Horizon 2020 rewards creative solutions
Horizon 2020 (H2020) is encouraging creativity to overcome some of the world’s largest humanitarian challenges. Horizon Prizes, or 'challenge' prizes, offer cash rewards to whoever can most effectively meet a defined challenge. These awards work in contrast to other innovation awards, as previous innovations cannot be submitted – only new solutions are judged.
Firstly, a technical or social challenge with no identifiable solution is defined, and a cash reward is offered for a breakthrough solution. A criterion is set with information outlining what the solution must be capable of achieving, but complete freedom is given to those willing to tackle the challenge. Previously set challenges include solutions to overcome limitations of long-distance optical transmission systems, and mobile solutions that will enable users to measure and analyse food intake. Presently, a cash prize of €3 million is offered to those who can improve air quality in cities.
March 2014 saw the European Commission award its first challenge prize worth €2 million to the German biopharmaceutical company, CureVac GmbH. The company’s inventors worked to help ensure that vaccines remain stable at an ambient temperature. This progress works toward the goal of making life-saving vaccines more accessible to people across the globe.
For more information, visit the European Commission Research and Innovation website.