Styria Innovation Award

The Winners of 2025

BRAVE Analytics GmbH has developed a new, patented measurement technology (OF2i®) that, for the first time, makes it possible to understand and control the exact composition of products based on (nano)particles—directly during the production process using a live stream of measurement data.

With the world’s most advanced stainless steel plant in Kapfenberg, the company is setting a technological milestone in the production of cutting-edge high-performance steels for the international aerospace, automotive, energy technology, and oil & gas industries.

The project focuses on detecting material defects, particularly during the machining of metal parts. AI-based quality monitoring methods are used to detect defects directly at the machine tool during production.

Royos Joining Solutions GmbH has developed an innovative, patented process that permanently bonds plastic and metal in a single step—without any pretreatment.

The CreaSolv process is a solvent-based process that enables the recycling of complex plastic waste that was previously considered non-recyclable.

JOANNEUM RESEARCH’s R&D enables the first-ever use of plasma jets in ambient air to apply electrically conductive, wear-resistant, antimicrobial coatings without thermal stress to temperature-sensitive surfaces of biological and bio-based materials.

The 2024 Winners

The existing exterior wall of the building acts as a massive energy storage system and is used to heat and cool the apartments behind it.

Kiubo is a completely new way of living and building. It is a modular and sustainable building system that offers complete flexibility. Kiubo makes it possible to build homes that adapt to your lifestyle and can be expanded, downsized, or relocated as needed.

The project developed a measurement device for impedance spectroscopy on electrolysis stacks, a technique that had not previously been feasible at high electrical power levels.

The “Automatic Brake Test” is a system that, for the first time, fully automates the inspection of freight car brakes. The system is unique worldwide, approved by the authorities, patented, and has been extensively tested in SBB Cargo’s operations.

The experts in plain language and accessibility: Capito translates information into easy-to-understand language, offers training courses, and develops digital solutions focused on clarity.

With the vehicleCAPTAIN toolbox, Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH has developed a compact, modular, and flexible platform designed to minimize the initial development effort for young R&D institutions and startups.

The 2023 Winners

MasterScheduler, a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service solution, identifies unused loading capacity within logistics planning and uses mathematical algorithms to optimize it into fully loaded shipments. Customers reduce their carbon footprint, save about a quarter of their costs, and ease the workload on their employees.

The newly developed ELIN electric motor is integrated directly into the ship's propeller, eliminating the need for a gearbox, which maximizes its efficiency while reducing fuel consumption. This propulsion system allows the ship to be maneuvered with precision and turned in the tightest of spaces.

A team at the University of Graz is developing green and sustainable processes for the production of novel bio-based surfactants. The researchers are tapping into previously neglected waste streams from various sources—ranging from agricultural and forestry biomass and used cooking oil to byproducts from the paper and pulp industry.

The innovation is an AI-based platform that identifies these novel drug solutions. At its core is a new deep-learning architecture that forms the basis of a closed-loop application: this creates a closed loop that encompasses the entire design, manufacturing, and testing process while integrating complex databases.

ARYS™ is a wristband tracker designed to motivate people with hemiplegia to exercise their affected arm. Its high-tech sensors specifically encourage active movements, which are therapeutically effective. Everyday activities like drinking coffee or hanging up laundry become part of the exercise routine.

The new Symul8 simulation platform represents a significant improvement over existing simulation platforms. Even without expert knowledge, users can access a wide range of simulation scenarios; in addition, the software automatically evaluates metrics such as traffic safety and road performance.

The 2022 Winners

30,000 tons of plastic netting are used annually in Europe for food packaging. Packnatur Entwicklungs- und Produktions GmbH is stepping up to replace these with sustainable alternatives.

AVL List GmbH has developed a fully automated process, including the associated equipment, capable of manufacturing ultra-compact vehicle battery modules on an industrial scale.

acib GmbH and the startup Econutri are working together to convert harmful greenhouse gases into high-quality protein. At the heart of this innovation is the ability of a microorganism called Cupriavidus necator to use CO2 as a nutrient source and thereby produce a wide variety of bio-based substances.

Luxinergy GmbH, a spin-off of the Montanuniversität Leoben, has developed an innovative resin system, including a 3D printer, for the production of medical devices such as orthoses and prostheses.

