The competition is organized by the Thuringian Ministry of the Economy, the ‘Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research Thuringia’ (STIFT), TÜV Thüringen (an international service provider which focuses on consulting, testing, certification and training) and the Ernst Abbe Foundation. There were prizes in each of four categories, a special prize for start-ups and the Ernst Abbe Prize for Innovative Entrepreneurship.
As well, Martin Schilling from 3D Schilling GmbH in Sondershausen was delighted to receive an award for his services to science and technology in Thuringia. The innovation prizes for 2014 went to Rennsteig-Werkzeuge GmbH from Viernau, Matesy GmbH from Jena, Kids Interactive GmbH from Erfurt and Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH from Jena.
Another Jena company, oncgnostics GmbH, won the special prize for start-ups for the diagnostic test it developed for the early recognition of cervical cancer.
The judges used criteria including innovativeness, functionality, practical value and economic success. Entries had to be developed in Thuringia and be on the market already or about to be launched, with realistic prospects.
