Sumatrix: the plant-based alternative to leather made out of fermented fruit waste
Sumatrix, led by researchers from Sumatrix Biotech (Turkey), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Sumatrix® technology produces an alternative to leather made by bacterial fermentation of locally produced agro-industrial fruit waste. The biocellulose-based leather material is biodegradable, recyclable, “cruelty- free”, has no harmful effect on humans or the environment and is entirely non-toxic at every stage of its production. The natural metabolic processes of bacteria result in the production of useful substances like biocellulose, making them simple, single-celled yet powerful and efficient tools in the bioindustry.
Sumatrix aims to take advantage of these microscopic powerhouses by accelerating bacteria’s life cycle to increase the efficiency of its metabolic output, which is biocellulose. After the biocellulose surface modification and coloring stages obtained after the biofabrication process, the final product becomes BacTexture.
Learn more about Sumatrix by watching the pitch done by their CTO, Rumeysa Saglam, during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/oD1Z555Ldg8
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DVS@FunNanoSurf: Portable 'Plug and Play' sublimation technologies
DVS@FunNanoSurf, led by researchers from ICMAB-CSIC (Spain), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Their project Sublimat aims at providing portable 'Plug and Play' sublimation instruments dimensioned for small scale testing, as well as pre-prototyping essays of organic and inorganic materials thin-film coating of surfaces. Sublimat is particularly relevant for the expanding field of organic electronics as it will introduce an affordable and flexible solution. This will be valuable for all R&D departments across both industry and academia that share the need for fast screening of new organic-based, thin-film surface coatings. This can help improve their properties to meet the target of developing smarter and sustainable technological applications while lowering overall production cost and environmental impact.
SubliMat is a streamlined sublimation methodology for the direct integration of purified molecules on substrates designed to improve the processing efficiency towards achieving functionalized surfaces for different applications. Unlike other vacuum-based systems currently used in the field of thin film coatings, this solution optimises testing time, material and resource residues through the introduction of compact, custom-made devices adapted to the experimental needs of smart/functional materials R&D.
Learn more about DVS@FunNanoSurf by watching the pitch done by researcher Rosa L. Zaffino during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/TB0lEo99bIs
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Nano-ink: Nanoparticle enhanced inks for energy applications
Nano-ink, led by researchers from Eskisehir Technical University, Izmir Katip Celebi University and Eskisehir Osmangazi University (Turkey), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
This project is based on the development of innovative nanoparticle-enhanced printing inks (nano-inks) to facilitate energy efficiency indoors. Advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the manufacturing of materials at nanometre scale, leading to much better solutions to society's problems. Once such solutions are highly accessible, more people can experience improvements in their lives.
With the depletion of conventional energy sources and global warming, sustaining thermal comfort indoors has become an essential engineering problem. The Nano-ink team, consisting of two engineers and one ethicist, aims at developing novel materials for the fabrication of smart windows via the efficient and easy-to-be-scaled-up inkjet printing. Smart glasses exhibit switchable optical properties and can block the heat and radiation coming from the sun. Their implementation in buildings can reduce the cooling expenses by 30%. Their nano-ink makes the functional layer of the smart window to operate upon demand and have it exhibit the necessary optical response. One other innovative aspect is the versatility of the ink so that it is to be customised to users printing process and printhead. Nano-ink's goal is to develop the nano-ink with peaking characteristics in accordance with responsible innovation aspects, targeting smart window producers who aim at tackling high costs of cooling and/or heating of indoors. They take sustainability seriously and are motivated in providing solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Learn more about Nano-ink by watching the pitch done by researcher Elif Begum Elcioglu during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/vQi0jT59xVw
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MET Lab: Microbial enzymes for lignin valorization technology
MET Lab, led by researchers from ITQB-NOVA at NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Through the LignOx Project, the MET Lab team is revolutionising lignin valorization for biorefineries and fine chemical producers. Their mission is to unlock the full potential of lignin and contribute to a sustainable, circular economy. The LignOx Package, an enzyme cocktail tailored for residue valorization, offers an efficient solution for producing high-value compounds from lignin monomers. Vanillin, a sought-after compound derived from lignin, exemplifies the added value their enzymes can generate in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. By optimising lignin utilisation and reducing reliance on traditional processes, the LignOx Package drives sustainability and fosters a circular economy. MET Lab enzymes maximise yield, minimise waste, and reduce environmental impact.