Modern miniaturized hearing aids contain numerous microchips. They communicate with smartphones and cars and will soon be able to translate conversations in real time. AT&S’s innovation lies at the intersection of these trends—miniaturization versus increasing complexity.

The MCL has developed highly miniaturized nanosensors that measure harmful and environmentally hazardous gases with unprecedented accuracy. The sensor structures are significantly smaller than one-tenth of a millimeter, the nanowires are about a thousand times thinner than a human hair, and the nanoparticles are a hundred times smaller still.

The 2019 Winners

Electric cars are in the fast lane. To make the hassle of fiddling with charging cables a thing of the past, EaseLink has developed Matrix Charging. This fully automated charging technology connects the vehicle’s underbody to the power source and is set to become the industry standard in the future.

The satellite communication system provides a constant, high-speed data link between the aircraft and the ground for monitoring, even in an emergency. SCOTTY developed the new system in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). For the first time, it enables the robust and rapid transmission of a secure HD video stream from the cockpit.

Automated processes for tracking shipments and trucks have long been established on the road. The WaggonTracker now brings digitalization to rail, delivering cost savings and enhanced cargo protection. To address the challenge of power supply, the system’s core component is a newly developed wheel hub generator.

The next generation of high-end printed circuit boards comes from Leoben-Hinterberg. AT&S is making it possible to integrate microchips that are getting smaller and smaller.

The Large Engines Competence Center, Austria’s leading R&D facility for large engines, is on the verge of launching the next generation of gas and dual-fuel engines with its latest developments. The new telemetry system is a highly flexible and powerful sensor solution capable of withstanding the most extreme conditions in engine operations.

Strain gauges measure the forces occurring in machines, bearings, or motors with precision, in real time, and directly at the point of stress. The patented StrainPad operates on the same principle as conventional strain gauges but offers a significant advantage: it is not glued, screwed, or welded in place, but can be installed in seconds.

A look back in pictures

Future, Emotion & Passion: Our “Hall of Fame”

2019

Micro-enterprises: Ease-Link GmbH
Small enterprises: SCOTTY Group Austria GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: PJ Monitoring GmbH
Large enterprises: AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG
R&D institution: LEC GmbH
Special Award: ocotgon GmbH

Winner of the VERENA Special Award in the Energy Category: TDK Electronics GmbH & Co OG

2018

Micro-enterprises: Aurox GmbH
Small enterprises: USound GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Innofreight Solutions GmbH
Large enterprises: EPCOS OHG
R&D institution: JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Award for particularly innovative SMEs: NEXTSENSE GmbH

2017

Micro-enterprises: Qualizyme Diagnostics GmbH & Co KG
Small enterprises: NEXTSENSE GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: HAGE Sondermaschinenbau GmbH & Co KG
Large enterprises: EPCOS OHG
R&D institution: Medical University of Graz/Institute of Biophysics

2016

Micro-enterprises: Stirtec GmbH
Small enterprises: Microinnova Engineering GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Johann Eberhard GmbH
Large enterprises: AVL List GmbH
R&D institution: Medical University of Graz/Department of Experimental Neurotraumatology

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: ams AG

Winner of the VERENA Special Prize in the Energy Sector: BDI – BioEnergy International AG

2015

Micro-enterprises: EcoCan GmbH
Small enterprises: Insort GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Murau Brewery
Large enterprises: ams AG
R&D institution: acib GmbH

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Award for particularly innovative SMEs: Geodata Ziviltechnikergesellschaft mbH

2014

Micro-enterprises: sch.epp OG
Small enterprises: Pieps GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Geodata Ziviltechnikergesellschaft mbH
Large enterprises: AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG
R&D institution: JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH/Institute for Information and Communication Technologies

2013

Micro-enterprises: Verpackungszentrum Graz Susanne Meininger e.U.
Small businesses: g.tec Guger Technologies OG
Medium-sized enterprises: INNOFREIGHT Speditions GmbH
Large enterprises: NXP Semiconductors Austria GmbH
R&D institution: JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, MATERIALS – Institute for Surface Technologies and Photonics
Public Forward Award: M&R Automation GmbH

2012

Micro-enterprises: IM Polymer GmbH in cooperation with PCC Leoben
Small enterprises: AXIS Flight Training Systems GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: MAG Maschinen- und Apparatebau AG
Large enterprises: AVL List GmbH
R&D institution: Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
Public Forward Award: Fischzucht Quester

