R+T Innovation Award 2027

What field are you currently working in, and how long have you been doing so?
I have been editor-in-chief of the trade journals sicht & sonnenschutz and GFF - Glas Fenster Fassade for five years.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
The range of topics covered by sicht & sonnenschutz is very broad and includes indoor, outdoor, smart home and gates. This makes my work varied and diverse. At trade fairs and on-site visits, you get to see a lot and learn new things. What more could I want? 

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
I gain direct and detailed insights into new developments in the industry. This is unique and a privilege that I greatly appreciate.

How do you see the future of the industry you work in, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
Standing still is a step backwards: this applies to all companies, regardless of the industry. In this respect, I expect submissions that offer new advantages for users of sun shading solutions or doors.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
To balance out my everyday working life, I regularly do sports, either cycling, jogging or swimming.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The bicycle.

© Bild: Holzmann Medien

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
Looking back, I realised that I have been working as a journalist for over 40 years now. That's a long time, during which I have been able to follow developments in the metal construction, window and façade industry. Since 2012, we have been actively shaping the digital future of trade journals with the e-paper metall-markt.net.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
The mix of personalities, technology and strong ideas! And, of course, the people who are passionate about their topics. Where theory meets the dust of a construction site – that's where I feel most at home.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
Quite simply: I get to be officially curious! Discovering new ideas, looking behind the scenes and discussing future topics with the other jurors – it's great fun. There's hardly anything more exciting than experiencing real innovations up close.

How do you see the future of the industry, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
More digital, more sustainable – and definitely not boring! I would like to see products that offer real solutions instead of creating new problems. Bold concepts, fresh inventiveness and a dose of practicality would be ideal. And I would also welcome entries that really turn the usual way of doing things on its head.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
When I have time, I like to get on my motorbike and enjoy the wind in my hair as I ride over the Brenner Pass towards Italy with my partner. Or I'm out and about – camera in hand, fresh air in my lungs. And sometimes I just sit at my computer with a coffee while the next e-paper from metall-markt.net is made ready for upload.

If you could have invented one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
Definitely the internet – without it, there would be no online jury meetings and not my e-paper either. It also saves travel, paper and, occasionally, nerves.

What field are you currently working in?
I am currently responsible as a publisher and managing editor for various publications in the trade magazine sector in the fields of industry and culture. These include the 'Tür-Tor-Fenster-Report'. I have been involved in key positions in the industrial sector for many years. As the owner and managing director of Kiosk-Verlag, I oversee various magazine and event formats. Trade fairs, symposia and conferences accompany the print and digital publications.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
A particular bonus in my job is undoubtedly the variety and the constant confrontation with progress, and to be in close contact with decision-makers.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
It is a great privilege to discuss developments with colleagues from different areas of the industry. It is a wonderful diversity of exchange that is not often available. The R+T Innovation Award jury offers a great opportunity for this.

How do you see the future of the industry in which you work, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
Of course, these are challenging times, both geopolitically and for specific industries, particularly publishing. Nevertheless, I am quite positive about the future and am motivated to face the circumstances and the opportunities they present with my company. As far as this year's submissions for the Innovation Award are concerned, I am sure that, based on last year's event, I will once again experience one or two positive surprises. Perhaps there will be a game changer among them? I am very excited and looking forward to it.  

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
As the father of three daughters, there isn't much room for free decisions outside of my professional life :-). It's a perfect balance.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
If I could have invented one innovation from the last 100 years, it would definitely be the internet. It has connected our world in a completely new way, democratised access to knowledge and enabled new forms of collaboration. I find it particularly fascinating that a technical invention has triggered such profound social, economic and cultural changes. An idea that connects people worldwide and influences billions of lives every day.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I have been Managing Director of the BVT Association of Gates and the RAL Quality Assurance Association for Metal Fencing Technology for 13 years.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
The contact with our members and the wide range of topics that the association deals with.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
The submissions for the Innovation Award show how creative our industry and medium-sized companies in Germany are. It is fun to see the enthusiasm and commitment of the people behind the new developments.   

How do you see the future of the industry in which you work, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
The current economic development is also affecting the door industry. Nevertheless, we are confident that the economy, and with it the construction industry on which we are heavily dependent, will at least stabilise in the coming year. As has often been the case in the past, the submissions will once again feature innovations that may only be in small details but can still have a big impact.  

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
I enjoy the little discoveries of everyday life.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The self-sharpening chef's knife.

