Congratulations to the 2023 euRobotics awards
winners and finalists!

THE 2025 GEORGES GIRALT PHD AWARD
CALL FOR 2025 GEORGES GIRALT PHD AWARD
euRobotics opens its Call for the 2025 Georges Giralt PhD Award.
The aim of the “Georges Giralt Ph.D. Award” is to showcase PhD theses defended during 2024 in European Universities from all areas of robotics. Outstanding theses with strong theoretical contributions, a focus on professional applications or technology transfer, with a high degree of multidisciplinarity, or showing how robotics technologies can be applied to new domains, are eligible for the prize.
The award consists in a plaque and the publication of the thesis by Springer in the STAR series. It will be given to the winner(s) at the occasion of the next European Robotics Forum to be held the 25-27 March 2025 in Stuttgard, Germany.
Please notice:
- The award covers the solar year but the submission deadline is November, the 30th, 2024. The candidates whose defense is planned in December need to submit as well by the deadline, with an integration of information after the defense.
- The selection of the finalists will be announced mid-to end-of-February 2025, and these finalists are expected to give a 15-20 minutes presentation of their research at the Forum, since part of the award evaluation will be done on the basis of that oral presentation.
- The oral presentation is, by default, in person. Exceptions will be handled on a case by case by informing the board.
- The official date is the viva-voce defense. The finalists will be requested to prove it with a copy of the committee report or a mail from the tutor.
- The eligible countries correspond to geographical Europe + associated countries in Horizon Europe funding program. This is the current list of associated countries.
- Self-candidatures only are accepted.
- Submissions are done by sending an email to the George Giralt Award Committee phd.award AT eu-robotics.net after filling the form
- The pdf thesis file should be unchanged wrt what sent to the committee.
- Each finalist will get a financial support for the travel of 500€ + Free ticket to ERF + free ticket to the dinner.
The jury for the Georges Giralt Ph.D. Award consists of members belonging to the community of euRobotics, check their names and the former award winners here.
GEORGES GIRALT PHD AWARD
The Georges Giralt PhD Award is a European scientific prize for extraordinary contributions in robotics. It is yearly awarded at the European Robotics Forum by euRobotics AISBL, a non-profit organisation based in Brussels with the objective to turn robotics beneficial for Europe’s economy and society.
Georges Giralt received his PhD in 1958, from the Paul Sabatier University, in the domain of electrical machines, and soon afterwards became a pioneer in robotics, in Europe and worldwide. He was especially instrumental in bringing in scientific foundations and methodology when the domain was still young, and a loose coupling of mechanical and electrical engineering, adopting the early results of automatic control.
The high reputation of the Georges Giralt PhD Award is based on the prominent role of the awarding institution euRobotics. With more than 250 member organisations, euRobotics represents the academic and industrial robotics community in Europe. Moreover, it provides the European robotics community with a legal entity to engage in a public/private partnership with the European Commission.
Entitled for participation for the Georges Giralt PhD Award are all robotics-related dissertations which have been successfully defended at a European university.
The US-American counterpart is the Dick Volz Award.
the 2025 euRobotics Technology Transfer Award
About The 2025 euRobotics Technology Transfer Award
The euRobotics Technology Transfer Award is seen as one of the European Robotics Forum most prominent activities.
Successful technology transfer describes the process of converting scientific findings from research laboratories into innovative products, processes, and services by the commercial sector.
Outstanding examples of technology transfer in robot technology and automation that result from cooperative efforts between research and industry are eligible for the prize. The three most outstanding examples of technology transfer receive signed certificates.
euRobotics Technology Transfer Award Competition 2025 – Now Accepting Applications!
The euRobotics Technology Transfer Award Competition 2025 is now open for applications, seeking to recognize outstanding achievements in transferring robotics technology from research to industry. This prestigious award, now in its 22nd edition, highlights the crucial role of technology transfer in keeping European robotics at the forefront of global competition.
The award celebrates successful collaborations between academic research and industry that translate cutting-edge research into real-world robotics solutions. Europe faces challenges such as an aging population, labor shortage, and climate change. Robotics holds the potential to address these issues, but groundbreaking research must be transformed into real-world applications.
Award Competition Benefits
Applying for the euRobotics Tech Transfer Award offers several benefits:
- Increased visibility: Finalists and winners gain exposure through presentations, the award ceremony at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) in Stuttgart (March 25 – 27) and a Europe-wide press release.
