State Prize for Innovation 2026: EV Group awarded for microchip project

Vezetői összefoglaló (AI)

• The Upper Austrian semiconductor equipment supplier EV Group (EVG) from St. Florian am Inn received the 2026 Austrian State Prize for Innovation for its project “IR LayerRelease™ Technology Revolutionizes Microchip Scaling.” The prize was organized by aws on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and was awarded for the 46th time this year.
• IR LayerRelease™ uses an infrared laser to detach ultra-thin silicon layers, including their integrated circuits, with nanometer precision and transfer them to other wafers. Because silicon is transparent at the wavelength used, sensitive structures are not subjected to thermal stress, and glass substrates are unnecessary.
• The technology is relevant for 3D integration and chip stacking and, according to EVG, will enable more powerful, energy-efficient microchips for AI and high-performance computing. EVG competes in this globally important semiconductor market with companies such as Tokyo Electron, Applied Materials, Besi, and SUSS MicroTec.
• Further awards went to Farm-ING for an AI-supported precision spraying system that, according to the company, reduces pesticide use by up to 95 percent, as well as to battery startup ECOLYTE and TU Graz for redox flow battery technology. Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer emphasized the importance of quality, innovation, and technological leadership for Austria.