What field are you currently working in, and how long have you been doing so?
I have been working in the roller shutter and sun shading trade for over 40 years – as a master craftsman, entrepreneur, trainer, expert and committed association member. Since October 2025, I have been Vice-President of the Federal Association for Roller Shutters and Sun Shading (BVRS), previously responsible for vocational training and technology on the executive committee. In our family business in Wasserburg am Inn, I am now responsible for all technical matters and other tasks where I am needed – the company is now run by my daughter, the third generation of our family. In addition, I am a certified "Sun Shading Expert" trainer for the European organisation ES-SO. In this role, I promote the Smart Solar Shading Advisor course in order to share knowledge about energy-efficient, intelligent sun protection in our industry and to establish it more firmly throughout Europe.

What do you find particularly exciting about your field of work?
I am fascinated by the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Today, sun protection is much more than just comfort – it stands for energy efficiency, climate protection and quality of life. This diversity, combined with technical progress and sustainability, makes our craft unique.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
Innovation is the key to the future of our industry. As a jury member, I am excited to learn about new ideas and technical developments that strengthen our craft. I particularly appreciate the professional exchange in an international circle and the insight into the innovative strength of our industry.

How do you see the future of the industry in which you work, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
Our industry plays a central role in energy-efficient construction and climate protection. Intelligent, networked sun protection systems will be a matter of course in the future – in new buildings as well as in renovations. From the 2027 submissions, I expect practical solutions that combine comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability – and show how innovative our trade is.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
I enjoy spending time at my/our company, talking to young people in training – or in Wasserburg am Inn with a good glass of wine. I am involved both locally and at association level in promoting knowledge, enthusiasm and future prospects for our trade. Otherwise, I also enjoy walking or cycling in the mountains in summer and winter.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The smartphone. It has revolutionised the way we communicate, learn and work – and, like almost nothing else, it stands for networked intelligence and also controls many products in our industry. That's exactly what I want for our industry: innovations that connect people and make everyday life better and more liveable.

What field are you currently working in, and how long have you been doing so?
Since 2024, I have been serving as Technical Coordinator at the Industrial Association for Roller Shutters, Sun Shading and Automation (IVRSA).

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?

At IVRSA, I am responsible for all of the association’s technical activities. For example, I oversee the entire standardisation work, research technical issues that are affecting our industry, deal with topics such as training and further education, and coordinate the technical projects of our specialist committees. This variety makes the work both interesting and rewarding. I also greatly value the exchange and the contacts within the industry. From a technical perspective, our sector addresses some extremely fascinating topics.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?

It’s something quite special to get a sneak preview of the industry’s latest developments long before the doors of the trade fair open, and to analyse them in detail—especially in such a panel of industry experts. It’s a great indicator of the direction we’re heading in and of the trends shaping our industry.

How do you see the future of your industry, and what do you expect from this year’s submissions?
The industry is facing major challenges. We are currently looking at the implementation of the new Construction Products Regulation—a process that has only just begun and will keep us busy for some time. There’s a lot of bureaucracy for manufacturers to handle. It will be interesting to see how far the industry has progressed by 2027 and what effects we’ll observe in the market and in the products. Some manufacturers will certainly highlight the sustainability of their products. The key future issues remain the resilience, energy efficiency and sustainability of our solutions.
As for the entries, I’m especially curious to see what developments there are in control systems. With regard to climatic comfort, health and energy efficiency, I’m hoping for simple solutions to complex control strategies. In the spirit of “making complex things simple”, I would love to see intelligent, user-friendly solutions.

What do you do when you’re not evaluating innovations?
Outside of work, my family always comes first. We enjoy spending time outdoors and being active. When it comes to sports, we’re passionate about basketball, running and cycling. Running along the Rhine or in the Siebengebirge mountains is especially great for clearing your head and sparking new ideas.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The computer!

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I have been working in the field of gates and loading technology for thirty years.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
In the commercial environment, every construction project is a new challenge.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
Of course, getting to know developments in the door industry, but also gaining insights into other industries and the exciting and constructive discussions in the jury about seemingly minor details that ultimately turn out to be game changers.