MET Lab research teams invite you to join them on this transformative journey towards a greener future. Explore the potential of the LignOx Project, witness how their enzymes revolutionise lignin valorization, and unlock valuable compounds like vanillin. Together, let's shape the biorefinery and fine chemical industries, promote sustainability, and maximise valuable resources while minimising waste.
Learn more about MET Lab by watching the pitch done by their project manager Diogo Silva during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/5rZ6nJs2OwA
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MARCIA: the research team that worries about metastasis so patients don't have to
MARCIA, led by researchers from Institute of Sanitary Investigation of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Their project aims to obtain a BLOCK test from a blood sample, as a follow-up, non-invasive tool for patients with breast cancer to help diagnose metastasis in an earlier stage. They're working to develop a tool based on an immunoassay to detect a blood biomarker, and a software with an easy interface that integrates this measurement with two additional blood parameters to assess the risk of metastasis. The target population are women previously diagnosed with a primary breast tumour who are under follow-up (2-5 years from the primary diagnosis).
During this period, an imaging examination (mammogram) is recommended annually. With MARCIA's product, they'd measure a biomarker which reports systemic tumour disease and two blood parameters at intervals when image analysis is not scheduled. This will allow these patients to be monitored more frequently. If the test is positive, the appointment for the image analysis can be advanced. End-users are healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses and technicians) and potential customers of the kit are health systems, public and private clinics and hospitals. The beneficiaries are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, of which about 30% will eventually develop metastases. Furthermore, oncologists will benefit indirectly by having a tool to improve clinical management. The ability to anticipate this progression is crucial for the patient (quality and life expectancy) and the system (savings).
Learn more about MARCIA by watching the pitch done by researcher Clotilde Costa during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/9brF4utVZ-Y
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HTS-INKS: Go green, go to superconductors!
HTS-INKS, led by researchers from ICMAB-CSIC (Spain), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Coated Conductors (CCs) have big potential in the development of High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) power systems. This research team proposes a high throughput HTS technology which will have a huge impact on the industrial scale-up of CCs. It is based on their Transient Liquid Assisted Growth process combined with Chemical Solution Deposition (TLAG-CSD). It is disruptive and enables ultrafast growth of Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) films (~100 times faster than state of the art) by using printing deposition methods (inkjet printing, slot-die coating) and nanocomposites obtained by stabilising preformed nanoparticles in the initial precursor solution. TLAG-CSD is low cost (uses simple reactors), has high growth rates and is environmentally friendly. A key component for the industrial manufacturing of TLAG-CSD nanocomposite CCs is the colloidal inks. This requires the supply of robust, stable and reproducible colloidal inks in large quantities (several litres) compatible with the TLAG-CSD process.
HTS-INKS proposes a new generation of large volume colloidal inks with stabilising agents, which leads to an increase in the solubility of salts and stabilisation of nanoparticles which can be customised for different industrial metallic substrates, and could be further expanded to other CSD growth processes. While main end users of this technology are companies manufacturing superconducting tapes, the benefits extend to the society as a whole. Superconductivity will have a strong impact in advancing energetic sustainability.
Learn more about HTS-INKS by watching the pitch done by project manager Mar Tristany during the Start Open Day last 20 July 2023.
https://youtu.be/x7uPN-iDX8s
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HEKA Vision: Revolutionising breast cancer surgery with AI and XR technologies
HEKA Vision, led by researchers from the Champalimaud Foundation (Portugal), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
HEKA Vision’s technological platform integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and eXtended Reality (XR) to revolutionise breast cancer surgery. Their cutting-edge solutions overcome current workflow inefficiencies that result in unnecessary invasive preoperative procedures and often lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes, such as high mastectomy and re-operation rates.
HEKA Vision’s advanced AI tools provide surgeons with real-time insights, empowering them to make more informed decisions, and facilitating personalised treatment plans during the whole treatment workflow: from medical imaging analysis all the way into the operating room during surgery. Through its XR technologies, surgeons can visualise and interact with patient-specific data in a digitally augmented environment, improving precision and reducing risks.
With BreastXR, surgeons will visualise the tumour in real-time during breast conserving surgery. AvaXR will allow precise visualisation of the abdominal vascular network during the challenging DIEAP procedure for breast reconstructive surgery. These technologies not only streamline surgical workflows but also enable quicker and more accurate surgeries. Overall, HEKA Vision’s technologies set a new standard for breast cancer treatment. They greatly increase the overall efficiency of breast cancer surgery, leading to higher productivity for the medical staff and cancer clinics, while improving patient outcomes and their quality of life.
