Innovators, leaders and change-makers: Constructor University announces 2026 Alumni Award winners

Constructor University celebrated three exceptional graduates whose groundbreaking work spans assistive technology, entrepreneurship and science communication at the 2026 Alumni Awards ceremony. Cornel Amariei (Class of 2015), Ali Alam (Class of 2022) and Joanna Bagniewska (Class of 2006) were honored Sept. 18 at the "Wisdom Across the Eras" networking event during Homecoming weekend, receiving the Innovator Award, Rising Star Award and Community Impact Award respectively.

Now in its second year, the Alumni Awards program was launched in 2025 to formally recognize graduates whose exceptional professional, personal and community accomplishments embody the spirit and values of Constructor University. Presented in three categories – Innovator, Rising Star and Community Impact – the awards highlight the continued connection between the university and its alumni community

“Alumni achievements are one of the clearest expressions of what a university community can become over time. This year’s recipients showcase the remarkable and diverse range of paths our alumni take – from developing new technologies to transform people’s everyday lives, to building opportunities for other entrepreneurs and making complex scientific ideas accessible to wider audiences," said Ilya Kompasov, Head of Career Service & Alumni at Constructor University. "Their stories are a potent reminder our students that graduation is not the end of their connection to Constructor, but rather the beginning of a lifelong community in which knowledge, experience and inspiration continue to be shared.”

The 2026 awards were presented at a special networking event, "Wisdom Across the Eras," which took place on campus on September 18 as part of the Alumni Association's annual Homecoming weekend. This year's Homecoming coincided with Constructor University's 25th anniversary celebration and saw more than 85 distinguished alumni from around the world return to the international campus in Bremen, Germany.

Innovator Award: Cornel Amariei

This award recognizes a member of the alumni community who has introduced groundbreaking ideas, products, or services that are making a significant impact. The 2026 Innovator Award was presented to Cornel Amariei, a 2015 graduate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, for his work as founder of .lumen, which develops wearable eyewear for blind and low-vision individuals. The revolutionary technology allows users to move freely without guide dogs, addressing a critical shortage in accessibility solutions.

Backed by more than 30 patents across the EU and the U.S., Amariei's groundbreaking glasses have gained widespread recognition at international trade shows and across media channels. His work has earned prestigious accolades including Forbes 30 Under 30 EU, JCI Ten Outstanding Young People of the World and induction into the Global Business Hall of Fame. Amariei also serves as a dedicated leader in the Romanian entrepreneurial community.

Community Impact Award: Joanna Bagniewska

The Community Impact Award honors alumni who have dedicated a minimum of five years to volunteering, advocacy, or financial support for a notable cause or community. Joanna Bagniewska, a 2006 graduate in Biology and Neuroscience, was named the 2026 recipient for her exceptional work as a Science Communicator and Lecturer based at Oxford University, where she promotes scientific understanding and environmental stewardship to broad audiences in engaging and accessible ways. She has appeared on media platforms like the BBC, The Discovery Channel and TEDx, and authored three books: "The Modern Bestiary," "The Communicating Scientist" and the children's book "LIFE."

Through her work, Bagniewska—who was also featured in our 25th anniversary alumni interview series—has inspired people of all backgrounds to engage with and learn about conservation, biodiversity and ecological issues. She has also helped shape the UK educational curriculum and served on Oxford's communications team during the COVID vaccine rollout, particularly focusing on her native Polish community in the UK.

"I'm very proud of this award, because it comes from a community of international, passionate and engaged people," said Bagniewska. "At the heart of it, any meaningful impact comes from building connections and trust, and I feel that my time at Constructor has prepared me for that more than any other institution could have."

Rising Star Award: Ali Alam

the Rising Star Award celebrates alumni who have achieved notable career success within 10 years of their graduation. The 2026 award was presented to Ali Alam, a 2022 graduate in International Business Administration and Industrial Engineering and Management, for his dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and startups. In his professional role with Earlybird Venture Capital, Alam focuses on championing founders from underrepresented backgrounds throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. His early-career achievements have been recognized with the Diana Award and OEB 30 Under 30. As a student, Alam also contributed his entrepreneurial spirit to what would later become the Constructor Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, supporting young startups by connecting them with alumni mentors.

"This award feels much bigger than me," said Alam. "It is a recognition of every student and alum who helped build a culture of entrepreneurship at Jacobs, with the belief that extraordinary things happen when people from different backgrounds, disciplines and parts of the world are given the space to build together. I hope it reminds students and alumni that if something you believe in doesn't exist yet, create it, and if there isn't a seat for you at the table, build your own bigger table and invite others to it."

Recognizing excellence, inspiring future leaders

The Alumni Awards recognize and amplify exceptional achievements from Constructor University's global community of more than 8,500 alumni. Open to all graduates, nominations for the three awards are accepted each spring, with the selection process overseen by a committee consisting of representatives from the Alumni Office, Alumni Association Board, faculty, and the student body.

"These awards represent more than individual achievement—they reflect the broader mission of Constructor University to develop graduates who think globally, act boldly and create meaningful change," added Kompasov. "Cornel, Ali and Joanna exemplify the caliber of leaders that our community produces: innovators who solve real-world problems, entrepreneurs who build inclusive ecosystems and communicators who bridge complex ideas with public understanding. By recognizing their excellence, we not only celebrate their contributions but also inspire our current students and recent graduates to lead with impact as they carve their own paths."