How do you see the future of the industry you work in, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
The market for doors and gates in Germany moves in step with construction investment – whether in new industrial facilities or residential construction. Both areas are currently under considerable pressure: high construction costs, lengthy approval procedures and a weakening economy are significantly slowing down development. Of course, the ideas surrounding the R+T Innovation Award will not solve these challenges overnight. But perhaps one or two of these innovations have the potential to open up new avenues and markets for us door manufacturers – as demonstrated, for example, by the GfA solution that won the R+T Innovation Award 2024, in which a wall box is integrated directly into the door control system.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
As the managing director of a small medium-sized company, there are plenty of issues to deal with.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
Many things have simplified and changed our lives. However, one truly groundbreaking invention is the expansion bolt – without it, the division of labour on construction sites would be inconceivable.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?

I have been a certified expert for the Frankfurt a. Main Chamber of Industry and Commerce since 2004, specialising in gates, roller shutters and sun shading. I handle around 120 expert cases per year, 50% of which are for the judiciary (courts) and 50% for private clients such as manufacturers, insurance companies and property developers. In 1970, I installed my first roller door as an assistant fitter and later founded Müller Metallbau GmbH as technical managing director. I have remained loyal to our industry to this day.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
It's incredibly varied: just when you think you've seen it all, something new comes onto the market – and that brings us to the Innovation Award. Incidentally, I am/was the patent holder for the screwless sectional door!

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
Getting to see the innovations first-hand and discussing them with colleagues.

How do you see the future of the industry you work in, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
With increasing glazing in buildings and simultaneous global warming, I am optimistic for both the sun shading and door industries. Doors are becoming faster, larger and simply more attractive. I have no expectations, but I am looking forward to the great surprises that are sure to come.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
In the sun shading sector, I am currently dealing with an increasing number of pergolas, a decline in zip screens and an increase in external blinds. In the door sector, I often deal with the minimum level of protection and, in the case of roller shutters, constantly and repeatedly with installation problems.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The maintenance-free product – be it a gate, sun shading system or roller shutter – that the customer wants.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I have been working in the technical manufacturing sector since 2001.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
The diversity. Sun shading textiles and sun shading systems are more than just a visual measure; they also contribute to climate-adapted living and working, for example.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
The enthusiasm for the wealth of ideas and technical diversity in our industry.

How do you see the future of the industry you work in, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
In times of climate change, my focus is on climate-adapted living and working with automated sun shading, and that is also where I see the future of our products.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
My job, my voluntary work in the industry association and, of course, my private life – which is mainly dominated by my dog Ernst.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The dishwasher, like Josephine Cochrane, or Kevlar, like Stephanie Louise Kwolek: while I have a more professional affinity for Kevlar fibre, the dishwasher inspires me above all in my private life.

What field are you currently working in, and how long have you been doing so?
I have devoted almost my entire professional life to technical sun shading textiles. Initially, I worked in sales, and since 2018 I have been serving as Managing Director of our Industrial Association for Technical Textiles, Roller Shutters and Sun Shading Systems (ITRS e.V.).

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
The contact with so many fantastic people – within the ITRS e.V. even without blinkers or competitive thinking.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
Curiosity. Sometimes I am impressed by major breakthroughs among the innovations. But just as often, it’s the small, unexpected details that fascinate me.

How do you see the future of your industry, and what do you expect from this year’s submissions?
The future of our industry is bright, because without sun shading systems, buildings will no longer be healthy to live in. Every year I think everything that can be invented for sun shading already exists – until someone comes along with another brilliant idea. At the moment, I have great hopes for universal development in the smart home sector, because both our own house and our office still need to be automated!

What do you do when you’re not evaluating innovations?
In my day-to-day work, I deal with the wishes, questions and needs of our member companies. In my free time, my wife and I love to spend time outdoors with our dachshund Josy. By the way – on a 35-degree day in the shade, there’s hardly any better sun protection than the canopy of leaves in the forest.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
Having struggled with this problem in our own home for years – anything that can shade triangular roof dormers. Far too often, architects want to design beautiful buildings but forget about the reality of our increasingly hot summers.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
With the trade journal "bauelemente bau", we have been offering people who work professionally with windows, doors, facades, sun shading/heat protection and gates a monthly, up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the industry for almost 50 years. I have been on board since 2015 as an editor and since 2016 as managing director of Verlag für Fachpublizistik GmbH, the publishing house that publishes our trade journal.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
It is extremely varied, and you learn a lot about the industry and its customs. In addition to the products, which contribute a great deal to solving one of the greatest challenges of our time, I am particularly enthusiastic about the down-to-earth nature of the players involved. As an editor and journalist, you always feel very well looked after at large events and also at individual appointments. In addition, you gain insights into companies and their production processes that outsiders would otherwise rarely get to see. This also has a lot to do with the trust placed in us, which I also greatly appreciate.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
You get the chance to take a closer and more intensive look at the submitted products than you would otherwise when working on a press release. Last but not least, I also enjoy the discussion with the other members of the jury, who bring a different perspective to the products being evaluated. Something like this can only broaden your horizons. For this reason alone, I am very grateful to the R+T team for coming up with the idea of including me in the jury for the Innovation Award.

