Two graduates of FH Kufstein Tirol receive the Science Prize
In addition to Iris Oberkalmsteiner from MCI and Martin Oberascher and Petar Jurcevic, both from the University of Innsbruck, Philip Egger and Caroline Gredler from the university in Kufstein received the Science Prize of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber. “Industry and science go hand in hand and complement each other.” The annually awarded Science Prize sets an important signal,” explained Economic Chamber President Christoph Walser at the presentation ceremony in Innsbruck.
“The award of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber is a tremendous honor for our university and a well-deserved distinction for our students. Thus, the students are not only recognized for their scientific work, but also receive a motivation boost to further grapple with their innovative and economically beneficial topic,” as Rector of FH Kufstein Tirol Prof. Mario Döller joyfully stated. All awarded works were evaluated as “very good”. According to the jury's opinion, the works also distinguished themselves by a high degree of innovation and direct significance for the small and medium-sized enterprises of the Tyrolean industry. This year, a total of 23 works were submitted for the EUR 1,000 Science Prize of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber.
Photovoltaics in the Alpine region
Philip Egger, MA completed the study program European Energy Business at FH Kufstein Tirol both in the bachelor as well as in the extra-occupational master study program. Against the background of a massive need for renewable energy sources, he examined the potential of photovoltaics (PV) in the Alpine region in his master thesis.
The Austrian Energy and Climate Strategy envisages an increase in mixed electricity sources from 72 to 100 percent. “In many ways, the Alpine region is especially well-suited for this endeavor. The region covers a large part of the province, more than 26 percent, and the suitable climate increases the performance of PV systems – with more hours of sunshine at lower temperature and higher insolation intensity,” explained Egger. The examined high Alpine open-space system at the Pitztal Glacier shows an increased yield of 25 percent and a more consistent energy production compared to a PV system in the valley at the Inzing location. The analysis suggests increased installations of PV systems in the Alpine region, specifically in ski areas.
How blockchain technology will change business models and processes
In her master thesis, Graduate of the Master Study Program International Business Studies Caroline Gredler, MA examined the impact of blockchain technology on industry. “In the near future, blockchain will revolutionize and transform many domains in almost all industry sectors. My investigation offers companies and the industry a tool to improve understanding and provides a quick overview of the transformative processes of business models and procedures for various sectors on account of blockchain technology,” said Gredler.
In addition to stocktaking and the illustration of technological basics, my work depicts the existing processes and business activities of the ‘old world’ and compares these with the respective blockchain solution and benefits of the ‘new world’. The thesis presents specific application examples in short descriptions, case examples and a list of current problems.
Science Prize of the Tirolean Economic Chamber
For more than two decades, the Tirolean Economic Chamber has promoted exceptional diploma and master theses and dissertations with the Science Prize. This year, exceptional works by the University of Innsbruck, the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) and FH Kufstein Tirol were again distinguished.
Five of these were selected by a jury consisting of Nicole Ellinger (Alp Art Hotel), Markus Dax (Steka-Werke GmbH) and Wolfgang Sief (Siko GmbH) and presented within the context of an award ceremony. The winners for 2018 are: Petar Jurcevic (University of Innsbruck) and Martin Oberascher (University of Innsbruck), Iris Oberkalmsteiner (MCI), Philip Egger (FH Kufstein Tirol) and Caroline Gredler (FH Kufstein Tirol).
