As part of his recently completed dissertation in the PhD program in Regenerative Medicine at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Kenneth Chen developed a procedure that uses artificial intelligence to automatically detect leg axis deviations on conventional knee X-rays. This innovative project has now been honored with the tecnet accent Innovation Award due to its high degree of feasibility in everyday clinical practice. The award, which recognizes outstanding projects with high commercial implementation potential by young researchers, was presented in the presence of Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner on April 24, 2025, in St. Pölten.
Kenneth Chen, a research staff member at the Center for Regenerative Medicine in the Department for Health Sciences, Medicine and Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems, has developed an AI-based method for the automated detection of leg axis deviations on conventional knee X-ray images. These deviations are a key risk factor for knee osteoarthritis, but have often been overlooked to date as standardized whole-leg images are not always available. The new system should enable more precise diagnostics in future, without additional imaging effort.
The two other award winners share the second place of the tecnet accent Innovation Award for projects in the fields of sensor technology and biotechnology. Juan A. Allegretto from the Danube Private University developed a novel platform for the precise detection of odorous substances. In future, the optical sensors could be used in food control, environmental monitoring or medical diagnostics. Adrian Lendvai from the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems is working with an interdisciplinary team to research a peptide that promotes bone growth and accelerates the integration of implants, with potential applications in dentistry and orthopaedics.
Strengthening the business location and recognizing aspiring researchers
At the award ceremony, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner emphasized the contribution of the tecnet accent Innovation Award to Lower Austria's Science-to-Business spin-off strategy. The aim is to turn innovative ideas into marketable products, which could also create new companies and further strengthen Lower Austria as a business location. Viktoria Weber, Vice-Rector for Research and Sustainable Development at the University for Continuing Education Krems, emphasized the important bridge between research and application that the award recognizes. Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems makes innovative contributions to solving current and future societal challenges. The award not only makes these contributions visible, but also pays special tribute to the commitment of young, aspiring researchers, said Weber.
-NLK%20Khittl.jpg "© NLK Khittl")
The first prize in the tecnet accent Innovation Award 2025 went to Kenneth Chen from the University for Continuing Education Krems. He is developing an AI-based method for the automated detection of leg axis deviations on conventional knee X-ray images. (from left to right): Stefan Nehrer, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medicine and Head of the Department for Health Sciences, Medicine and Research at the University for Continuing Education Krems, award winner Kenneth Chen, Center for Regenerative Medicine, University for Continuing Education Krems and Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
-NLK%20Khittl.jpg "© NLK Khittl")
Two second places in the tecnet accent Innovation Award 2025 went to innovative projects in sensor technology and biotechnology. (from left to right): Michael Moll, CEO accent, Viktoria Weber, Vice Rector for Research and Sustainable Development at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Juan A. Allegretto, Danube Private University, second place, Kenneth Chen, University for Continuing Education Krems, first place, Adrian Lendvai, IMC Krems, second place, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Stefan Nehrer, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medicine, University for Continuing Education Krems, Doris Agneter, Managing Director tecnet, Harald Hundsberger, Head of the Biotechnology Institute, IMC Krems.
About the tecnet accent Innovation Award
The tecnet accent Innovation Award was launched in 2009 and has been presented regularly since 2017. A total of around 100 young scientists have been honored so far. The aim is to raise awareness of economic implementation opportunities in research and thus provide new impetus for the establishment of innovative companies in Lower Austria. The prize, awarded by tecnet equity, the accent Incubator and the University for Continuing Education Krems, recognizes outstanding scientific work with economic potential and promotes entrepreneurial thinking among young researchers. It is aimed at all scientific institutions on Campus Krems.
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