The Houska Prize celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and is one of the most important research prizes for applied research in Austria. Its aim is to promote pioneering innovations with economic relevance for Austria as a business location.
After an intensive selection process by advisory boards and an internationally recognised jury of experts, the 15 nominated projects have been selected. Five projects each in the categories ‘University Research’, ‘Non-university Research’ and ‘Research & Development in SMEs’ were nominated for the Houska Prize 2025 from a total of 52 submissions.
This year, AIT was nominated with two outstanding projects in the category ‘Non-university research’:
Project: Electrical cell lysis for rapid antibiotic resistance testing
Project management: Johannes Peham and Ivan Barisic from the Center for Health & Bioresources
Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat that requires rapid diagnosis. Conventional methods often take 24-72 hours. A new electrical cell lysis technology enables accelerated testing by selectively lysing human cells and preserving bacteria for analysis. This optimises diagnostics, saves time and improves therapy.
The research group led by Johannes Peham and Ivan Barisic, senior scientists at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, has developed a method that uses precisely controlled electronic impulses to break open human cells while leaving bacteria intact. This process takes only a few seconds and significantly reduces the time needed to prepare bacterial samples for analysis. Patients receive appropriate treatment more quickly and healthcare facilities benefit from more efficient processes and reduced treatment costs.
Project: MEDUSA – Sustainable multi-megawatt charging at the medium-voltage grid
Project management: Markus Makoschitz from the Center for Energy
The decarbonisation of freight transport requires not only innovative vehicle technology but also efficient charging infrastructures. Existing charging systems for heavy electric transport vehicles require a large construction volume, high quantities of materials and, in some cases, cost-intensive excavation work. As part of the MEDUSA project, the research group led by Markus Makoschitz, professor and head of the chair at the Montanuniversität Leoben and principal scientist at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, is developing a high-performance, fully electric charging infrastructure. Instead of conventional 50 Hz transformers, compact solid-state transformers with a high transmission frequency and a central medium-voltage rectifier that is directly connected to the grid are used. This reduces the overall construction volume and the system can be flexibly expanded.
The integration of renewable energies and storage systems, as well as the utilisation of waste heat, increases efficiency and reliability. The system is also suitable for use in shipping, aviation and agriculture, thus strengthening Austria's position in the global market for high-performance infrastructure.
More information about the nominations: https://bcgruppe.at/houskapreis/ausschreibung/
The award ceremony will take place on 9 April 2025!