Entrepreneurs (or employees of companies) who have designed or created innovative solutions, products or services for sustainable development can participate in the competition. The following conditions must be met in order to be eligible for the award: the invention, development or creation of the service must have taken place in the period 2023-2025 and contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the UN (a maximum of 3 SDGs can be indicated), the company must be based in South Tyrol and the invention, development or service must have been realised in the province of Bolzano-Bozen.

Further details on participation can be found in the guidelines.

The prize has a total budget of EUR 10,000 and will be paid out to a maximum of two winners. If the prize will be awarded to more than one person, the prize money will be divided equally. The prize will be awarded during a ceremony at unibz, the date of which has yet to be determined.

The jury for the selection of the winners of the Innovation Award for Sustainability will consist of the following people: the president of unibz, Prof. Ulrike Tappeiner, the rector of unibz, Prof. Alex Weissensteiner, the Vice-Rector for research at unibz, Prof. Tanja Mimmo, a representative of the Stiftung Südtiroler Sparkasse and a representative of the Südtiroler Sparkasse.

“Innovation is a key driver for sustainable growth and social progress - especially in South Tyrol”, says Prof. Tanja Mimmo, Vice-Rector for Research. “As the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, we are delighted to announce the Innovation Award in collaboration with the Stiftung Südtiroler Sparkasse and the Südtiroler Sparkasse. With this initiative, we want to showcase the creative potential and entrepreneurial strength of our region. Close cooperation between science and industry is a key factor in developing sustainable solutions for South Tyrol.”

Applications can be submitted indifferently in Italian, English or German and sent to the vice-rector for research, Prof. Tanja Mimmo, at the following e-mail address rectorate@unibz.it by 25.06.2025.

Download the application form.