The Austrian Ministry of Science and Research has announced the two winners of the 2013 Phönix Award for innovative young spin-offs. The two university spin-offs Lithoz and Xiber Science each won 10.000 euros. Companies founded in the past six years and with an affiliation to a public university were entitled to participate.
3D Printing Technology
The Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) spin-off Lithoz won the “Phönix for young entrepreneurs.” Founded in 2011, the startup developed and patented a cost-effective 3D printing technology that produces mechanical components made of ceramic. “Their technology is important for branches such as medical engineering, dental medicine and mechatronics,” the international jury explained.
“Receiving the award is a confirmation of the performed work,” CEO Dr. Johannes Homa told inventures.eu. Having focused on Europe to distribute their technology and materials, they “now want to sell the system worldwide” and invest the award money into the required equipment.
Treatment to prevent organ failure
CEO Sonja Reingruber of Xiber Science was awarded the “Phönix for female entrepreneurs.” Reingruber and her small team developed new innovative peptide drugs that treat critical care patients and prevent organ failure.
Founded in 2009, the Medical University Vienna (MUW) spin-off aims to guarantee patients full recovery and reduce healthcare costs. “The high medical demand and the experience in implementing clinical knowledge convinced us,” said the jury. The team plans on continuing their research to treat all critical care patients.
Raising public awareness
This is the second time the Austrian Ministry of Science and Research has awarded university spin-offs with the Phönix, aiming to make the general public aware of the strong tie between science and economy. Last year’s awardees can be found here.
“These young spin-offs are an important engine for regional development and they create valuable jobs,” said Minister Karlheinz Töchterle. Phönix is sponsored by the aws and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO).
