The Research Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a recognition prize of €5,000 granted annually by the KAUTE Foundation’s Academic Entrepreneurship Fund to a researcher who has established a business based on research. We are now seeking nominations for the 2024 award recipient.
“We’ve been awarding the Young Research Entrepreneur of the Year since 2013. This year, we decided to remove the age limit to encourage all research-based entrepreneurs to apply,” explains Tuomas Olkku, the CEO of the KAUTE Foundation.
Award Criteria
The Research Entrepreneur of the Year Award may be granted to an individual who:
- Is a full-time entrepreneur
- Has a novel business idea based on research
- Operates a business in its early stages (turnover up to € 10 million, company founded less than 5 years ago)
Last year, the award went to Ashish Mohite, whose company Hyperion Robotics reduces the carbon footprint of construction through 3D printing of low-carbon concrete.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominees must be full-time entrepreneurs who have previously worked as researchers at a university or research institution. Special consideration is given to those who demonstrate the ability to apply research findings innovatively in their business operations.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone interested, including individuals and organizations. The nomination period is open until January 31, 2025. The winner will be announced in spring 2025.
Learn more about past winners: