19.06.2023 | The winner of the Josef Umdasch Research Prize 2023 has been announced. The prize goes to the Austrian start-up Revitalyze, which has developed a digital platform for the reuse of building materials.
This year's Josef Umdasch Research Prize was presented by Umdasch Group Ventures, a subsidiary of the Umdasch Group, and was dedicated to the topic of sustainability. The search was on for innovative solutions that make the life cycle of a building more sustainable in terms of environmental protection, new building materials and technologies, renovation, circular economy and recycling as well as resource efficiency. Because the fact is, that the world's population is growing and with it the need for affordable housing and infrastructure. The construction industry plays a key role here, but also contributes significantly to the environmental impact.
A total of 67 ideas from all over the world were submitted for the Josef Umdasch Research Prize 2023. Three solutions made it to the finals:
Austrian start-up impressed the jury
As in previous years, the winner was selected during the WSA Congress (which took place this year in Puebla, Mexico). All three finalists impressed with their solutions for more sustainability along the life cycle of buildings. In the end, Revitalyze was able to convince the jury – consisting of experts from Umdasch Group Ventures and external experts from the WSA – in a 20-minute pitch presentation and a subsequent intensive Q&A session about their solution. The winner will now have the opportunity to implement the idea in cooperation with Umdasch Group Ventures.
"Sustainable construction and renovation, as well as the responsible use of resources, are of concern to society as well as to us in the construction industry. The recycling and reuse of building materials can make a significant contribution to greater sustainability in construction in the future. Thus, the visions of Revitalyze tie in very well with our strategic intentions," says André Spang, Managing Director of Umdasch Group Ventures on the jury's decision.
The solution of Revitalyze
Revitalyze is a young startup from Tyrol, Austria, founded by David Plaseller and Patrick Gössl. The team has developed a digital platform for the reuse of building components. Through the one-stop-shop solution, circular building materials are captured, categorized and brokered. The big mission behind it is to increase recycling rates, save raw materials and optimize the carbon footprint. "We are overjoyed to have received this prestigious award. Working with Umdasch Group Ventures allows us to co-create, test and further develop a strong product together with a leading company in the industry. We are looking forward to the next steps together", says co-founder David Plaseller.
About the Josef Umdasch Research Prize
With the Josef Umdasch Research Prize, the Umdasch Group has been supporting outstanding achievements in research and development since 1990. The award is named after Josef Umdasch, the father of the current owners Hilde Umdasch and Alfred Umdasch, who established the prize. Since 2018, the Josef Umdasch Research Prize has been presented in cooperation with the World Summit Awards (WSA) in order to increasingly address startups and entrepreneurs worldwide.
www.umdaschgroup.com/researchprize
