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E&I Alumnus Michael Beitl named Austrian of the Year

13/11/2025

We are proud to announce that our alumnus Michael Beitl, Founder of Kern Tec, was recently named Austrian of the Year.

Michael studied at E&I and founded Kern Tec out of our E&I Garage Course. Founded with the mission to unlock the hidden potential of overlooked by-products, Kern Tec has developed a highly specialized industrial process to crack, separate, purify, and refine fruit kernels.

The prestigious award Austrian of the Year not only recognizes Michael's outstanding career, but also Kern Tec’s contribution to circular economy, resource efficiency, and responsible entrepreneurship. His company has gained international attention for transforming fruit-processing waste, specifically stone-fruit kernels such as apricot, cherry, and plum pits, into high-value raw materials for the food and cosmetics industries.

His work illustrates that breakthrough innovation often lies in rethinking familiar systems: In this case, recognizing value where others saw only waste. As concerns around raw-material scarcity, sustainability regulations, and climate impact continue to rise, Kern Tec’s model offers concrete solutions for a more resilient and resource-efficient future.

Video E&I Alumni Talks - Michael Beitl

E&I Alumni Talks - Michael Beitl

Find out more about how E&I influenced Kern Tec and Michael's career in our E&I Alumni Talk. 

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