How do you see the future of the industry in which you work, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
As already mentioned, the sun shading industry – like related industries that deal with building envelopes – plays a significant role in significantly improving the energy balance of existing buildings and thus also in achieving the climate targets set by the EU. This, but that is nothing new, represents a huge opportunity for the future of the industry. Unfortunately, these opportunities are currently being pushed out of focus, as companies will continue to have to deal with issues such as skills and labour shortages, inflation and consolidation, and much more in the near future. Once builders and investors are ready to invest more again, whether in renovation or new construction, I believe the industry has a good chance of growing again in the future.

From this year's submissions, I hope that the trend towards climate-resilient products will continue. But I am also impressed by the small gadgets that have been developed to make everyday work easier for customers and for ourselves.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
Professionally, I work on producing our "bauelemente bau" magazine and everything that goes with it editorially, as well as maintaining our online presence. In addition, I take care of the interests of our publishing house. In my private life, I enjoy going to concerts and am generally very interested in music. I can also often be found on and – lately more and more, or rather exclusively – off the sports field (not just football!).

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
Oh, that's a good and difficult question. After all, in most cases, innovation is driven by companies. As an editor and especially as a jury member, a certain neutrality should be maintained. But I think I would be a little proud of myself if I had been involved in the concept of intelligent and automatic control of summer and winter heat protection. Outside the industry, I would definitely miss the electrification of musical instruments. It helps a lot when you go to concerts and want to hear something.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I have been working for the media brand M&T for 18 years as an editor and programme manager. Among other things, I am responsible for the German Metal Construction Award and the industry event Metallkongress.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?

The people who work in the metalworking trade and their outstanding achievements. I’m constantly fascinated by the diversity of the sector – from blacksmiths and façade builders to structural steel engineers. I find it truly rewarding to be part of this world, to look behind the scenes and to showcase these achievements in our media.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?

I have the greatest respect for the companies that are brave enough to enter the fray and give it a go - and face the judgement of a jury. It’s an honour to be a jury member, to review the innovations, to compare them and to discover what makes them special – that’s what truly motivates me.

How do you see the future of your industry, and what do you expect from this year’s submissions?
I believe the metalworking trade will continue to see exciting projects in the future. Companies will, however, need to make an effort to attract skilled workers and embrace new technologies to compensate for the shortage of specialists.
From this year’s entries for the R+T Innovation Award, I expect applicants to integrate new technologies, to take into account the shortage of skilled workers – for example when it comes to the installation of their products – and to find ways to best support tradespeople with their solutions. I also hope this awareness will be clearly reflected in their submissions.

What do you do when you’re not evaluating innovations?
Professionally, my work revolves around the metalworking trade – its needs, and the products and services we can offer to support craftspeople. Artificial intelligence is a fascinating technology that I would like to learn to use even better – I’m working on that. Besides that, I’m an absolute outdoor person and love spending the entire summer outside whenever possible.

If you could invent one innovation from the past 100 years, what would it be?
Definitely the camper van. It allows you to travel to beautiful places and stay right there, because everything you need is already with you – like a snail with its house. Sitting under the awning with a glass of wine and enjoying summer – if that didn’t already exist, I would have invented it.

What field are you currently working in, and how long have you been doing it?

I am a freelance architect in Stuttgart with more than 20 years of professional experience. Since 2024, I have been managing director at Schwarz Architekten in Stuttgart, where I am responsible for competitions, studies and conceptual design.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?

The opportunity to develop a holistic, individual approach to each new project and translate it into a functional and harmonious design concept that carries the project from draft to realisation.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?

Evaluating innovative, creatively sophisticated new ideas.

How do you see the future of the industry in which you work, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?

The integration of artificial intelligence will also change and develop the job profile of architects – I expect this year's submissions to include products that address the topic of AI and highlight its potential.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?

