Breakthrough Award 2026 went to Polar Night Energy
Polar Night Energy's Sand Battery provides a solution for storing thermal energy. It reduces the need to generate energy by combustion and enhances electricity grid stability.
TEK and TFiF give the Breakthrough Award to a person, team or work group behind an act, idea or innovation that creates something new in the field of technology. The breakthrough can be big or small. What matters is that it has brought something genuinely new to the field of technology.
The winners will be selected by a panel of distinguished professionals from the field of technology. The top nominations for the Breakthrough Award will also be invited to pitch their ideas to the award jury in early 2026.
Anyone could nominate a recipient during the application period, the winners will be announced in May 2026.
Award criteria
The work to be rewarded
- Is a new creative innovation in the field of technology. The breakthrough may be small or large; what matters is that it has introduced something genuinely new to the field. The awarded solution has novelty value: it is a commercialized technology that has not yet conquered the mass market.
- It makes use of new technology or applies technology in a particularly creative and novel way.
- It is socially significant and makes the world a better place. It promotes environmental and/or human well-being and does not cause harm to either.
- The award is given to an individual or a working group behind the technology. When granting the award, attention is also paid to the diversity of the team.
Objective of the award
- To promote the appreciation and attractiveness of the technology sector
Target groups for the award
- People working and studying in the field of technology
Prize amount
- 15 000 €
Award jury
Chair: Kaj Arnö
Kaj Arnö is the Executive Chairman of the MariaDB Foundation, an international IT entrepreneur and a long-time contributor to open source, open data and databases. He holds a master's degree in engineering from Aalto and an MBA from Hanken. He also has extensive experience in technology leadership, community work and the promotion of AI and open data. Arnö has lived in Munich for over 20 years and is an active advocate for Wikipedia and open data.
Cristina Andersson
Cristina Andersson is a management consultant and non-fiction writer specialising in artificial intelligence and robotics. Cristina has a long experience in management consulting in various branches of industry, providing her with a strong understanding of strategy, leadership and learning as prerequisites for success. Cristina also holds several positions of trust and is a columnist for Tivi Magazine.
Ilkka Niemelä
Ilkka Niemelä is the President of Aalto University. He has served as a professor and AI researcher, and has previously held positions such as Vice President, Provost and Dean. He possesses extensive academic experience and has held several academic positions of trust. Niemelä’s broad experience in university leadership positions at various levels brings to the jury a broad understanding of the culture and development trends in the tech industry.
Jari Jokinen
During his career, Jari Jokinen has promoted Finland’s position in the EU and been involved in the establishment and early development of Aalto University. Jokinen has served as the CEO of TEK since 2018. He is an experienced and influential figure particularly in the development of technology education, research and the innovation system.
