Two young entrepreneurs, Tomáš Čermák, 18, from the Czech Republic, and Anna Podmanická, 19, from Slovakia, have been named European winners of the Earth Prize 2025 after creating an innovative water purifier.
Their innovative creation, PURA, is a water purifier that uses light and plasma to remove contaminants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, opening up new possibilities for wastewater treatment.
A pioneering system to combat pollution
The device addresses a critical issue: the presence of antibiotics and resistant bacteria in wastewater from hospitals, factories, and farms, which end up contaminating sources of drinking water.
The technology combines:
- Photocatalysis developed by Anna.
- Cold plasma (AC corona) researched by Tomáš.
This solution promises to revolutionize water purification globally.
“When I found out that PURA had been recognized as the best project in Europe, I was shocked. This award gives us the opportunity to take our research to the next level”, said Tomáš Čermák in a statement.
Technology expansion: from homes to large treatment plants
Currently, the prototypes of PURA are designed for domestic use, providing families with access to safer drinking water.
However, with the support of the Earth Prize, the team is working on scaling up for wastewater treatment plants, where it could have an even greater impact in the fight against pollution.
Financial support for the future of innovation
The Earth Prize, managed by The Earth Foundation, has been key in the development of projects like PURA.
The young scientists will receive $12,500 to continue creating a next-generation prototype, with the potential to make a global change in access to clean water.
“Their bold solutions address the most urgent environmental challenges with the power to transform the world”, stated Peter McGarry, founder of The Earth Foundation.
A call to action
The award not only recognizes the creativity and commitment of youth but also aims to inspire more people to engage in environmental innovation.
“Together, we can turn these promising ideas into real solutions for the planet”, McGarry concluded.
This advancement in water purification reinforces the role of technology in environmental conservation and opens a promising path for youth science.
