At October 17, 2019, Bioresources expert Nikolaus Pfaffenbichler and his project Seedjection were awarded the 3rd place of the ICEBERG Award as part of the Austrian Innovation Forum. The ICEBERG Award was presented for the second time this year.
The ICEBERG Award awards sustainable innovations of Austrian companies. Not only disruptive or radical innovations, but also significant and groundbreaking innovations in existing products and business models. The degree of innovation, general conditions, innovation culture, potential and sustainability are assessed. This is based on the Sustainable Development Goals and takes into account the socio-ecological, ecological and economic side of innovation.
All companies older than 5 years and with at least 25 employees were eligible to participate. Twenty-five top companies have submitted entries for the ICEBERG Innovation Leadership Award, and six have been nominated to present their innovation to the public at the 9th Austrian Innovation Forum. First prize went to the project "StrucInspect" (Palfinger / VCE / Angst), which analyzes buildings digitally, using high-resolution cameras and sensors to subsequently examine these models, for structural damage. Second place went to Wiener Linien with its self-driving bus project in Seestadt. AIT expert Nikolaus Pfaffenbichler, Competence Unit Bioresources of the Center for Health & Bioresources, secured third place with his project Seedjection.
SeedJection is a new method of seed treatment. State of the art is currently the application of chemical substances or microorganisms outside of the seed. For the first time, our technology offers the opportunity to mechanically introduce these beneficial bacteria mechanically into the seeds of the plant. The micro-organisms are protected in the seed and can grow from the first moment of germination on with the plant and fully develop their useful potential. As a result, chemical sprays and fertilizer can be saved significantly. This not only benefits the field worker but also insects such as honey bees, birds, wildlife, groundwater and thus the environment in general.
By supporting the plant, it can handle even drier times, which means significant water savings. With the same acreage, more food can be produced, and especially in areas that are difficult for agriculture, the plant can be supported and cultivation made possible, and the yield can be increased.
It is an innovative way to modern agriculture by natural means and thus a kind of return to the natural agriculture that man has operated for millennia and works in harmony with the soil, the insects, so the environment.
Link to Award Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL-qPjDNCBc&vl=de
More about seed injection: https://www.seedjection.at/
More about the ICEBERG Award: https://www.austrian-innovation-forum.at/ICEBERG-award-2019.html
Research Topic: https://www.ait.ac.at/themen/microbe-assisted-crop-production/
