Release from
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is among the big winners of the 2026 Houska Prize: with its “Voltera” project, the AIT took first place in the “Non-university Research” category, whilst “Green Manikin” was awarded third place. This impressively underscores the role of Austria’s largest non-university research institution as a driver of innovation at the interface between science, industry and society.
“The awards at the Houska Prize impressively demonstrate the impact that applied research can have – from the energy transition to innovative XR-based training solutions. At AIT, we bridge the gap between basic research and innovation and rapidly bring solutions into practice, where they create real added value for the economy and society”, emphasises Andreas Kugi, Scientific Director of AIT.
Two projects, one common denominator: practical impact
“Voltera”, a technology developed at AIT that combines artificial intelligence and physical modelling to analyse and optimally control electricity grids in real time, has been recognised with an award. The aim is to integrate renewable energies such as photovoltaics or battery storage efficiently and safely into existing grids – a key component of the energy transition.
“Green Manikin”, an innovative training solution for first aid and emergency situations, also received an award. By combining real medical procedures with mixed reality and AI-supported interaction, it creates highly realistic training environments that have been proven to achieve high learning outcomes and set new standards in training.
Success through applied research
The success at the 2026 Houska Prize highlights AIT’s strategic strength: research is consistently translated into concrete applications – whether in critical infrastructure such as the energy system or in socially relevant areas such as health and safety. Both award-winning projects exemplify how interdisciplinary research leads to market-oriented innovations.
The Houska Prize is regarded as the most prestigious private award for application-oriented research in Austria and recognises projects with a high degree of innovation and economic relevance.
Press release on Voltera’s success
Press release on Green Manikin’s success
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