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. All ITU Awards will be presented in April 2025. The application period ended on 12th January 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
Chair: Elina Hiltunen
Elina Hiltunen is a Finnish futurist, academic engineer, DSc in Business Administration, non-fiction writer and entrepreneur specialising in futures research, technology foresight and weak signals. She has written several books on topics such as technology development, innovation and the future of work. She is also a science fiction writer and is currently working on her second PhD at the National Defence University on science fiction and the future of war. In her work, Hiltunen helps companies and organisations prepare for the future and use foresight in strategic planning. Hiltunen’s orientation towards the future of technology makes her a valuable member of the jury of the Breakthrough Award, which recognises innovators in the field of technology.
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.
Mårten Mickos
Mårten Mickos is a long-time Silicon Valley-based technology entrepreneur and executive, known in particular for his key role in several successful tech companies. He has long experience in growth companies and start-ups and has served as the CEO of software company MySQL. Mickos is known as a strong advocate for technology and entrepreneurship. As a successful tech entrepreneur and leader, he has the ability to recognise well-deserving technology innovators for the Breakthrough Award.
