Lower Austria Innovation Prize 2026 – Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize goes to ENSEMO GmbH

(from left): WKNÖ President Wolfgang Ecker, ENSEMO founder Birgit Mitter, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and ENSEMO founder Nikolaus Pfaffenbichler.

The Lower Austrian Innovation Prize 2026 was awarded yesterday evening at the House of Digitalization in Tulln. The prize is awarded by the Technology and Innovation Partners (TIP), the joint innovation service of the State of Lower Austria and the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize, endowed with €10,000, was awarded, along with three prizes of €4,000 each in the categories of "Innovative Product Development," "Sustainable Innovation," and "Digital Innovation."

"Today we honor people who excel in innovation and are shaping the future with dedication," said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner at the award ceremony. She emphasized the importance of recognizing those who generate innovation, "because those who conduct research and generate innovation strengthen Lower Austria as a business location, create added value, and generate new jobs."

Mikl-Leitner explained that Lower Austria made the decision long ago to shape its own future and has therefore consistently invested in science, research, and innovation in recent years. “With Lower Austria’s highest award for innovation, named after the Semmering Railway pioneer Karl Ritter von Ghega, we are showcasing the work being done in our scientific and research institutions, companies, and workshops. We are demonstrating what can be achieved with courage and innovative strength,” said the Governor.

The government intends to continue creating the best possible framework conditions – for example, through investments in a strong research and education landscape, technology parks and clusters, and concrete support for companies through subsidies and consulting services, Mikl-Leitner explained. Currently, in cooperation with the Lower Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKNÖ) and the House of Digitalization, the focus is on digitalization and AI, with particular support for SMEs. “It is important to further engage SMEs with these topics to accelerate processes and increase efficiency,” the Governor stated. This, she added, is the best foundation for remaining competitive in the long term.

The government also intends to continue creating the best possible framework conditions – for example, through investments in a strong research and education landscape, with technology parks and clusters, and through concrete support for companies through subsidies and consulting services. Chamber of Commerce President Wolfgang Ecker stated: “Innovation and creativity are at the heart of our companies, and tonight, the top tier is gathered here at the House of Digitalization.” He spoke, among other things, about the Chamber of Commerce's joint initiative with the State of Lower Austria, “Technology and Innovation Partner,” which helps to drive innovation in companies. “Digital innovation, in particular, is essential for our economic growth, our competitiveness, and the continued progress of our businesses,” Ecker emphasized.

The overall “Karl Ritter von Ghega Prize” was awarded to ENSEMO GmbH for its “SeedJection” project. This is a novel seed treatment technology that introduces beneficial microorganisms directly into the interior of seeds at high throughput.

The prize for “Innovative Product Development” went to GG Group Gebauer & Griller Kabelwerke Gesellschaft m.b.H. for its “Power2Flow” project.

GKT GmbH won the “Sustainable Innovation” category for its VarioVAP technology.

The winner in the "Digital Innovation" category was Farm-ING Smart Farm Equipment FlexCo with their crop protection project "Ultra High Precision Spot SprayING".

All information about the Lower Austrian Innovation Award 2026 can be found online at www.innovationspreis-noe.at