ECOncrete founders nominated for European Inventor Award

The award is one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes. Launched by the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2006, it honours individuals and teams behind solutions tackling some of the biggest challenges of our times.

Sella and Perkol-Finkel's invention, ‘concrete technology to encourage marine biodiversity,’ was judged by a panel of former award winners based on its contribution toward technical progress, social and sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Israel-based ECOncrete says the EPO’s recognition of its invention reflects its revolutionary properties among a mission-critical net zero market, and also evidences growing global awareness about subsea innovations capable of protecting our oceanic ecosystems through nature-inspired, biomimetic design.

“Through research and innovation, Sella and Perkol-Finkel have transformed a standard construction material into a shelter for marine life,” says EPO president António Campinos, announcing the European Inventor Award 2022 finalists. “As marine construction is a growing sector, this invention has the potential to make a wide impact and improve the industry’s environmental footprint on a global scale.”

Sella commented: “I just wish Shimrit was here with us to see the appreciation our innovation and technology is receiving – especially now in a time when the world needs sustainable marine construction technology more than ever.

"Shimrit and I had been studying the impact of coastal infrastructure on the marine ecosystem, and searching for a solution since we were students, and it was her main focus until the last day when she left the office."

Shimrit Perkol-Finkel was killed in a road traffic accident in 2021.