The nomination by the distinguished jury recognizes a product concept that combines design, functionality, and societal impact: FLOYO aims to bring flow conditions into the globally established microtiter plate format in a low-threshold way, making microfluidics accessible to a much broader range of users.

Operation is intentionally straightforward: powered by battery or USB, liquid-protected and stackable, FLOYO uses sterile inserts as consumables, while the electronics and pumping unit remain in long-term use. In doing so, FLOYO meets the minimal requirements for flow systems that are crucial for many applications and lowers entry barriers, at a cost level of only a few hundred euros (RUO) for getting started.

The design follows a calm Mid-Century Modern “soft electronics” aesthetic and combines it with a modular kit-of-parts approach: color-coded modules and inserts provide orientation and invite hands-on experimentation. The approach treats the microtiter plate as a platform and blank canvas, an established standard format that only becomes truly powerful through the creativity of its users. FLOYO adds a “heart” to that canvas: a small pump that creates dynamics where, without high-end equipment, conditions are usually static. Low-threshold microfluidics could therefore help make alternatives to animal testing more widely accessible, through improved cell culture models under flow conditions.

The concept was co-developed at LBI Trauma and brought to life together with FH Technikum Wien and prototype developer ADC Dabsch. We would like to thank everyone involved and all supporters, and we look forward to the next steps, ideally including a growing community with guides, presets, and downloadable 3D models to support hands-on participation.