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A major success for the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology: the “Voltera” research project won the prestigious 2026 Houska Prize in the “Non-university Research” category. The technology developed at AIT demonstrates how artificial intelligence and physical modelling can work together to make power grids fit for the energy transition. The award ceremony took place yesterday evening at the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna.
Smart grids for a renewable future
With the rapid expansion of photovoltaics, heat pumps, battery storage and electric vehicles, low-voltage grids in particular are coming under increasing pressure. This is precisely where Voltera comes in: the system analyses the state of electricity grids in real time and dynamically calculates how much energy can be safely absorbed or fed into the grid. This allows renewable energies to be integrated efficiently without jeopardising the stability of the grids.
At the heart of the technology lies the combination of deterministic grid calculation and artificial intelligence. Even in areas without direct measurement infrastructure, Voltera can precisely reconstruct the grid’s state and derive optimal operating limits for installations such as photovoltaic systems or battery storage. In real-world applications, this has led, among other things, to a significant improvement in voltage stability and a reduction in grid imbalances.
“With Voltera, we demonstrate how data-driven methods and an understanding of physical systems can work together to actively facilitate the energy transition. Our aim is to provide grid operators with a tool that not only delivers precise analyses but can also be integrated directly into operations. In doing so, we are laying the foundations for a secure, flexible and sustainable energy system”, says project leader Bharath Varsh Rao.
IT strengthens Europe’s energy infrastructure through applied research
As project coordinator, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology played a key role in the development of Voltera and was responsible for the design and implementation of core analysis, optimisation and AI methods. The system was developed as part of several national and European research projects and has been successfully tested in real-world distribution networks.
“Projects such as Voltera demonstrate how we translate research into specific applications for the energy infrastructure. In doing so, we are making an important contribution to a high-performance, more resilient energy system in Europe – whilst simultaneously creating an environment in which cutting-edge research and attractive jobs go hand in hand”, emphasises Brigitte Bach, Managing Director and Spokesperson for the AIT Management Board.
Second award for AIT: Green Manikin among the winners
Alongside Voltera, another AIT project was recognised at the 2026 Houska Prize: Green Manikin, an innovative mixed-reality training solution for first aid and emergency response training. The technology combines real medical procedures with immersive digital scenarios, thereby enabling particularly realistic training.
Using green-screen technology, learners see their own hands and real equipment seamlessly embedded in virtual environments. The system is complemented by AI-supported voice interaction, which simulates realistic communication during an emergency. Studies show that Green Manikin replicates key stress and behavioural parameters almost at the level of real-life exercises and outperforms traditional virtual reality training. The solution is currently being further developed as a spin-off from AIT and is aimed at an international market.
About the Houska Prize
The Houska Prize was established in 2005 by the B&C Privatstiftung and is considered the most prestigious private award for applied research in Austria. It recognises projects that demonstrate a high degree of innovation and clear economic benefits. The aim is to raise the profile of excellent research and to strengthen Austria’s position as a centre of innovation in the long term.
About the AIT