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Millennium Technology Prize Opens Nominations for Innovations

The prestigious Millennium Technology Prize, recognized globally as the foremost award for innovation, has launched its nomination period for the 2027 ceremony. Experts, organizations, and the general public can submit nominations from November 6, 2025, until February 27, 2026, for groundbreaking innovations designed to better humankind and our planet.

Overview of the Millennium Technology Prize

Established by Technology Academy Finland and awarded every two years, the Millennium Technology Prize distinguishes transformative technological advancements. This one-million-euro prize celebrates innovations that are commercially viable and made possible through ethically sound scientific research. Previous winners have changed the technological landscape in significant ways, such as improving energy efficiency and enhancing health care through innovative technologies.

Evolution of Evaluation Criteria

The latest iteration of the prize introduces expanded eligibility criteria. Nominees now include not only commercially viable innovations but also ideas that showcase transformative potential even if they are not yet globally adopted. This broadens the scope of entries and encourages submissions that may be on the brink of impacting society but haven't yet found mainstream implementation.

A notable distinction from past nomination periods is that this year's evaluations will also consider how the innovations may contribute to future research and development opportunities, emphasizing their potential for long-term benefits.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

Maija Liiri-Virmiala, CEO of Technology Academy Finland, stated, "True innovation thrives on collaboration. We live in a time where complex global issues persist, yet countless innovators worldwide are working to develop solutions." The Millennium Technology Prize fosters connections between scientists, industry leaders, and researchers, amplifying their efforts to tackle pressing challenges.

The award's rich history includes recognizing innovations ranging from ethical stem cell research to the invention of widely used open-source software systems. One of the most recent laureates, Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga from North Carolina State University, received the prize in 2024 for developing the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT), resulting in substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Nomination Process

Nominations can be submitted via an online portal established by Technology Academy Finland. Organizations, companies, and individuals are encouraged to submit names of noteworthy candidates, ensuring a diverse array of nominees from various backgrounds enhances the award’s prestige.

Conclusion

As the Millennium Technology Prize opens the floor for nominations, it continues its mission to highlight innovations that promise societal improvement. The prize serves as a testament to the importance of creativity, ethics, and practicality in revolutionizing how we live. With past winners having gone on to achieve even greater recognition—including Nobel Prizes—the 2027 edition seeks to continue this legacy of honoring unparalleled advancements in technology.

For more information or to submit nominations, please visit the official Millennium Technology Prize website. This is a chance to shine a spotlight on projects or individuals whose work may play a crucial role in shaping our future.