The Josef Umdasch Research Prize 2018 is looking for start-ups with new tech ideas

Until 30 November 2017 start-ups will have the opportunity to submit their high-tech ideas for the Josef Umdasch Research Prize 2018.

The Group is searching for innovative solutions to concrete tasks within their subsidiary companies of Umdasch: Doka Group; Doka Ventures; and the Umdasch Shopfitting Group. Winners can look forward to direct contracts for the implementation of their ideas.

Digitalisation is changing the world at breakneck speed. This is also affecting industry and its various sectors. The Umdasch Group and its subsidiaries – Doka Group, Umdasch Shopfitting Group and Doka Ventures – will be celebrating 150th anniversary next year. A long and successful corporate history would not be possible without permanent innovation. With regard to innovations, they are now looking beyond the box and are introducing new ideas and fresh approaches to the companies of the Umdasch Group through the Josef Umdasch Research Prize 2018.

Each subsidiary company will be searching for its own innovative ideas and suggestions for solutions to concrete tasks through the prize. Start-ups will have time until 30 November to submit their ideas. The nominees will then compete for the first place at the World Summit Awards Congress in March 2018 in Vienna.

Strong partners

For the Josef Umdasch Research Prize 2018 the Umdasch Group is joining forces with the international initiative World Summit Awards WSA. The two partners are forming a strong alliance which will benefit the start-ups and their ideas: Every year the World Summit Awards WSA selects the best digital innovations by start-ups worldwide. The WSA is also integrated into a global network of companies, mentors and experts – contacts which are essential for every young company which aims to realise its ideas.

The Umdasch Group, on the other hand, with more than 7,600 employees, operates throughout the world via its subsidiary companies. It is one of the world’s leading concerns in the fields of system formwork and shopfitting. Companies of this size offer plenty of scope for innovation and inspiration. They can also provide the infrastructure, resources and market access.

The Umdasch Group AG is a successful international concern in some 70 countries and at more than 170 locations. Since 2017 they have participated through its third corporate subsidiary Doka Ventures in forward-looking, primarily disruptive innovations in the construction industry. The family-owned concern has revenues of almost €1.3 billion and is one of the top players in the Austrian industrial sector. In addition to strong international expansion the main focus lies on continuous innovation. 88% of current revenues are earned abroad.

The World Summit Awards (WSA) are a unique awards system, selecting and promoting local digital innovation with high impact on improving society. Combining an ongoing series of international events and activities with a global network of start-ups, social entrepreneurs, mentors, jurors, speakers, experts, government leaders, academia and civil society, WSA is an international platform for cut edge examples on how ICTs can have an impact on society.

Running 15 years by now, WSA has become a quality seal for digital content with societal impact in over 180 participating UN member countries. WSA is conducted within the framework of the United Nations’ World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) 2003 – 2025, mandated by the 2005 WSIS Plan of Action and executed in collaboration with UN organisations such as UNESCO, UNIDO, UNCTAD and ITU. With its global network, WSA supports quality content and innovative apps and sustains a global movement for sustainable digital solutions