Entrance Research Award: research that advances the energy and mobility transition

In 2026, we will present the Entrance Research Award for the first time. With this new prize, we aim to spotlight researchers whose knowledge and work contribute to accelerating the energy and mobility transition. The award is intended for researchers affiliated with knowledge institutions who are working on solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Examples include research on hydrogen applications, grid congestion, nuclear energy, wind and solar power, sustainable mobility, or the development of sustainable regions and energy systems. With the Entrance Research Award, we seek to recognize research that not only generates new insights, but also contributes to practical applications and societal impact. Researchers can submit their paper for the Entrance Research Award 2026. An independent jury will assess the submissions and select three winners. The prizes are €1,500 for the best paper, €1,000 for the runner-up, and €500 for third place. Are you—or do you know—a researcher whose work is making a difference in the energy or mobility transition? Nominate the research for the very first Entrance Research Award 2026!

Who will win this year's energy transition prize worth €100,000?

In 2026, we will once again be putting the spotlight on professionals and companies that are making a difference in the energy transition. The winner of the Entrance Professional Award receives the grand prize worth €100,000. This consists of a cash sum of €25,000 and €75,000 in support regarding knowledge, advice, research, and networking, tailored to the wishes of the prize winner.

Saltes winner of the Entrance Professional Award 2025
During the New Energy Forum 2025, the Brabant-based company Saltes won the Entrance Professional Award with their molten salt heat battery, a technology that enables sustainable heat storage on an industrial scale.

Are you or your organisation working on a groundbreaking innovation that accelerates the energy transition?

Nominate your organisation or the innovator you think should win the Entrance Professional Award 2026.

Entrance Student Award 2026: encourage tomorrow's pioneers

The energy transition requires pioneers and problem solvers! Do you know any students from educational institutions in the northern Netherlands who have made an impact on the energy transition, either individually or as part of a group? Encourage them to apply for the Entrance Student Award. Students stand a chance to win the grand prize of €1,500. The second prize is €1,000, and third place wins €500.

This award is for students from secondary vocational education, higher professional education and university education who are developing into experts in areas such as technology, commerce, communication and psychology, and who are using their knowledge and skills to contribute to the energy and raw materials transition.

Who are the pioneers of tomorrow? Forward the link below to them. Here they can sign up and stand a chance to win the grand prize of €1,500!

Entrance Awards: breaking barriers with boldness and innovation

Entrance Research Award: research that advances the energy and mobility transition

Who will win this year's energy transition prize worth €100,000?

Entrance Student Award 2026: encourage tomorrow's pioneers