- Enhanced reputation: Winning teams attract new partners from industry and academia.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with key players in the robotics field at ERF.
Eligibility and Judging Criteria
The award is open to organizations based in Europe that have successfully transferred robotics technology from academic research to industry in Europe. The research results must originate from RTOs or (polytechnic) universities, not from research conducted in-house in industry.
A distinguished jury of experts from industry and academia will evaluate applications based on:
- Innovation and commercial impact
- Depth and breadth of technology transfer (e.g., TRL advancement, patents)
- Early market success indicators
- Potential for sustained competitive advantage
Application Process
To apply, submit a maximum six-page application (using the provided template) covering the following topics:
- Tech transfer project – executive summary
- Applicants and brief information about their organization
- Motivation and goals of research and development efforts
- State of the art
- Project approach
- Results of research and development
- Achieved innovation and commercial impact
- Cooperation between research and industry with benefit for the partners
- Handling of intellectual property rights and commercialization strategy
The deadline for submitting the application is January 21st, 2025.
More Information
For more information about the euRobotics Technology Transfer Award 2025, please visit: https://eu-robotics.net/techtransfer-award/
If you have any inquiries, please contact the award competition organizers via email at: TechTransferAward@eu-robotics.net
CALL FOR 2025 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD
We invite all entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs in the robotics field to join the competition for the prestigious euRobotics Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award.
The euRobotics Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award is given each year at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) to the most promising robotic start-up as judged by a jury of robotic entrepreneurship pioneers and experts.
Entrants to the competition stand the chance to gain interest in their company from the robotics and investment community. The 2025 edition of the euRobotics Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award will take place as part of the European Robotics Forum 2025, 25th – 27th March 2025: https://erf2025.eu/.
Benefits from participation
Five participants will be selected as finalists, and one person for each finalist’s ERF attendance will be paid. The finalist will pitch in the open Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award workshop along with a robotic entrepreneurship role model, receive a finalist diploma, and be recognized at the ERF and on euRobotics social media. All five finalists will receive one year of free euRobotics membership.
All qualified entrants will receive feedback on their pitch and project from the screening committee and an offer of a further five hours of counseling from European-level robotic entrepreneurship experts.
The Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award winner will additionally receive extended coverage on euRobotics social media and in a press release as well as receive a Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award winner diploma.
Sponsorship
This event is sponsored by euRobotics aisbl, Odense Robotics, BlueBotics, and Intrinsic.
Time of workshop
The finalist workshop slot is yet to be decided. It will be an open event to all registered attendees of the European Robotics Forum.
Approach
The award process is initiated with a round of private pitching and discussion sessions at which the 20 best entrants are invited to individually pitch their ideas to a panel of expert robotic entrepreneurship coaches.
These sessions will be scheduled as online meetings between 3rd and 7th February and will involve each selected entrant pitching in a 10-minute slot.
The online sessions will result in five entrepreneurs going forward to the euRobotics Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award workshop – the five finalists will do a public pitch in front of a jury of robotics entrepreneurship role models and experts. This jury will then consider the presentations and declare a winner of the Renaud Champion Entrepreneurship Award during ERF.
The number of entrants will be restricted to a maximum of 20. The organisers team supported by some of the coaches will select the 20 most promising or innovative ideas based on the application.
Only one person per finalist will be subsidised to join the ERF event. The support is given as a flat rate contribution to travel and accommodation of €500 per finalist and as one ticket to ERF including the ERF banquet.
In order to address the confidentiality issue, it is suggested that presentations be kept to information you are happy to be in the public domain.
The organisers will ensure that no conflict of interest arises and/or take the necessary steps to immediately mitigate any conflict of interest that should arise in connection with the competition and the handling of company information.
If there is any information that you feel is essential to your presentation, but you do not want to be fully public then this can be discussed with the coaching committee during the first sessions, but no NDA’s will be signed by the coaches.
Coaching committee, jury, and role models
Qualified entrants will be followed by a team of expert coaches, who are also open to giving follow-up counselling after ERF. Robotic entrepreneurship role models and experts will form the jury and could give specific input and assistance in the further development of your investment pitch and your company.
Any applicant selected as a finalist who is also selected as a finalist in another euRobotics award in the same year will be requested to select only one award to take part in.
Participation
How can participants contribute to, and prepare for, the workshop?
