The euRobotics Technology Transfer Award recognizes outstanding collaborations between research institutions and industry that successfully transform robotics research into commercial products, applications, and services. Finalists gain Europe-wide visibility, valuable networking opportunities, and a prestigious reputation boost through presentations and an award ceremony at ERF2026. This award highlights impactful robotics innovations that address societal challenges such as aging populations, labor shortages, sustainability, and climate change.

Overview

The euRobotics Technology Transfer Award celebrates successful technology transfer—the process of turning robotics research into market-ready solutions. It spotlights impactful projects developed through strong collaboration between research institutions and industry partners across Europe. Winners receive trophies, certificates, and major visibility at the European Robotics Forum (ERF2026).

Why It Matters

This award helps accelerate the adoption of robotics innovations that contribute to solving critical European challenges, including:
• Aging populations requiring assistive technologies
• Workforce shortages supported by automated systems
• Climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability
• Efficient resource management and greener industrial processes
By recognizing excellence in technology transfer, the award strengthens academic-industry collaboration and amplifies commercial impact.

What the Award Offers

Finalists and winners benefit from:
• Trophies and certificates (top three contenders recognized)
• Presentations and exposure during ERF2026 in Stavanger
• A Europe-wide press release promoting finalists
• Networking opportunities with robotics leaders, investors, and potential partners
• Prestige and credibility, serving as a label that attracts academic and industry collaborations
• Showcasing of impactful robotics solutions, including healthcare robots, automation tools, sustainability-oriented systems, and more

Focus Areas and Evaluation Themes

Submissions should demonstrate strong real-world impact in robotics, particularly in:
• Assistive and healthcare robotics
• Industrial automation and smart manufacturing
• Sustainable robotics for climate and environmental challenges
• Resource optimization and efficiency systems
• Robotics innovations that show clear commercial pathways
• Effective collaboration between research entities and industry partners

Evaluators assess:
• Quality of research and technology
• Strength and effectiveness of the technology transfer
• Innovation level and market relevance
• Commercial success or early signs of commercialization
• Societal impact and scalability
• Benefits of research-industry collaboration

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, submissions must meet the following criteria:
• Technology transfer must have occurred in Europe
• Resulting outcomes must be robotics products, services, or applications
• Scientific results must originate from:
– Research and technology organizations
– Universities
– Polytechnic universities
(Not from in-house industry research)
• Up to three representatives from all partner organizations may apply
• The submission must demonstrate early commercialization or clear commercial potential

What to Include in the Application

Applications must be max. 6 pages and must include:
• Executive summary of the technology transfer project
• Applicant and organizational details
• Motivation and research goals
• State of the art and technological approach
• Research and development results
• Innovation outcomes and commercial impact
• Description of research-industry collaboration benefits
• Intellectual property (IP) strategy and commercialization plan

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Identify a completed or ongoing robotics technology transfer project that shows commercialization progress.

2. Compile the required six-page application covering all mandatory content sections.

3. Demonstrate clear scientific origin from a European academic or research institution.

4. Highlight commercial results, industry adoption, and societal impact.

5. Submit the application through the official euRobotics process before the stated deadline.

6. If selected as a finalist, prepare a presentation for ERF2026 in Stavanger.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a project that has no clear commercialization evidence
• Failing to demonstrate true academic-industry collaboration
• Providing incomplete application sections
• Submitting research originating from in-house industry labs (not eligible)
• Exceeding the six-page limit
• Neglecting to outline intellectual property or commercialization strategy

FAQ

1. What types of robotics innovations qualify?
Any robotics product, application, or service resulting from research transferred into industry use.

2. Can industry-led research apply?
No. Scientific results must originate from academic or research institutions.

3. How many people can represent a project?
Up to three representatives from all participating partners.

4. Is commercialization required?
Early signs of commercialization or clear commercial pathways are expected.

5. What do award finalists receive?
Certificates, ERF2026 exposure, presentation opportunities, and Europe-wide visibility.

6. Does the award focus on specific robotics fields?
No; it is open to all robotics domains, including healthcare, industrial automation, sustainability robotics, and more.

7. How long should the application be?
Maximum six pages, covering all required sections.

Conclusion

The euRobotics Technology Transfer Award offers a high-visibility platform for robotics innovators to demonstrate how research can successfully transition into real-world impact. By recognizing excellence in technology transfer, the award strengthens European competitiveness, promotes sustainable technological progress, and deepens collaboration between academia and industry.