SOFT Innovation Prize 2026

Specific Challenge

Fusion research encompasses innovation in the domains of physics and technology over a wide range of specialisations. Fusion researchers are constantly challenging the scientific state-of-the-art and improving the technology thereby creating the conditions for innovation, much of which can be exploited in other science and industrial sectors for the benefit of society. The fundamental basis of the Euratom Programme is the drive and support for innovation across the product development chain from research to market. In this context the researcher plays a critical role.

The SOFT Innovation Prize[1] is being offered to highlight and reward excellence in innovation that can be found in fusion research as well as the quality of the researchers and industries involved. Following the success of 2022 and 2024 editions of the SOFT Innovation Prize, the European Commission is holding the contest again in association with the next Symposium on Fusion Technology (SOFT) in 2026.

There are no specific categories for this prize. Contestants are free to submit an application concerning any physics or technology innovation that has been developed in magnetic confinement fusion research and that has market potential or has been taken up (or recognised) by industry to be further developed for the market.

The specific rules of the contest will be published in 2025 by the European Commission[2], which will launch and manage the contest and award the prize based on the judgement of independent experts.

The complete application for the 'SOFT Innovation Prize' should include:

• a technical description of the innovation
• a state-of-the-art assessment of the innovation
• an account, in general terms, of the market potential for the exploitation of the innovation

For the Model Rules of Contest for Prizes please see the Funding and Tenders Portal.

Essential award criteria: The prize will be awarded, after closure of the contest, to the applicant(s) who in the opinion of the jury best addresses the following cumulative criteria[3]:

1. Originality and replicability: The extent to which the idea is innovative, original and a first-of-a-kind use of the technology in industry or in the domain of application. The description should be clear, logically presented and well-illustrated.
2. Technical excellence: The extent to which the innovation is demonstrably state-of-the-art and based on excellent science and engineering.
3. Economic impact and exploitation of the innovation: The extent to which the submission demonstrates understanding and awareness of the relevant innovation aspects, including market potential, needs and business opportunities.

Eligibility criteria:

1. The contest is open to researchers, research teams, or industrial participants eligible for funding under the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025, to researchers or research teams working for a national programme in an ITER partner country[4] or in any third country that has a bilateral fusion cooperation agreement with Euratom in force and to industrial participants participating in the ITER[4]. Example of proof: the Commission may request substantiating document such as contracts, etc.
2. The researcher, research team or industrial participant must obtain permission from the owner of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to submit an application and provide supporting documentation.

Expected results:

By awarding the ‘SOFT Innovation Prize’, the Commission will showcase innovations in fusion research sector giving visibility to the most dynamic, forward-looking and innovative researchers, research teams or industrial contestants. This visibility will provide greater potential for valorisation of the fusion research. Furthermore, the contest will stimulate the EU and international partners to develop a stronger innovation and entrepreneurial culture in fusion research.

The Commission applies an equal opportunities policy. With a view to promoting gender balance in nuclear field, the Commission would particularly welcome applications from women.

Prize amounts: 1st Prize: EUR 50 000, 2nd Prize: 30 000, 3rd Prize: EUR 20 000.

[1] The Prize is named after the biennial Symposium on Fusion Technology (SOFT) during which the

recipients of the prize are presented

[2] On the Funding & Tenders Portal (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/horizon) but also actively publicised elsewhere to maximise participation.

[3] Further clarification of these criteria might be published in the Rules of Contest.

[4] Except for Russia, see exceptions indicated in the General Annex B.

[5] Except for Russia, see exceptions indicated in the General Annex B.