VERBUND-E-Novation Award 2026 for ECOLYTE: AI meets energy storage

Innovation as the key to the future of energy

The transformation of our energy system requires not only the expansion of renewable energy sources, but also high-performance and innovative energy storage technologies. These are crucial for balancing production and consumption and for ensuring the stability and security of supply in an increasingly renewable energy system.

Innovations at the intersection of energy, digitalisation and sustainability play a key role in this regard. With the VERENA Award, VERBUND honours those pioneers who are helping to shape the future of energy through innovative technologies and strong partnerships between industry and research.

“ECOLYTE is rethinking energy storage and demonstrating how artificial intelligence can accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies,” says Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND AG. “The combination of intelligent molecular design and biodegradable materials opens up new avenues for high-performance, resource-efficient storage solutions. The project is thus making an important contribution to the integration of renewable energies and the transformation of our energy system.”

VERBUND is involved in a wide range of initiatives with the aim of actively shaping this change, such as through research collaborations, corporate venture activities and the VERENA Award, which is highlighting successful partnerships between industry and academia for the 24th consecutive year.

ECOLYTE: AI-supported materials development for energy storage

With the “VanillaFlow and beyond” project, ECOLYTE is pursuing a new approach to the development of redox flow batteries. Artificial intelligence is being used to specifically develop and optimise novel molecules for energy storage. This approach is complemented by paper-based membranes which, according to the company, are designed to be recyclable and biodegradable.

The combination of intelligent molecular design and innovative material approaches lays the foundation for high-performance energy storage systems. In doing so, ECOLYTE tackles key challenges in the storage of renewable energy and opens up new opportunities for the further development of storage technologies.

Other nominated projects

Alongside ECOLYTE, two other companies were nominated for the VERENA Award 2026:

Gebauer & Griller Kabelwerke Gesellschaft m.b.H., Lower Austria – Project “Power2Flow® – Liquid-cooled high-performance charging system for megawatt charging”

The continuously cooled high-voltage cable system enables ultra-fast charging in the megawatt range for battery electric vehicles for the first time. An integrated liquid-cooling concept allows very high continuous currents to be achieved while maintaining controlled temperatures. At the same time, the system reduces weight and material consumption, opening up new possibilities for high-performance charging infrastructure.

Meshmakers GmbH, Salzburg – Project “Octomesh – Sovereign Data Infrastructure for AI in the energy transition”

The decentralised data platform connects energy data without storing it centrally, thereby laying the foundations for trustworthy AI applications. Semantic links generate structured data products for analysis and optimisation, reducing integration effort and accelerating the digitalisation of the energy transition.

About the VERBUND-E-Novation Award

The VERBUND-E-Novation Award (VERENA) has been awarded as a special prize of the State Prize for Innovation since 2012. Particular recognition is given to projects between companies and research institutes that have jointly developed solutions in the areas of energy efficiency and energy management, innovative energy systems and renewable energies. With this award, VERBUND promotes collaboration between industry and research, and supports the development of innovative solutions for the energy supply of tomorrow.