 2026

We’re delighted to share that Rhenac has been recognised as a finalist in the 2026 Smarter Sports Awards, in the “Venue and Infrastructure Innovation” category.

The recognition is for our Complete Light Spectrum® (CLS®) technology and its contribution to sustainable turf growth through the replication of natural sunlight.

Organised by the Sports Technology Awards Group, the Smarter Sports Awards recognise innovation across the global sports industry. Formerly known as the Sports Technology Awards, the programme brings together organisations and technologies that are helping to shape the future of sport across areas including infrastructure, performance, operations and fan experience.

This year’s shortlist reflects how innovation in sport now extends far beyond software and digital tools. Engineering, manufacturing, biomechanics and venue design all have an increasingly important role to play, and it is encouraging to see that wider contribution being recognised.

Our Complete Light Spectrum® (CLS®) technology was developed through years of plant-biology research in collaboration with the Technical University of Munich. By recreating the complete spectrum of natural sunlight using advanced LED luminaires, CLS supports natural and hybrid turf growth in stadium environments where daylight is limited by roof structures, shading or intensive venue use.

Today, CLS technology is in use at leading European venues, including the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, VELTINS-Arena and facilities operated by 1. FC Köln.

Horst Theisen, CEO of Group Rhenac, said:
“We are honoured to be a finalist in the Smarter Sports Awards. It is encouraging to see technologies that support stadium operations and playing-surface quality recognised alongside innovations from across the global sports industry.

This recognition reflects the work of our engineering and research teams, as well as the collaboration with grounds professionals who continue to push for better and more sustainable solutions for natural turf.”

The 2026 Smarter Sports Awards ceremony will be streamed live from London on 13 May.

Full shortlist: sportstechgroup.org/smarter-sports-awards/shortlist/