Learn more about HEKA Vision by watching the pitch done by researcher João Santinha during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/qCA7dxV1U4w
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EPF3Bio: meet the team behind TriPhyte, a technology to cultivate a greener, healthier world
EPF3Bio, led by researchers from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Agriculture and food security programs face several challenges, largely stemming from yield loss as a result of pests, diseases and soil degradation. The mitigation of these phenomena relies on chemical applications with high environmental and climate costs, while their intensive application over several decades has contributed to abundant pesticide resistance that furthers damages. As such, recent EU directives require reductions in chemical control, and place greater emphasis on environmentally friendly biotechnology solutions.
The technology developed by EPF3Bio addresses all of the above, offering a sustainable alternative to dealing with Europe’s pesticide problem and the biodiversity crisis. TriPhyte is a biological fungal-based all-in-one product that functions on three essential dimensions: biofertilizer, biocontrol agent and biostimulant. Extensive research has shown its ability to increase crop yield by 20% while protecting plants from pests and diseases. Apart from the simplicity of its application, TriPhyte combines three products into one, which makes it remarkably cost-effective compared to other organic agriculture products.
Their technology is suitable for both farmers and small-scale growers who want to switch to sustainable farming and/or enter into the organic market, guaranteeing the health of consumers and farmland.
Learn more about EPF3Bio by watching the pitch done by researcher Marios Andrikopoulos during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/avKRvpls3X4
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EditUP, the genome editing approach that cures for a lifetime
EditUP, led by researches from University of Trento and Hub Innovazione Trentino (Italy), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
Haploinsufficiencies are rare genetic diseases that affect an estimated 15 million patients worldwide, 99% of which remain incurable and manageable only through palliative and symptomatic care. EditUP have devised and patented a genome editing approach capable of precisely modulating the expression of specific genes to compensate for the lack of a disease-related allele and restore the levels of expression within physiological values.
The team are planning to validate their platform with patients affected by Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy (ADOA), which affects about 1 in 30,000 people worldwide. ADOA is the most common hereditary optic atrophy disease and is characterized by a bilateral degeneration of the optic nerves. Unlike palliative therapies, RNA and other genome editing approaches, EditUP will provide to patients affected by ADOA a therapy that is safe, personalised and is needed only once for a lifetime.
Learn more about EditUP by watching the pitch done by researcher Alberto Raoss during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/PalgdsLnQaI
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CAVI: Unleashing the power of cavitation for a resilient future
CAVI, led by researchers from University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), National Technical University of Athens (Greece) and UBB-TechTransfer at Babeș-Bolyai University (Romania), is one of the supported research teams in the first S3E Start Programme.
The EU recognised biogas as a vital renewable energy source to achieve energy resilience and climate change mitigation goals. Biogas, derived from waste like agricultural & food waste, and sewage sludge through anaerobic digestion, offers applications as electricity and heat generation. By embracing biogas, the EU can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and energy imports.
Amidst soaring energy prices, the benefits of biogas become even more apparent. Presently, approximately 19,000 biogas plants operate within the EU, with this number expected to double by 2050 — a testament to the growing prominence of this sustainable energy source. Nonetheless, the optimization of waste-to-biogas conversion remains an ongoing challenge. Conventional anaerobic digesters are large and time-consuming. The state-of-the-art technology to enhance biogas production, thermal hydrolysis, is complex and expensive.
With their groundbreaking solution, scientists from Slovenia and Greece have harnessed the power of cavitation, a process that occurs when vapour bubbles form and collapse, generating extraordinary pressures and temperatures, comparable to the Sun's surface. Leveraging this incredible force, they have developed the revolutionary CAVI Ω reactor — an innovative, compact, and plug-and-play device that significantly reduces construction and operating expenses. The CAVI Ω reactor stands as a true innovation, poised to drive the biogas industry into a new era of sustainability and profitability.
Learn more about CAVI by watching the pitch done by researcher Jurij Gostisa during the Start Open Day on 20th July 2023.
https://youtu.be/Cs5wcwIgL8g
Would you like to get in touch with them? Let us know! Email us at info@south3e.eu