Houska Prize 2026

Houska Prize 2026

With the Houska Prize in the category "University Research", the B&C Private Foundation honours outstanding research projects that combine exceptional research performance and economic relevance in the implementation of research results.

The Houska Prize 2026 in the category "University Research" has 5 nominees and is endowed with a total of € 250,000.

Prize

1st prize
2nd prize
3rd prize		€ 150.000,-
€  70.000,-
€  30.000,-

In addition, the Mariella Schurz Prize, worth EUR 10,000, will be awarded. It will be selected by
school pupils and presented to a nominated project during the award ceremony.

SUBMISSION

  • Submission by project manager following internal coordination with rectorate
  • Cross-university/institutional submission possible (please specify only one person as project leader)
  • Description of the research project including an explanation of the methodological research approach
  • Presentation of innovative content/potential
  • Specification of the existing/planned business partner/spin-off with business location Austria for the realisation of the project and description of the planned economic implementation
  • Description of the contribution to Austria as a business location
  • Presentation of key project milestones if project not submitted for the first time
  • Exclusion of up to two named assessors (for competition-related reasons) is permitted (brief explanation required)

Submission can only be made in one category - no double submissions!

For details and submission requirements, please refer to this link

IMPORTANT:
Please contact the Team Techtransfer (until 20th October at the latest) for an initial consultation and clarification of any questions regarding patent law, as well as coordination with the Rectorate.

Submission deadline: 01 September to 28 October 2025

Awarding of the Houskaprize 2026: 21th April 2026.

Contact:

BOKU Research Service/Technology Transfer, techtransfer@boku.ac.at