Neptun Staatspreis für Wasser

Submissions are invited in five categories until 11 October 2026. The WasserFORSCHT (WaterRESEARCH) category honours projects that contribute to the protection and restoration of natural habitats in and around water. The top three winners will share a total prize fund of EUR 5,000.

Organised in cooperation with the category sponsor City of Vienna – Vienna Water (Stadt Wien – Wiener Wasser), the WasserFORSCHT category provides a platform for innovative research and development projects from academia and industry that focus on the protection and sustainable use of water resources. The competition seeks forward-looking technologies, methods, studies, and initiatives that generate new insights and practical solutions to the challenges facing the water sector and climate change.

Eligible submissions include projects, research, studies, technologies, and processes in the field of research and development that have been developed or implemented in Austria, or abroad with Austrian participation.

The award recognises projects that make a significant contribution in one or more of the following areas:

- Protection and sustainable use of water resources: Projects that preserve and improve water quality, protect groundwater and spring water, and promote sustainable water use in urban areas and agriculture.

- Aquatic ecology and biodiversity: Innovative approaches to restoring and conserving natural habitats in and around water, while protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

- Technologies and system solutions for the water sector: Research and development of sustainable solutions for water abstraction, drinking water supply, infrastructure, wastewater management, and technologies that reduce or prevent water pollution.

- Climate change and resilient water management: Projects focusing on sustainable flood protection, environmentally compatible hydropower, and innovative measures that address the impacts of climate change on water resources while balancing social, environmental, and economic considerations.

The award ceremony will take place in March 2027 in Vienna, around World Water Day (22 March).

Further information: https://www.neptun-staatspreis.at/kategorien/wasserforscht/

Submit your project: https://www.neptun-staatspreis.at/ 

Submission deadline: 11 October 2026

Contact:
Neptun Coordination Office
tatwort Nachhaltige Projekte GmbH
info(at)neptun-staatspreis.at