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Two partners from the EIC Pathfinder-funded projects were among the winners of the Innovation Rader Prize: 

• ExoMatter, a start-up from Germany, were awarded the overall 2025 Innovation Radar Prize for their innovative ExoMatter Platform for Materials R&D, which offers easily searchable AI-enriched data for scientific materials screening, through powerful filters and Exira, the first natural language AI-Agent in this field. They are partners in the Pathfinder SULPHURREAL project, which aims to demonstrate and validate a breakthrough approach for the next generation of carbon-free, direct conversion of solar energy into chemicals that can be stored for virtually unlimited periods.
• Ecolyte, from Austria, won the ‘Climate, Energy & Mobility’ category for their innovative ion conductive, paper-based membrane that can be used in batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers and water purification systems. They are partners in VanillaFlow project, which which seeks to develop radically new approaches to integrated energy storage by combining artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with flow battery technology. The project aims to replace currently used non-sustainable and critical raw materials with readily available, renewable materials based on starch and lignocellulosics. 

Background information 

The 2025 Innovation Radar Prize was the 11th edition of this annual celebration of EU innovative excellence. Organised by the European Commission and the Innovation Radar Bridge initiative, it took place in the Unicorn Factory Lisboa, Portugal. Twelve EU-funded start-ups from across Europe competed in three prize categories. 

At the event each of the 12 finalists – all SMEs, start-ups or spin-offs who had previously received research and innovation funding from the European Commission – delivered a pitch to investors and entrepreneurs outlining their ground-breaking innovations and plans to scale them in the marketplace. 

More information 

Innovation Radar Prize winners 

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure an additional swing vessel to provide relief on provincial ferry routes serving Fogo Island-Change Islands and Bell Island.

Swing vessels play a critical role in maintaining service when regularly assigned ferries are out of operation for maintenance, repairs or refits. They can also be deployed to supplement service during periods of high demand. Adding a new swing vessel will improve the reliability of ferry service and offer residents greater stability and consistency.

The RFP seeks a vessel with capacity for 100–250 passengers and a vehicle deck of 250–400 lane metres, similar to the MV Legionnaire and MV Veteran. The vessel must be capable of year-round operation in typical ice conditions for Bell Island and Fogo Island, be less than 25 years old at delivery, and be compatible with existing dock infrastructure.

This initiative fulfills a commitment made during the fall election campaign to procure four new vessels: three to be built in the province to replace aging ferries and one new swing vessel. Today’s announcement marks the first step in delivering on that promise.

Currently, the province operates two swing vessels: the MV Beaumont Hamel and the MV Sound of Islay. An additional swing vessel, the MV Astron W, is under contract until March 31, 2026.

Information on public calls for bids issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quote
“During the fall election campaign, we committed to improving ferry services. By adding a new swing vessel, comparable to the MV Legionnaire and MV Veteran, we can provide more consistent and dependable service on the Bell Island and Fogo Island–Change Islands routes. This vessel will also help ensure swing ships remain available for other routes across the province. Today marks an important first step toward delivering better, more reliable ferry services for all residents who depend on them.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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2025 12 17
10:30 am