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Hannover. The winning product consists of a sensor network, database and app the together enable farmers to fertilize and irrigate their fields based on weather and soil conditions. In addition, it provides farmers with real-time information about expected soil and weather conditions. Artificial intelligence continuously improves predictions and subsequent recommendations. Benefits include increased yield and quality of agricultural products as well as reduced use of fertilizer and water.

The presentation of the first HERMES Startup AWARD took place on 14 July as part of the HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days.

Prof. Dr. Reimund Neugebauer, president of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and chair of the jury, said, "Startups are true innovation catalyzers: As bridges between research and industry, they quickly turn new developments and technologies into applications and bring these to market. I am pleased to recognize Mitra Sejahtera Membangun Bangsa as a company that has used an AI solution to address several current challenges at once, including food quality and efficient use of fertilizer and resources."

Deutsche Messe annually presents the HERMES Startup AWARD to a company no more than five years old; the product or solution must feature a high level of technological innovation. This year, the prize was awarded as part of the HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days. In 2021, the winner will be honored at the HANNOVER MESSE opening ceremony.

The jury members:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Reimund Neugebauer (jury chairman), President, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Prof. Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas, Undersecretary, German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF)
Prof. Dr. Friedrich Bleicher, Chair for Cutting Production Technology, Institute for Manufacturing Technology and High Power Laser Technology, Vienna University of Technology
Ken Fouhy, Chief Editor, VDI Nachrichten
Georg Giersberg, Business Editor, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Werner Götz, Chief Editor, Industrieanzeiger
Prof. Dr. Kathrin Möslein, Vice President Outreach, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Siegfried Russwurm, Universiy Erlangen-Nürnberg, Member of the Presidium, acatech
Udo Schnell, Chief Editor, MM-Maschinenmarkt
Claus Wilk, Chief Editor, Produktion
Dr.-Ing. E.h. Manfred Wittenstein, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, WITTENSTEIN SE