Breakthrough Award goes to NPHarvest
Startup company NPHarvest in Espoo is the winner of ITU Breakthrough Award. According to the award citation, the company’s membrane technology constitutes a technological and commercial breakthrough that benefits the environment and has significant economic value.
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. Anyone can nominate a recipient, the application period opens on 10th November 2025.
Award criteria
The work to be rewarded
- Is a new creative act, idea or innovation in the field of technology. The breakthrough can be big or small. What matters is that it has brought something genuinely new in the field of technology.
- If the breakthrough to be rewarded is an innovation, it uses new technology or applies technology in a particularly creative, novel way. If the breakthrough to be rewarded is an act or idea, it has a particularly significant societal impact and changes the culture or way of working in the field.
- Contributes to the well-being of the environment and/or people, and does not cause harm to either.
- Awarded to the individual or team behind the technology. When the prize is awarded consideration will also be given 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
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.
