Motto 2024: "Green Tech, Climate Tech & Sustainability"
Recognising those who offer exceptional services and products in these future-oriented fields, this year's award ceremony is dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly technologies and sustainable solutions. The award recognises companies based in the Baltic States that demonstrate initiative and ingenuity not only in design and quality, but also in technology and innovation. The Baltic-German Business Award 2024 emphasises the commitment and influence of these companies on society, the economy and education in the Baltic States and at the same time promotes a strong partnership in the Baltic-German economic area.
The main prize went to Aerones from Latvia, a leading provider of robotic maintenance and inspection services for wind turbines. Second prize went to Naco Technologies from Latvia with its hydrogen systems made from future-proof nanocoatings. Third place went to Nando, a Lithuanian company that is revolutionising agriculture and industry with high-quality microbiological products and chemical additives.
Aerones wins the German-Baltic Business Award 2024/ Rostock / April 18, 2024
General framework
Finalists
To access the website of the respective finalist, please click on the company name.
Aerones:
Aerones is a world-leading robot-enabled wind turbine maintenance and inspections service provider. Leveraging patented robotics technology, Aerones service teams deliver faster, safer and more effective services for wind operators worldwide. The innovations that they deliver to the wind industry promote intelligent predictive maintenance of wind turbine blades and towers, helping to maximise efficiency of wind assets and lower operating costs.
Green Genius:
Green Genius is a European renewable energy company with over 2 GW of biogas, wind, and solar projects in development across eight countries. It actively promotes the transition to renewable energy and has over 15 years of experience producing sustainable energy. Green Genius's projects generate 320 GWh of green energy each year, preventing over 212,000 tones of CO2 emissions.
LLC Rhino/Bruntor:
BRUNTOR is a Latvian start-up that develops electric kick-scooters with cargo compartments for postal and parcel deliveries, as well as other last-mile delivery needs in urban areas. This stand-up 4-wheel vehicle is compact and user-friendly, with a load capacity of up to 600 litres (maximum load capacity is 100 kg, and driver weight – is up to 100 kg).
NACO Technologies:
Naco`s mission is to empower Green Hydrogen systems through future-proof nano-coatings to provide robustness and save material. By doing so, they foster an environmentally responsible energy sector, driving social progress and creating a healthier world for future generations.
NANDO:
Nando is a biotechnology company that develops and manufactures high added-value microbiological products and chemical additives for agriculture and industry. Through innovation, combining scientific advances in biotechnology, chemistry and engineering, the company develops and markets biostimulants, surfactants and chemical products for use in crop and animal husbandry production and in various industries.
PurOceans:
Founded in 2019, PurOceans has been at the forefront of pioneering technologies that promote sustainability and ecological regeneration. Its innovative approach involves the removal of sediments and microplastics from waterbodies' seabeds, all without causing harm to the delicate ecosystems below. This not only rehabilitates the environment but also eliminates toxic hazards for humans, allowing for a vibrant, healthy ecosystem to reclaim its natural habitat.
Rooffit Solar Energy:
Roofit Solar has developed innovative solar roof material and is the first steel roof material integrated with solar cells. It produces the innovative roofing material in Estonia and also sell it in Germany, assisting homeowners around the world to convert their homes into sustainable net-zero buildings. Their unique metal solar roof solution that allows to make a significant contribution to the green energy transition in terms of its aesthetic appearance, ease of installation as well as system cost and reduced carbon footprint.
SoliTek:
SoliTek is part of BOD GROUP, a privately-owned engineering company, whose expertise dates to 1998, when the first industrial CD manufactory in Lithuania was established in Vilnius. Since then, constant innovation and engineering R&D enabled the diversification and expansion of the business. Today BOD GROUP covers 2 different areas: solar technologies (SoliTek) and ophthalmic lenses (Bod Lenses). Both businesses have one major technology in common – thin layer coatings.
SoliTek is a key member of the BOD Group. The group specializes in manufacturing solar modules (250 MW), energy storage systems (350 MWh), and eyeglass lenses. SoliTek offers installation services for photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage, as well as the operation of solar parks in Lithuania.
WasteLocker:
WasteLocker provides real-time waste data using image-based object detection technology to assess contents, contamination and fill level. Their adaptable solution enables targeted intervention, diverting recyclables from various waste streams.
Evaluation criteria
The following criteria were assessed:
- Innovation
- Market potential/scaling
- Social added value
- Sustainability aspects and impact
- Profitability of the business model
- Team: Expertise of the people involved
- Connection to Germany
Award
The award for the winners of the German-Baltic Business Award includes a prestigious glass trophy, a certificate and paid participation in the 4th German-Baltic Digital Summit and the 2nd Baltic Sea Business Day in Rostock / Germany.
Another advantage is the great media attention that the winners of the German Business Award receive every year. In addition, the winners are published in the Baltic Business Quarterly (the only business and investment-orientated magazine with a special focus on the entire Baltic region).