Olga Malinkiewicz and team won the European Inventor Award 2024

Double success: Olga Malinkiewicz and team won the European Inventor Award 2024 in the SMEs category and received the public’s choice Popular Prize

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 honoured as a winner in both categories for developing groundbreaking perovskite solar cells that efficiently convert light into energy, offering new sustainable energy solutions

What a day for Saule and the team! It is with the greatest pleasure we share that on July 9, during the award ceremony in Malta, the European Patent Office (EPO) honoured our Co-Founer and Chief Technological Officer, Polish scientist Olga Malinkiewicz and her team, as winners in the ‘SMEs’ category of the European Inventor Award 2024. Additionally, they were honoured with the Popular Prize, chosen by the public, underscoring their pivotal role in enhancing renewable energy technologies.

Malinkiewicz and the team have been recognised 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. Utilising an innovative inkjet printing process, these cells are produced in a manner that enhances sustainability and reduces energy consumption.

photo 1: European Inventor Award 2024 winner in SMEs category – Olga Malinkiewicz and team, photo credits: European Patent Office.

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 favourite 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’.

photo 2: European Inventor Award 2024 winner of the Popular Prize – Olga Malinkiewicz and Team, photo credits: European Patent Office.

Why perovskite?

Their printable solar cells, weighing so light that a one-square-metre 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 characterised by their low production impact, utilising 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.

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.

photo 3: Co-Founder and CTO Olga Malinkiewicz and team of Saule Technologies.

Words of gratitude

The yearly European Inventor Award by the European Patent Office pays tribute to brilliant individuals worldwide, acknowledging their contributions to technology, economic growth, and daily life improvements.

Winning such a prestigious and meaningful award is a huge recognition for us, as well as a great validation of our Team’s hard work and dedication over these past 10 years.

– “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,” said Malinkiewicz. “The transition from the stage of scientific research to the stage of commercialisation 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!”

We want to say a big thank you to WPT – Wrocławski Park Technologiczny, Narodowe Centrum Badań i Rozwoju, the European Commission and everyone who believes in our mission and supports our efforts. Your help has been so important to us.

Also, a huge thanks to our patient and understanding investors: H.I.S., Columbus Energy and DC24. Without your help and trust, our development wouldn’t be possible. Together, we are shaping the future!

photo 4: European Inventor Award 2024, SMEs category winner – Olga Malinkiewicz, Co-Founder and CTO of Saule Technologies, and team. Original photo credits: European Patent Office.

Let us praise our friends, family and everyone, who kept their fingers crossed for us and whose help allowed us to land the Popular Prize on top of winning in the SMEs category, as well – we couldn’t have won the public’s choice award without your votes.

Congratulations to the victors of all the categories and, once again, many thanks to the European Patent Office for the nomination, support and splendid event – it has been an honour and an absolute blast to be a part of this year’s European Inventor Award’s edition.

photo 5: European Inventor Award 2024 winners. Photo credits: European Patent Office.

About the European Inventor Award

The European Inventor Award is one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes. Launched by the EPO in 2006, the award honours individuals and teams, who have come up with solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time. The finalists and winners are selected by an independent jury comprising former Award finalists. Together, they examine the proposals for their contribution towards technical progress, social and sustainable development, and economic prosperity. All inventors must have been granted a European patent for their invention.

About the EPO

With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO’s centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 45 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world’s leading authority in patent information and patent searching.