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Prize for particularly innovative SMEs: IM Polymer GmbH

2011

Micro-enterprises: SunnyBag
Small businesses: Insort GmbH
Medium-sized businesses: Jsw Life Sciences GmbH
Large enterprises: AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG
R&D institution: Joanneum Research – Health
Public Forward Award: MedUni Graz – Department of General Pediatrics

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: ACC Austria GmbH

2010

Micro-enterprises: YLOG GmbH
Small enterprises: Hecus X-Ray Systems GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Alutechnik Matauschek
Large enterprises: ACC Austria GmbH
R&D institution: Research Center Pharmaceutical Engineering GmbH
Public Forward Award: FORMINGRUEN GMBH

2009

Micro-enterprise: Tyromotion GmbH
Small enterprise: PIEPS GmbH
Medium-sized enterprise: Secar Technologie GmbH
Large enterprise: Binder Co AG
R&D institution: JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsges. mbH
Public Forward Award: Bongfish GmbH

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: Binder+Co AG

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Prize for particularly innovative SMEs: Tyromotion GmbH

2008

Micro-enterprises: Kielsteg Bauelemente
Small businesses: G.tec Guger Technologies
Medium-sized enterprises: Competence Center for Applied Biocatalysis
Large enterprises: Siemens Transportation Systems GmbH & Co. KG
Innostar: Eco Technologies GmbH

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Award for particularly innovative SMEs: g.tec Guger Technologies OEG

2007

Micro-enterprises: NextSense Mess- und Prüfsysteme GmbH
Small enterprises: Plasmait GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Ceram Porzellanfabrik Frauenthal GmbH
Large enterprises: AVL List GmbH
Innostar: Stirling Power Module Energieumwandlungs GmbH

2006

Micro-enterprises: UAP Austria
Small enterprises: Innofreight Consulting & Logistics GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Piezocryst Advanced Sensorics GmbH
Large enterprises: EPCOS OHG
Innostar: austriamicrosystems AG

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Award for particularly innovative SMEs: Innofreight Consulting & Logistics

2005

Micro-enterprises: SensorDynamics AG
Small enterprises: S.O.L.I.D. Gesellschaft für Solarinstallation und Design GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: EFKON AG
Large enterprises: Pankl Emission Control Systems GmbH
Special Prize for Environmental Technology: Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: EFKON AG

Winner of the ECONOVIUS Special Prize for particularly innovative SMEs: S.O.L.I.D. Gesellschaft für Solarinstallationen & Design mbH

2004

Micro-enterprises: pro aqua Diamond Electrode Production
Small businesses: IPUS Industrial, Production & Environmental Services
Medium-sized enterprises: EFKON
Large enterprises: AVL List
Special Award for Food Product and Design: Feldbacher Konserven for the project "Steirer Kren"
Special Award for Food Technology: Lactoprot – Alpenländische Milchindustrie for the project "Splitting of Lactose"
Special Award "Hello Neighbor": TECOS

2003

Micro-enterprises: Hecus X-Ray Systems Ges.m.b.H.
Small businesses: CLEARjet GmbH
Medium-sized businesses: Seidel Elektronik GmbH
Large enterprises: EPCOS OHG

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: EPCOS OHG

2002

Micro-enterprises: Alicona Imaging GmbH
Small enterprises: CNSystems Medizintechnik GmbH
Medium-sized enterprises: Rochus Penz GmbH
Large enterprises: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: CNSystems Medizintechnik GmbH

2001

Category "Homepage": Hotelbetriebsgesellschaft der Therme Blumau GmbH & CoKG
Category "Webshop": Bilderland GmbH
Category "Portal": Styrian Chamber of Commerce

2000

g.tec – guger technologies
JSW Join Science Worldwide Research Research Laboratory GmbH
Concept Technologie GmbH

Winner of the State Prize for Innovation: Infineon Technologies
Austria GmbH

1999

SMEs: Platingtech, Kollmann & Co. GmbH
Large companies: Infineon Technologies Microelectronic

1997

AVL LIST GmbH
FANCYFORM Design Engineering
VENTREX Ventilfabrik GmbH

1995

DEWETRON Electronic Measuring Instruments, LLC
AUDIT Software Development and Trading, LLC
THERMOCRAFT Innovative Heating Technologies