Applications Invited for the SOFT Innovation Prize 2021

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About the Organization

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws and directing the union's administrative operations

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.

About the Grant

The SOFT Innovation Prize[1] 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.

The specific rules of the contest will be published in 2021 by the European Commission[2], which will launch and manage the contest and award the prize based on the judgement of independent experts.

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

For the Model Rules of Contest for Prizes please see the Funding and Tenders Portal.

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[3]:

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.

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 please check the Link

Tags Innovations and Technology Research Others