The participants are expected to have already developed an idea for a product or service and done some background work in researching the marketplace in which it could be exploited. Entries can be both individuals who have not yet established a company or teams with established companies and proof-of-technology, but without significant commercial sales and turnover from the market on the future core product yet.
Timeline and Applicant Commitment
Applicants will receive notifications of acceptance between 27th and 31st January, 2025. Accepted candidates will need to be available between 3rd and 7th February to pitch in front of a jury online. The jury will choose the finalists based on the best online pitch. Notifications for finalists will be sent out between the 10th and 16th February.
Finalists need to confirm their attendance at the ERF 2025 until 26th February. They will need to arrange for their own travels, but will receive 500Euro compensation after the ERF. The final pitch presentation needs to be submitted by finalists by March 20th in PDF or Google Slides format.
Eligibility Criteria
Companies, teams, and individuals from within the EU are invited to apply.
Judging parameters
Entrants will be coached and judged based on these parameters:
- Market Position
- Product Technology
- Scalability
- Team
- Roadmap
- Clarity of Strategy
Participating and coaching
Interested participants must send their application to RoboticsEntrepreneurship@gmail.com. With the following content and information:
1: Contact details (Name, company/affiliation, email, phone number – you must include ALL this information)
2: Year of establishment of the company/initiation of the project
3: A presentation/your current pitch as an attachment in PDF format
Deadline
Applications are to be submitted by 23:59 CET on January 26, 2025. Please send your application here to RoboticsEntrepreneurship@gmail.com.
Organisers
Troels Oliver Pedersen, Odense Robotics, trp@odenserobotics.dk
Jon Agirre Ibarbia, Tecnalia, jon.agirre@tecnalia.com
Franziska Kirstein, Franziska.Kirstein@gmail.com
CALL FOR 2025 SUSTAINABILITY Leadership Recognition in Robotics
Applications are now open for the “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics” session at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2025. Join us to celebrate and recognize the transformative role of robotics in promoting sustainability. This session will honor organizations and teams that are making a significant impact through innovative robotic solutions focused on environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By showcasing these efforts, we aim to inspire further commitment to sustainability within the robotics community.
Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics
Robots have significant potential to support sustainability, contributing to efforts such as combating climate change, improving recycling, reducing manufacturing waste, and transforming social applications. As demand for robotics grows, it becomes essential to ensure that their production and disposal are aligned with sustainable practices. Addressing the long-term sustainability of robotic technologies is complex and requires careful consideration to avoid negative environmental impacts. Sustainability, as defined by the 1987 Brundtland Report, emphasizes intergenerational equity—ensuring that current generations meet their needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same. It also stresses the importance of balancing three core elements: economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion. These principles are foundational to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address pressing global challenges and aim to create a more sustainable future for all. Integrating sustainability into robotics can drive innovation and contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.
The “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics” initiative has been launched to highlight and celebrate sustainability efforts within the robotics community. This session aims to inspire others by recognizing innovations that address sustainability challenges through robotics and acknowledging those who are leading the way in integrating sustainable practices into the development and deployment of robotic technologies.
“Honoring organizations and teams leading the way with innovative solutions and transformative practices, showcasing their contributions to inspiring the global robotics community toward a sustainable tomorrow. “
Application Process
Robots for Sustainability: How can we use/deploy robots to support sustainability?
Sustainability of Robots: How can we make (and use) robots themselves sustainably?
The “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics” will not choose a single winner. Instead, among all applicants, a set of candidates will be shortlisted to acknowledge their efforts in robotics and sustainability.
Interested applicants can submit a proposal, which will be evaluated by a jury with expertise in the areas of robotics and sustainability. The candidates shortlisted by the jury will get the chance to present their sustainability journey at an ERF workshop. All applicants will be represented in a short video played at the beginning of the workshop.
Who can participate?
Candidates can apply if at least one of the following is fulfilled:
They are developing robots to support sustainability.
They use robots to support sustainability.
They have a specific focus or dedicated activities on developing/manufacturing robots more sustainable.
They support sustainability in robotics through a specific initiative e.g. at the workplace or in a local community.
The focus of the application should be on a specific effort or project reflecting the applicant’s work towards sustainability. For more information on how to submit a proposal, see application guidelines.
Organisations, teams, and individuals from within the EU and associated countries within the EU are invited to apply.
The submitted applications must demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability.
