• Olga Malinkiewicz and her team have been chosen as the winners, by an independent jury, in the ‘SMEs’ category of the European Inventor Award 2024
• The team were also chosen by the public to receive the Popular Prize
• Malinkiewicz has been honored as a winner in both categories for developing groundbreaking perovskite solar cells that efficiently convert light into energy, offering new sustainable energy solutions
MUNICH - The European Patent Office (EPO) in Malta honored Polish scientist Olga Malinkiewicz and her team as winners in the ‘SMEs’ category of the European Inventor Award 2024. Additionally, they were honored with the Popular Prize, chosen by the public, underscoring their pivotal role in enhancing renewable energy technologies. Malinkiewicz and her team have been recognized for the creation of printable thin and flexible perovskite solar cells, offering a more sustainable and versatile approach to harnessing solar energy from both natural and artificial light sources. Utilizing an innovative inkjet printing process, these cells are produced in a manner that enhances sustainability and reduces energy consumption, a press release stated by EPO.
Additionally, in the ‘SMEs’ category, the other finalists were French scientists Bruno Mottet and Lyderic Bocquet for their method of harnessing osmotic energy, and Finnish couple Sirpa and Markku Jalkanen for their cancer cell-targeting immunotherapy treatment.
The public was also invited to choose their favorite inventor or inventor team from the 12 teams and individuals nominated for the Popular Prize in the categories ‘Research’, ‘Industry’, ‘Non-EPO countries’, and ‘SMEs’.
“I am very happy and grateful to receive this award. I am grateful not only on behalf of myself and the wonderful Saule Technologies team, without whom this success would not be possible. I am also grateful on behalf of all those scientists who want their scientific discoveries to bring practical benefits to all people,” Malinkiewicz says. “The transition from the stage of scientific research to the stage of commercialization of the developed technology is extremely difficult. Most inventors fail at this stage. We made it. I hope that our success will give courage, energy, and faith to all those who dare to dream. Do it!”
Their printable solar cells, weighing so light that a one-square-meter sheet can be effortlessly supported between two fingers, introduce the concept of light recycling and adaptable application possibilities. With exceptional perovskite qualities that can absorb a wider range of the sun’s wavelengths, this breakthrough technology is both adaptable and cost-effective.
Embracing perovskite for efficiency and versatility
Perovskite cells offer high efficiency and can also be characterized by their low production impact, utilizing minimal energy during manufacturing. Malinkiewicz highlights that inkjet printing is a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for producing these perovskite solar cells, compared to other methods like evaporation systems and spin coating. This sustainable approach supports broader environmental goals, aligning with global initiatives for greener technologies.
As the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive aims to reach 45% renewable energy consumption by 2030, the rapid growth of solar power becomes a key focus. Perovskite solar cells, with their higher efficiency in converting light into electricity, are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based panels. During Malinkiewicz’s testing process, perovskite cells demonstrated a 25.8% light-to-electricity conversion rate, outperforming silicon-based cells at 21%.
The lightweight, flexible nature of the perovskite-coated polymers also reduces structural pressure on buildings. This invention has unlocked new commercial opportunities, from energy-generating sun blinds to the potential integration of solar power into consumer electronics like keyboards and mobile phones. Malinkiewicz’s printable solar cells are, therefore, pivotal in accelerating the shift towards sustainable energy. This invention aligns with global renewable targets and exemplifies how advanced materials can lead to smarter, more adaptable energy solutions.
All the winners of the 2024 edition of the European Inventor Award were announced at a hybrid ceremony today in Malta. You can stream the ceremony online.
Next generation of the Young Inventors Prize in 2025 to take place in Iceland
During the ceremony in Malta, the European Patent Office (EPO) was excited to announce a new concept for the award, starting in 2025. From next year onward, the award will be held biennially, with the upcoming edition focusing on young innovators below 30 years old whose inventions address one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An independent jury of former finalists will evaluate the entries, ensuring a fair and insightful selection process that honors the innovative spirit and achievements of the next generation of inventors.
The 2025 edition will be celebrated in Iceland, marking the first of these newly biennial-focused awards, and the nomination period for all technological fields remains open from today until the end of September.
In alternating years, starting in 2026, the EPO will return to the original concept of the European Inventor Award, featuring its traditional categories of ‘Industry’, ‘Research’, ‘SMEs’, ‘Non-EPO countries’, ‘Lifetime Achievement’ and ‘Popular Prize’.