Lumina Fund

The Lumina Fund was established in 2025 as a research fund of the TU Wien Foundation. Made possible by a generous private endowment of four million euros, it creates long term opportunities to support excellent research at TU Wien. The Fund focuses on research projects that combine scientific excellence with societal impact.

In 2026 the Lumina Award will be presented for the first time, providing a total of EUR 400,000 in funding. The Award supports research projects in the fields of Health and Bio Technologies and Environmental Technologies that contribute to addressing key societal challenges. The projects are selected by an expert jury through a rigorous, quality assured three stage evaluation process.

The Lumina Fund reflects the belief that private philanthropic engagement can create new opportunities and greater freedom for science and research. Freedom to pursue new ideas, advance excellent research and develop innovations that create lasting impact for science and society.