Innovation award for scientists: Krems in the focus of research!

Innovation award for scientists: Krems in the focus of research!

On April 25, 2025, the coveted "Tecnet Accent Innovation Award" was awarded in the Milleniumsaal of the country house in Krems. Organized by the University of Krems, the gala was under the sign of promoting science and research in Lower Austria. Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner recognized the role of the country as an up-and-coming science country and underlined the investments in relevant research institutions such as Medaustron and the ISTA in Klosterneuburg. She pointed out that the future science campus in Hainburg was another step in the right direction to improve health care as part of the ongoing health care reform.

The importance of scientific research for society and its need for practical implementation emphasized Viktoria Weber, Vice Rector for Research and Sustainable Development. This current award is an example of the partnership between science and industry. Doris Agneter, Managing Director of Tecnet Equity, announced that around 100 scientists have taken part in the competition since the first award in 2009.

The winners of the evening

The first prize went to Kenneth Chen from the University of Krems. His innovative, AI-based procedure for the automated detection of leg axis deviations on knee X-ray images sets new standards in medical image analysis. Two second places were awarded to Juan A. Allegretto from Danube Private University for its platform for recording odor substances and Adrian Lendvai from IMC Krems for a peptide that promotes bone growth.

science prices in Lower Austria

In addition, the science award has been awarded in the state of Lower Austria since 1964 to promote outstanding research. At the last award ceremony in 2023, which took place in the Grafenegg Auditorium, several researchers were honored for their work. Governor Mikl-Leitner and her deputy Stephan Pernkopf presented the prizes to a promising group of award winners, including Stefan Freunberger for his battery research and Christine Glaßner for their studies on medieval manuscripts.

The Science Future Prices were specially awarded for young research in various categories. They are an initiative that aims to strengthen the framework conditions for research in Lower Austria and to support young talents in their development. The newly baked award winners include Jisha Puthenpurayil (Bachelor thesis), Maria Peer (master thesis) and Catherine Rosenfeld (dissertation).

With a clear strategy for promoting research, the state government wants to strengthen the trust between politics and science and at the same time attract international personalities to Lower Austria. There are numerous programs and workshops in planning that should convey to young people joy in science and encourage them to pursue their own ideas and to transform research results into viable business models.

For more information on this topic, you can use the article on Niederösterreich.gv.at href = "https://www.meinbezirk.at/niederoesterreich/c-wirtschaftspreis-des-des-noe-verabit_a6315305"> Meinbezirk.at view.