DEUTZ presented the 2022 Nicolaus August Otto Award to the youngest-ever female pilot to fly solo around the world, Zara Rutherford, who is soaring to new heights with pioneering spirit.
In 2022, the Belgian-British aviator Zara Rutherford was awarded the prestigious innovation prize from DEUTZ in recognition of her pioneering spirit and passion for technology. At the age of 19, Rutherford became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world. On January 20, 2022, she landed her Shark ultralight aircraft in Kortrijk, Belgium, from where she had embarked on her journey 155 days earlier. Rutherford comes from a family of aviators and took control of an aircraft cockpit for the first time at the age of 14. She completed her A levels in mathematics, economics, and physics and intends to study computer science/computer engineering at university. Her biggest dream is to become an astronaut. The teenager is also a world record holder with an entry in the Guinness World Records as the youngest female pilot to have flown solo around the world.
Useful fact
In 2022, DEUTZ presented the Nicolaus August Otto Award for the fourth time.
To me, being a pioneer means recognizing that there is always more to see and to explore in the world. Girls and young women, in particular, should feel empowered to pursue their dreams«
“Zara Rutherford is a high flyer in every sense. Her pioneering spirit and passion for technology enable her to push boundaries and set new records. Technological progress can only realize its full potential through action. It relies on people who recognize its possibilities and are able to bring them to life through their vision. In doing so, they become an inspiration for others. It takes courage, enthusiasm, and drive to take this path,” stressed Dr. Ing. Markus Müller, CTO & CSO of DEUTZ AG, in his speech during the award ceremony. Professor Günther Schuh, a pioneer in the field of electrical engineering and Chair of Production Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, who is himself a keen pilot, gave the commendation speech in honor of this year’s winner.
Dr. Ing. Markus Müller, CTO and CSO of DEUTZ AG, explains the DEUTZ hydrogen strategy at the #neuland conference.
The future of the hydrogen economy
DEUTZ presents the Nicolaus August Otto Award to visionary individuals to encourage zest for exploration, scientific curiosity, and innovative thinking. The award is presented annually and endowed with prize money of €30,000. The innovation prize is named for the inventor of the four-stroke engine and founder of the company that would later become DEUTZ AG.
In 2022, the drive specialist again presented the Nicolaus August Otto Award at the #neuland conference in Aachen, Germany. During the conference, Dr. Ing. Markus Müller participated in a discussion entitled ‘The future of the hydrogen economy – are we ready?’ with Professor Schuh, Helge-Frank Müller from Daimler Truck AG, Stefanie Peters from the Neumann & Esser Group, and other panelists. The #neuland conference addresses the issue that is also a priority for DEUTZ: the shift toward a more sustainable future