Family and sport

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?

I particularly remember the launch of the first iPhone by Steve Jobs in 2007 – it was exciting to see how a highly innovative product found its way into society and has had a profound impact on it ever since.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?

In the manufacture of industrial doors since 1993

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?

No two installation situations are the same – even after all this time, there are still many challenges!

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?

Exciting insights into a very innovative and creative industry. In particular, the importance of sun shading will continue to grow as a result of climate change.

How do you see the future of the industry you work in, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?

The industry will become more important in the future as automation, networking, burglary and heavy rain protection, sun shading and energy efficiency become increasingly important, also due to demographic change. I think AI will find its way into the submissions, making the products even more user-friendly, safer and ‘smarter’ in the sense of predictive actions (e.g. by linking drive and control technology with weather data).

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?

I try to steer our company through these volatile times and provide our employees and customers with the highest level of reliability and security.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?

The wall plug.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I have been working as Head of Technology at our association for 10 years, where my responsibilities include supervising our technical project groups and supporting standardisation activities in the field of interior vision and sun shading.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
I am fascinated by the combination of functionality, aesthetics and sustainability in our products. I find it particularly exciting how intelligent sun shading systems today are much more than just shading elements: they contribute to energy efficiency, increase user comfort and are increasingly becoming an integral part of smart building concepts.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
I want to actively contribute to promoting forward-looking ideas that advance our industry. The Innovation Award offers a unique platform to support creative minds and recognise developments that create real added value for users, the environment and the entire industry.

How do you see the future of the industry in which you work, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
The future lies in intelligent networking and automation, coupled with more sustainable materials and production processes. I expect solutions that respond to changing climate conditions, help save energy and at the same time meet the highest design standards. I am particularly excited about concepts that integrate AI-supported controls or circular economy approaches.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
In my free time, I enjoy sports and doing lots of activities with my two dogs.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The internet, because it has revolutionised the way we communicate, collaborate and share knowledge. Or, in relation to our industry: honeycomb pleated blinds, whose innovative honeycomb structure brought noticeable thermal insulation to windows and created a new category of efficiency.

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I have been working at the Technical Competence Centre at BVRS e.V. since 1 January 2025.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
Contact with people from our industry and related fields.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
An interest in new developments and enjoying tinkering.

How do you see the future of the industry you work in, and what do you expect from this year's submissions?
Bright! Climate protection is impossible without sun shading, and that is becoming increasingly important. With so much work to do, it's important to maintain a balance, and outdoor living products are an excellent way to do that.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
The small and large challenges facing our craft businesses through consulting and standardisation.

If you could invent one innovation from the last 100 years, what would it be?
The snow cannon, but a future invention would be much more important: the CO2 vacuum cleaner!

What field are you currently working in and how long have you been doing so?
I entered the sun shading industry in 1988. In 1994, I co-founded Verozo in Belgium and in 2004, ES-SO. After nine years as president and then six years as vice president, I now hold various positions at ES-SO, including jury member for the R+T Innovation Award. I bring with me a broad international experience and a large network in our industry.

What do you particularly enjoy about your field of work?
I am inspired by the innovative strength and development of our industry. It is exciting to see how technical developments, design and sustainability are becoming increasingly intertwined – and how sun shading has become an integral part of energy-efficient buildings today.

What motivates you to be part of the R+T Innovation Award jury?
At ES-SO, we wholeheartedly support initiatives such as the R+T Innovation Award. They promote exchange between research, industry and the market – and that is precisely what drives progress. It is a pleasure for me to learn about and support new ideas and perspectives here. "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."

How do you see the future of the industry you work in?
Our industry plays a key role: it enables the optimal use of daylight and solar energy. Sun shading contributes significantly to energy efficiency, comfort and health – key issues in times of climate change and the energy transition. I therefore see a very positive and exciting future.

What do you do when you're not evaluating innovations?
I work as a consultant and continue to volunteer for ES-SO. My goal is to support the long-term sustainable development of our industry.

And if you could invent a groundbreaking innovation yourself?
A sun shading solution that generates as much energy as photovoltaics – but at the same time allows enough daylight to pass through to promote people's well-being. Coupled with intelligent building control, this would be the perfect combination of energy efficiency and quality of life – much like the human eye, whose pupil opens or closes to optimally regulate the amount of light entering the eye, thereby controlling our hormone balance with melatonin and cortisol.