RYSE wins People’s Choice Award at IWCE 2026

RYSE Inc. took home the People’s Choice Award for Best New Product at IWCE 2026 in Las Vegas for SmartLyft Pro, its new motorized hembar design. The award and strong dealer interest signal growing demand for simpler retrofit window-covering automation as RYSE expands into a new sales channel.

Why it matters: - RYSE’s win at IWCE 2026 gives the company a public validation moment in the North American window covering industry. - The recognition helps RYSE position its retrofit products as a simpler path to motorized shades, blinds, and curtains. - The award also highlights a possible shift in how dealers and installers evaluate automation products: easier service, easier access, and broader category coverage.

What happened: - RYSE Inc. won the People’s Choice Award for Best New Product at IWCE 2026, the International Window Covering Expo and the largest window covering trade show in North America. - The award recognized SmartLyft Pro, a product that moves the motor from the top headrail to the hembar at the bottom of the window covering. - IWCE 2026 was the first time RYSE officially unveiled its full product lineup to the window covering dealer and installer channel. - The company said the award reflected interest in the full RYSE ecosystem, not only SmartLyft Pro. - RYSE also said the show marked a first look for many dealers, installers, and industry professionals at its broader approach to motorizing window coverings across multiple categories.

The details: - SmartShade retrofits onto window shades with a beaded chain, including roller shades and vertical blinds. - SmartCurtain installs in under a minute to motorize curtains on rods or tracks. - SmartBlinds is scheduled to launch in summer 2026 and adds motorized tilt control to horizontal blinds. - SmartLyft Pro is scheduled to launch in summer 2027 and is described as the world’s first motorized hembar. - SmartLyft Pro is engineered to expand RYSE’s reach into premium residential and commercial markets. - The hembar-mounted motor keeps batteries within arm’s reach and removes the need for a ladder during routine access. - The bottom-mounted design makes troubleshooting easier because installers and homeowners can address issues without removing or disassembling the headrail. - SmartLyft Pro works with cordless blinds, including roman, horizontal, and cellular shades. - The product includes built-in gesture controls for raising, lowering, or adjusting shades without an app or remote. - The product still allows manual operation when needed, even if power is unavailable. - RYSE included a SmartLyft Pro announcement video.

Between the lines: - RYSE is using product design as a channel strategy, not just a feature upgrade. - Moving the motor to the hembar changes the service model for dealers and the day-to-day experience for homeowners. - Strong booth traffic from major window-covering companies suggests the category is paying attention to retrofit automation, especially products that reduce installation and maintenance friction. - The company’s emphasis on accessibility and simplicity signals a bid to win both professional installers and end users.

What's next: - RYSE said it has already signed new dealers since IWCE and has begun receiving orders through the dealer channel. - The company is continuing to build out its dealer network and expand into more homes through professional installers and window-covering partners. - RYSE is also promoting its online public offering at https://invest.helloryse.com. - The company said more than 4,500 investors have already committed capital. - RYSE says its long-term goal is to make its brand synonymous with smart window coverings. - More information is available at RYSE’s website.

The bottom line: - RYSE left IWCE 2026 with an award, dealer momentum, and a clearer pitch: retrofit window automation can be easier to install, easier to service, and easier to adopt at scale.