Manitowoc NEO Ice Machine Receives BIG Innovation Award

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Gwen Bialas, Group President Commercial Ice and Filtration and  Oriana Raabe, Ph.D., Vice President of Sustainability
Gwen Bialas, Group President Commercial Ice and Filtration and Oriana Raabe, Ph.D., Vice President of Sustainability

01/15/2026

Manitowoc NEO Ice Machine Receives BIG Innovation Award

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Innovation is embedded in everything we do at Pentair – from our processes to our manufacturing to the end products that we produce for our customers. As champions for smart, sustainable water solutions, we are constantly innovating to help advance our mission of helping the world more sustainably move, improve and enjoy water. 

We're excited to share that one of our recent innovations, the Manitowoc NEO Ice Machine, has been named a winner in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards from Business Intelligence Group, a global recognition program honoring companies, products, and leaders who are transforming industries through applied innovation, intelligent platforms, and measurable real-world impact. The Manitowoc NEO ice machine from Pentair Water Solutions sets a new industry standard for sustainable design, innovation, and ice quality. With integrated water filtration, reduced climate impact, ENERGY STAR® certification, and sleek, intuitive design features, this is the premier ice machine solution for any business.  

front angle NEO machine Manitowoc Ice

The machine features a groundbreaking, integrated water filtration system to help ensure the ice is clearer and better tasting, directly at the point of use. The filtration system is designed to minimize sediment, rust, and suspended particles down to 5 microns while also reducing chlorine taste and odor, microplastics, filterable cysts, and hard scale.

The NEO ice machine is designed with sustainability in mind, using R290 refrigerant, that has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) when compared to the widely used R404A and R134A refrigerants. The ENERGY STAR® certified   NEO ice machines represent a leap forward in our commitment to sustainability, offering enhanced energy efficiency and a reduced GWP compared to previous generations.

hand touching NEO touchpad Manitowoc ice

Other innovative aspects of the NEO ice machine include intuitive touchpad controls and streamlined design. The user-friendly touchpad makes it easy to read and navigate – equipped with functions for on/off, delay, cleaning, filter replacement, full bin notifications, and service indicators. This provides the ability to make ice only when it’s needed to help avoid ice and water waste. The streamlined design of the NEO ice machine was also built with the customer in mind while providing better ease of service with features such as a slide-out storage bin, conveniently angled door, and front ventilation allowing for undercounter installations or placement adjacent to other equipment. Finally, the unit features AlphaSan® Antimicrobial Agent, a silver-based, antimicrobial agent used to improve sanitation and reduce the need for cleaning. 

Thank you to Business Intelligence Group for recognizing the Manitowoc NEO Ice Machine and its innovative design. We are proud to receive this award as a testament to the innovative, sustainable products we produce at Pentair. Thank you to the Manitowoc Ice and Everpure Teams that contributed and collaborated to bring this product to life!

About the BIG Innovation Awards

Since 2014, the BIG Innovation Awards recognize organizations, products, and individuals that bring new ideas to life and change how we experience the world. The program is judged by experienced business executives who evaluate nominations based on measurable performance, responsible implementation, and the ability to shape the future of work and culture.

About Business Intelligence Group

The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in business. Unlike many recognition programs, these awards are evaluated by business leaders and practitioners who reward programs, products, and people that deliver real, quantifiable excellence rather than marketing narratives.

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