Applicants can come from different organisations as long as they fulfill the above criteria:
SMEs, start-ups
EU-funded Projects
Research organisations
Large industry
End-user
Benefits from participation
Shortlisted candidates will present at an ERF 2025 workshop, becoming role models for sustainability. All applicants will be featured in a summary video at the workshop’s start. The ERF is a leading event in robotics and AI, attracting over 1,000 participants from across Europe and beyond, including engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
Shortlisted candidates will additionally receive extended coverage on ERF channels (newsletter article, social media posts) and receive a certificate at the euRobotics awards ceremony on March 26, 2025.
All qualified entrants will receive feedback on their submissions from the screening committee.
Empowering the Underrepresented in Robotics
Many talented individuals in robotics face barriers to participation due to financial constraints, limiting diversity and innovation in the field. This initiative supports underrepresented groups by providing opportunities to engage, contribute, and thrive in the robotics community. Thus, an exclusive opportunity awaits two applicants who can benefit from:
ARIA Travel Awards
Each of the two selected applicants will have the chance to receive a 500 Euro travel award supported by ARIA.
European Robotics Forum Access
The two applicants will also receive free access tickets (one each) to the European Robotics Forum 2025 supported by euRobotics.
The deadline for submitting applications is February 23 (23:59 CET).
An initial online screening of candidates will take place in week 9, with possible short online calls. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out around March 4.
Shortlisted candidates should submit their workshop presentation by March 21 in Google Slides or PDF format
Application Form
To be considered for the “Sustainability Leadership Recognition in Robotics”, please send an email to robotics4sustainability@gmail.com with the following information:
1: Contact details (Name, company/affiliation, email)
2: A short summary of your project and which sustainability aspects the project focuses on.
3: A presentation/your current pitch as an attachment in PDF format
Application Guidelines
The application form covers the following key areas:
About the Project
Title
Overview
Motivation for application
Focus area
Applicant information
Supporting Documentation (webpage, video, etc.)
PDF Attachment
The PDF Attachment should include a pitch presentation. In order to address the confidentiality issue, it is suggested that presentations be kept to information that can be displayed in the public domain.
What is your sustainability effort about?
What are the achieved/expected impacts of your project? It is important that applicants highlight their combined efforts across the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion. We encourage all applicants to showcase the unique and compelling aspects of their work that can inspire and make a positive impact.
Please provide a detailed description of your roadmap and future plans for the project/initiative. Outline your strategic vision, key milestones, and goals you aim to achieve. Feel free to highlight any innovative approaches, partnerships, or key strategies that will contribute to the success of your roadmap.
Additionally, depending on the focus area of your sustainability effort, the presentation can include information on:
Your team (diversity, expertise across sustainability dimensions, etc.)
Technological Innovation (how innovatively you incorporate sustainability, how it creates a technological disruption).
Does your project engage with local communities and address community needs and concerns?
Business viability (how the project generates value/financial benefit to your company/organisation, the end-user/customer, etc.)
Scalability and Adaptability (e.g. how your project can grow, and adapt to changing requirements and technological advancements)
Energy Efficiency (how your robotics application ensures energy efficiency)
Resource Use: how your project minimises resource consumption, reduces waste, etc.)
Lifecycle Analysis (overview of lifecycle analysis, including carbon footprint and emissions data.
Product design towards circularity (recycling, repairing, re-using material)
End-of-Life Considerations (how your project handles end-of-life components and ensures environmentally responsible disposal)
Relevant environmental regulations and standards
Confirm compliance with relevant environmental regulations and standards.
All applications will undergo a thorough review process by a panel of experts in robotics and sustainability. The organisers will ensure that no conflict of interest arises and/or take the necessary steps to immediately mitigate any conflict of interest that should arise in connection with the competition and the handling of company information.
Key evaluation parameters
Entrants will be judged based on these parameters:
Demonstrated efforts towards coherent sustainability commitment: applicants have incorporated innovative ideas/sustainability initiatives or have implemented their sustainability measures in an innovative way; or have made use of innovative methods to promote the importance of sustainability among the stakeholders.
Achieved and expected impact on one or more of the three dimensions of Sustainability: applicants have implemented/developed sustainability initiatives/ cases with proven positive impact on Economic, Social, and/or Environmental dimensions.
The evaluation will also include an emphasis on the inspirational aspect of each project. Presentations should motivate others to actively support sustainability in robotics. The power of inspiration is a driving force for innovation and creativity. Therefore, applicants will be assessed on the level of inspiration and motivation behind their projects.