Rainer Marquardt Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the European Inventor Award 2026

The pioneer in power electronics and Emeritus of the University of the Bundeswehr in Munich was recognised for his outstanding contributions to scientific research and technological innovation.

Marquardt is best known for developing the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC), a breakthrough technology that has become the global standard for efficient long-distance power transmission. His innovation enables the reliable integration of renewable energy sources into modern power grids, helping connect population centres with remote clean-energy generation facilities.

The European Patent Office (EPO) celebrated Professor Marquardt’s achievements during the award ceremony on 2 July in Berlin, recognising the lasting impact of his work on global energy infrastructure.