Meet the UniVie Green Inventors of 2025

With the "Green Inventors of the Year" Award, the University of Vienna recognizes individuals or teams who have developed innovative intellectual property with potential relevance to the green EU Missions (Water, Soil, Climate, Cities). 

A jury of representatives from Austria Wirtschaftsservice, the Austrian Patent Office, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, and the UniVie Innovation Team evaluated submissions and selected the 2025 awardees, with final approval granted by Vice Rector Baccarini.

The following individuals and teams were honored with the 2025 Green Inventor of the Year Award:

First place: Dr. Francisco Garnes Portolés & El Czar Galleposo

Faculty of Chemistry, Group of Prof. Davide Bonifazi

Next-Generation Metal-Free Organic Photocatalysts for the Green Transformation of CO₂

This Invention details a metal‑free photocatalytic approach for the direct valorisation of CO₂ under sustainable reaction conditions. With its high level of scientific originality and strong economic potential, this submission represents a highly innovative contribution to greenhouse gas mitigation.

Second place: Paul Schweng

Faculty of Chemistry, Group of Prof. Robert Woodward

SorbAir: Water out of Air – anytime, anywhere.

This invention offers a cost-efficient, low-energy system for harvesting drinking water directly from the atmosphere, addressing water scarcity challenges intensified by climate change. The technology demonstrates strong readiness for practical deployment while helping protect natural water resources and advancing the EU missions.

Third place: Ass.-Prof. Uğur Öztürk & Ass.-Prof. Atakan Aral

Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy & Faculty of Computer Science

E-WarnRail - Smart Early Warning System for Climate-Induced Hazards along Railway Transport

This invention provides an automated detection of landslide deposition and warning system specifically designed to protect railway infrastructure from increasing climate-related risks. Its modular, cost-efficient design and strong alignment with EU missions underline its significant potential for real-world deployment to enhance railway safety and resilience.

The awardees receive tailored expert services from Austria Wirtschaftsservice, the Austrian Patent Office and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency, as well as funding of up to €20,000. We warmly congratulate all winners.