H₂Genset, the emission-free and mobile hydrogen power generator, wins the Lower Austrian Innovation Prize
Lower Austria Innovation Prize 2022 – Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize: Overall winner is TEST-FUCHS GmbH from Groß-Siegharts with “H2Genset”
The "Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize" was awarded for the 35th time. The prize is the most important award for innovation projects by Lower Austrian companies and for innovative developments by Lower Austrian research institutions. In addition, the most innovative projects in Lower Austria were awarded in five other categories.
From 32 submissions to the Lower Austria Innovation Prize 2022, the company Test Fuchs GmbH from Groß Siegharts prevailed with a "green", emission-free, noiseless, mobile power generator. "H2Genset", as the new power generator is called, is operated with hydrogen and can be refueled at a normal H2 filling station. The generator can be used for pure continuous power supply or for uninterrupted emergency power supply.
“Research, development and innovation are of great importance for the success of Lower Austria as a business location. Due to the enormous challenges caused by increased energy prices, we have decided this year to dedicate a special prize to the topic of "Sustainable Innovation". This year's winners of the innovation prize show that innovation, digitization and, above all, sustainability are of great importance in our companies. Our companies convince with entrepreneurial spirit and innovative strength and as the province of Lower Austria we want to create the best possible framework conditions for this. The emerging House of Digitization and our targeted funding and support instruments will play a decisive role in shaping the sustainable economic future of Lower Austria," says Jochen Danninger, Provincial Councilor for Economic Affairs.
“Innovations are a crucial factor for the success of a company. It is important for companies in particular to adapt to the multitude of challenges of our time in order to successfully master them. Only those who develop further and try new things can survive in the competition. The Lower Austria Innovation Prize makes it clear how innovative and creative Lower Austria's companies are - from the smallest to the largest companies. And with TIP, we have the right tool to accompany our innovative companies from the idea to successful implementation individually and in a goal-oriented manner. Because the entire business location of Lower Austria benefits from innovative entrepreneurs. They secure added value, provide jobs and create prosperity,” emphasizes Lower Austria Chamber of Commerce President Wolfgang Ecker.
With the Technology and Innovation Partners Lower Austria (TIP), the joint innovation service of the state and the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce, which also handled this year's innovation award, innovative companies in the state have been successfully supported for many years - from the idea to implementation.
Prizes worth 30,000 euros awarded
The prizes of EUR 4,000 each for the best innovation from research institutions, from large and medium-sized companies and from small companies were awarded by the state of Lower Austria and the sponsors Raiffeisen Landesbank NÖ-Wien and EVN. The main prize (Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize) was awarded 10,000 euros by the state of Lower Austria. The prize for the best innovation for digitization and artificial intelligence and the special prize for sustainable innovations, which was announced for the first time, were each awarded 4,000 euros by the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
The winners in each category
Overall winner: Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize TEST-FUCHS GmbH, Gross Siegharts
Project: H2Genset The H2Genset is a "green", zero-emission, noiseless, mobile power generator that runs on hydrogen, can be refueled at a normal H2 filling station and can be used both as a pure permanent power supply or as an uninterruptible emergency power supply. Sponsor: State of Lower Austria Special prize for sustainable innovation AC Raedler Environmental Technology GmbH, Hagenbrunn
Project: Climate efficiency solution for the maintenance of industrially operated heat exchangers Significant reduction of diesel, water, electricity and CO2 by switching from high-pressure technology to drilling, Austrian RTC cleaning process.
Sponsor: Economic Chamber of Lower Austria
Best small business innovation
HCB Hybrid Crane Base GmbH, Pfaffstätten
Project: Hybrid crane foundation A hybrid crane foundation for urban use, which is reusable and, thanks to optimal use of space, does not impede either the roadway or pedestrian traffic.
Sponsor: Raiffeisen Landesbank NÖ-Vienna
Best innovation for digitization and artificial intelligence
Brantner Digital Solutions GmbH, Krems
Project: Brantner AI and Robotic B-AIR Neural network for panoptical segmentation of non-trivial deformed objects for waste management.
Sponsor: Economic Chamber of Lower Austria
Best innovation from research institutions
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Tulln
Project: Recyclable wood-based materials of the future - from chipboard to 3D printing Bio-based binder for wood-based materials rethought - this enables recycling without further addition of adhesives in the biological cycle.
Sponsor: State of Lower Austria
Best innovation from large and medium-sized companies
NBG Tube GmbH
Project: NBG SonoSens, Gmünd SonoSens is the first metal-protected acoustic sensor based on fiber optic technology that can be used for high-resolution sensory purposes over a length of up to 20 kilometers.
Sponsor: EVN
Further details on the winning projects and a video recording of the award ceremony can be found at: www.innovationspreis-noe.at
© Wirtschaftskammer NÖ, video: Technologie- und InnovationsPartner (TIP), pictures: Gregor Nesvadba
