Deadline: 18-Jan-22
Nominations are now open for the SOFT Innovation Prize.
The complete application for the ‘SOFT Innovation Prize’ should include:
- a technical description of the innovation
- a state-of-the-art assessment of the innovation
- an account, in general terms, of the market potential for the exploitation of the innovation
Prize Details
- 1st Prize: EUR 50 000,
- 2nd Prize: 30 000,
- 3rd Prize: EUR 20 000.
Specific Challenge
- Fusion research encompasses innovation in the domains of physics and technology over a wide variety of specialisations. Fusion researchers are constantly challenging the scientific state-of-the-art and improving the technology thereby creating the conditions for innovation, much of which can be exploited in other science and industrial sectors for the benefit of society. The fundamental basis of the Euratom Programme is the drive and support for innovation across the product development chain from research to market. In this context the researcher plays a critical role.
- The SOFT Innovation Prize is being offered to highlight and reward excellence in innovation that can be found in fusion research as well as the quality of the researchers and industries involved. Following the success of first four editions of the SOFT Innovation Prize awarded by the Commission under Euratom Research and Training Programme 2014-2020 (in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020), the European Commission is holding the contest again in association with the next Symposium on Fusion Technology (SOFT) in 2022.
- There are no specific categories for this prize. Contestants are free to submit an application concerning any physics or technology innovation that has been developed in magnetic confinement fusion research and that has market potential or has been taken up (or recognised) by industry to be further developed for the market.
Essential Award Criteria
The prize will be awarded, after closure of the contest, to the applicant(s) who in the opinion of the jury best addresses the following cumulative criteria:
- Originality and replicability: The extent to which the idea is innovative, original and a first-of-a-kind use of the technology in industry or in the domain of application. The description should be clear, logically presented and well-illustrated.
- Technical excellence: The extent to which the innovation is demonstrably state-of-the-art and based on excellent science and engineering.Economic impact and exploitation of the innovation: The extent to which the submission demonstrates understanding and awareness of the relevant innovation aspects, including market potential, needs and business opportunities.
Expected Results
By awarding the ‘SOFT Innovation Prize’, the Commission will showcase innovations in fusion research sector giving visibility to the most dynamic, forward-looking and innovative researchers, research teams or industrial contestants. This visibility will provide greater potential for valorisation of the fusion research. Furthermore, the contest will stimulate the EU and international partners to develop a stronger innovation and entrepreneurial culture in fusion research.
Eligibility Criteria:
- The contest is open to researchers or research teams funded under the Euratom Research and Training Programme, to researchers or research teams working for a national programme in an ITER partner country or in any third country that has a bilateral fusion cooperation agreement with Euratom in force and to industrial participants participating in the ITER. Example of proof: the Commission may request substantiating document such as contracts, etc.
- The researcher, research team or industrial participant must obtain permission from the owner of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to submit an application and provide supporting documentation. The owner of the IPR should comment on the state of the IPR, i.e. free or contractually embedded, and name of possible contractor(s).
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3ApR2lu