The award is presented by the Province of Salzburg, Innovation Salzburg and the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce. The winning companies go on to represent Salzburg at the Austrian State Prize for Innovation. In addition, nominations were awarded for the special prizes ECONOVIUS and VERENA.
These companies were recognised
AUGMENTERRA GmbH (Puch near Hallein)
Salzburg Innovation Award 2026 (nomination for the State Prize for Innovation) and nomination for the ECONOVIUS special prize
The “Motion Intelligence Platform” uses satellite data to detect even the smallest movements of ground and infrastructure in the millimetre range. This allows risks to be identified at an early stage – for example after heavy rainfall or in areas with increased risk of avalanches and mudslides along transport routes. Companies such as ÖBB and ASFINAG already use this technology to monitor critical infrastructure.
Commend International GmbH (City of Salzburg)
Salzburg Innovation Award 2026 (nomination for the State Prize for Innovation)
With “AI Cleans Voice from Noise”, Commend significantly improves speech intelligibility in intercom systems, such as emergency call points and communication units. Background noise is almost entirely filtered out using artificial intelligence, ensuring that speech remains clear even in very loud environments – a crucial advantage in emergency situations.
UNTHA shredding technology GmbH (Kuchl)
Salzburg Innovation Award 2026 (nomination for the State Prize for Innovation)
The SR3000 is a powerful yet energy-efficient shredding system for recycling applications. It enables use cases that were previously hardly economically viable – particularly for bulky or complex materials. The technology is complemented by a refurbishing concept that upgrades and extends the lifespan of existing machines.
meshmakers GmbH (City of Salzburg)
Nomination for the VERENA special prize
With “Octomesh”, meshmakers has developed a platform that enables the secure, real-time exchange of energy data. This allows different stakeholders in the energy system to collaborate more effectively. The solution is based on Gaia-X-compliant data spaces, enabling legally secure data exchange while maintaining full data sovereignty – a key building block for the digital energy transition.
Making innovation visible
The Salzburg Innovation Award complements the Salzburg Business Award WIKARUS, which is presented every two years. Its aim is to regularly showcase innovation in the region and strengthen exchange within the innovation ecosystem.
Further information can be found in the press release (in German only)
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