6 November 2026 National Technology Award 2027 announced

Projects in the categories 'Mobility Technologies', 'Key Technologies' and 'Innovation Culture in Technology Companies' sought.

The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) has announced the National Technology Award 2027. This award is the highest honour bestowed by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure for groundbreaking and forward-looking solutions from Austria.

"Innovation arises where people have the courage to take new paths and the foresight to keep the big picture in mind. Especially in the face of global challenges such as the climate crisis and digital transition, we need companies and bright minds who develop solutions with expertise and commitment that benefit everyone. The National Technology Award shines a spotlight on exactly these pioneers. I look forward to many forward-thinking submissions that strengthen Austria as a place of innovation, secure good jobs and advance our country together," said Minister of Innovation Peter Hanke.

"The National Technology Award shows what research in Austria achieves. Bold ideas lead to new products, processes and markets. The FFG accompanies exactly this path – from the initial idea to market readiness. For the National Technology Award, we are looking for mobility and key technologies with exemplary effects, showing how Austria shapes the future," said Karin Tausz, Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG.

What is being sought?

Innovative and forward-thinking projects that allow Austria to stand out in international comparison. The submissions impress with well-thought-out concepts and provide suitable answers to enable a fair transition to a climate-neutral future. Research and technologies should be integrated into daily life so that society and the economy can benefit and Austria's competitiveness strengthened. Submissions are also sought that create a corporate innovation culture, foster creativity and encourage co-creation.

Category 1: Mobility Technologies

This category focuses on the development and exploration of sustainable, climate-neutral and intelligent mobility technologies. The goal is to drive forward innovative solutions that enable sustainable and climate-neutral mobility while simultaneously improving resource and energy efficiency as well as inclusion in transport.

A key focus is on the research of efficient battery technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, and the related energy supply to advance electromobility and alternative drives. Technologies for connected and automated vehicles are also in the spotlight, enabling need-based, inclusive, and efficient mobility. The integration of different transport modes into multimodal mobility concepts aims to ensure environmentally friendly and efficient mobility. Additionally, there is research in material science on lightweight and recyclable materials to reduce the resource and energy consumption of vehicles.

In the "Mobility Technologies" category, prototypes, results from applied research, and innovations that accelerate the path from research to practice or strengthen European collaboration are required.

Category 2: Key Technologies

In this category, the National Technology Award particularly honours projects with exemplary effects in the following five key technologies that are of special importance to Austria as an industrial nation:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Innovations
2. Chips, Electronic Components, and Systems
3. Advanced Production Technologies and Robotics
4. Quantum Technologies and Photonics
5. Advanced Materials

Key technologies change the economy and society – with far-reaching opportunities and challenges. Projects that use these technologies to solve urgent societal tasks and are internationally competitive or open new markets will be recognised.

In the "Key Technologies" category, prototypes or project results from applied research can be submitted, as well as innovations that accelerate the transfer from research to application or strengthen European collaboration.

Category 3: Innovation Culture in Technology Companies

At the heart of this category is innovation culture as a strategic success factor that makes technology companies competitive and strong in innovation in the long term. New ideas often emerge where diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills come together. Diverse teams and processes where employees can actively participate help identify blind spots. This results in solutions that are not only technologically convincing but also socially relevant and market-appropriate. Because they consider different life realities, they are more widely applicable and benefit more people.

At the National Technology Award, the BMIMI therefore not only honours the result but also the journey to it: an innovation culture that lives appreciation, is attractive to young talents, and enables all employees to realise their full potential.

The "Innovation Culture in Technology Companies" category is particularly aimed at companies that actively shape and develop their innovation culture. This includes programmes to strengthen leadership and organisational culture, the introduction of innovation management systems, modern working time and career models, and more opportunities for participation. Measures that attract women to the tech sector and accompany them on their career path, qualification and awareness-raising offerings for more diversity, participation and equality, and the establishment of professional diversity management are also sought.

Who can submit?

The National Technology Award addresses players from research and economy as well as stakeholders, infrastructure operators, service providers, civil society initiatives, and NGOs.

Top Jury evaluates the submissions

The submissions for the National Technology Award 2027 will be evaluated (in alphabetical order) by: Horst Bischof (Rector University for Technology (TU) Graz), Christina Hirschl (CEO Silicon Austria Labs (SAL)), Alexander Hochmeier (Vice President Information Technology and Security FACC AG), Gerlinde Macho (Founder MP2 IT-Solutions), Johanna Pirker (Prof. TU Graz and TU Munich, Member of FORWIT (Council for Research, Science, Innovation and Technology Development)), Sonja Sheikh (ACR Managing Director, Member of FORWIT), Michael Soder (Chamber of Labour Vienna), Theresia Vogel (self-employed, Member of FORWIT) and Bernd Vogl (CEO Climate and Energy Fund).