Horizon Prize for the Reduction of Air Pollution Materials

What was the Horizon Prize for the Reduction of Air Pollution Materials?

Run by the European Commission with support from Challenge Works, this €3 million sought the most affordable, sustainable and innovative design-driven material solution able to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in urban areas.

Why did we do this?

Particulate matter (PM) is the air pollutant which has the most severe impact on health. Currently, around 90% of the population of European cities for which PM data exist is exposed to levels exceeding WHO air quality guidelines levels. Average life expectancy in the European Union is estimated to be 8.6 months lower due to exposure to particulate matter resulting from human activities. The inhalation of particulate matter can lead to asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, birth defects, and premature death. In addition to its impact on human health, particulate matter can also have adverse effects on climate change and ecosystems.

What happened?

The Commission received 16 eligible applications from 12 countries. A panel of independent experts from universities and industry selected the winner after on-site visits. The panel’s decision was announced on 30 October 2018 at the Industrial Technologies 2018 conference in Vienna.

Winner – ceramic honeycomb air filter by Corning SAS, France

A ceramic honeycomb air filter developed by a research team from Corning SAS, France, won the €3 million award. Led by Dr Jean-Jacques Theron, the team developed a filter that can remove up to 95% of fine particulate matter from the air and maintain it below the World Health Organisation air quality guidelines. Their invention can reduce the concentration of particulate matter in cities, both indoors and outdoors. For indoor treatment, the solution can be combined with existing air ventilation systems. Outdoors, a modular kiosk-sized system can be placed in highly polluted areas, or close to schools or hospitals.