We are once again looking for the energy innovations of tomorrow: submit your entry now and take part!
The Future Prize for Renewable Energy enters its next round:
In 2026, the Energy Park Research Foundation will award the LIMES Future Prize for Renewable Energy for the second time. This prize supports visionary minds with groundbreaking ideas in the generation, transmission, and storage of renewable energy.
We are looking for innovative pioneers who not only overcome existing boundaries, but also set new standards in the energy transition.
LIMES stands for: "Limitless Innovative: Mission Energy future with Strength"- This is exactly what we want to promote!
CALL FOR TENDERS 
TARGET GROUP -Who can submit?
The LIMES Future Prize is aimed at individuals, teams, and early-stage startups who are shaping the future of renewable energy with innovative technologies, concepts, or business models.
The following can apply:
- Individuals (researchers, engineers, and scientists) who submit their ideas independently or personally
- Small, interdisciplinary teams (max. 5 people)
- Startups & founders in the early phase
- Students and young talents with independent, disruptive ideas
- Innovators with prototypes or pilot projects in the early stages of development
CRITERIA -What is awarded?
Prizes are awarded to projects that deal with renewable energy generation, transmission or storage.
The following criteria must be met:
- Early phase: The idea is at an early stage of development
Example: "from the conception phase to the first prototype", or "from prototype to pilot plant" - Innovative content: The solution is technologically or economically novel and stands out from existing approaches.
- First-mover approach:The project has a pioneering character and opens up new avenues in the energy industry.
- Transferability & market potential: The idea has potential for commercial viability and can be established beyond pilot projects.
- Scalability: The concept has the potential to be extended to larger markets or areas of application.
- Impact criterion: Demonstrable contribution to the reduction of fossil fuels and to the energy transition.
NOMINATIONS - Prize money & benefits
🏆 1st place (prize winner:in)
💰 € 25,000 in prize money
🚀 Mentoring"starter package": plus one-year mentoring with leading experts from the industry and access to the Energiepark Forschungsstiftung network.
🥈 2nd & 3rd place (nominees)
💰 € 5.000,- recognition prize each
SUBMISSION - Procedure & selection process
Participation is via our digital online form. The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon!
Your way to the LIMES prize:
- Online application - completed:
Interested parties can submit their project ideas, including a description and relevant documents, conveniently online by June 2, 2025. - Pre-selection & invitation to the pitch event:
Our expert jury will select the five most compelling submissions by July 1, 2026 . These projects will be notified directly and invited to the pitch event in September. - "Pitch Your Idea":
On September 2, 2026, the five finalists will present their ideas live to our expert jury at the Energiepark Bruck/Leitha. 📣 The three nominees for the award ceremony will be officially announced by September 7, 2026, at the latest—giving plenty of time before the award ceremony! - Award ceremony & mentoring launch:
The award ceremony will take place on September 30 at 6:00 p.m. at Lighthouse10 – Haus des Meeres and will be accompanied by expert presentations and opportunities for discussion and networking.
JOIN- Submit now & be part of it
👉 All details & online application: Submit now!
The future of energy needs creative minds like you! 💡
QUESTIONS? Contact:
Foundation Management
Lisa Gärtner, MSc MA
forschungsstiftung@energiepark.at
+43 (0) 699 121 68 100
Reinforcing knowledge transfer 
