17.04.2012 -

"2011 was a particularly difficult year for our country, for the regional economy, and, inevitably, for the Science Park. However, in spite of the economic crisis, private firms and research centres continued to believe in their ideas, supporting and investing in them so that they could become innovations, in the belief that it is especially in times of crisis that new ideas must be supported". These were the words of AREA's new president, Adriano De Maio, during the "3L3T  Innovation Awards" ceremony held today in Trieste's AREA Science Park.

 

Nine awards and a special mention were given to companies from the Science Park  which recently distinguished themselves for their ability to develop innovative products and services, which have either already been launched on the market or are about to be. The jury examined 32 products/technologies resulting from sometimes lengthy and complex research and development efforts, with the goal of achieving tangible innovations that can improve quality of life and the efficiency of work in the most disparate sectors: medicine, telecommunications, nanotechnology, energy, etc …

 

The 3L/3T Innovation Awards are a response to the legitimate curiosity shown by public opinion, institutions, and investors regarding the output generated by the Science Park. Their philosophy focuses in the impact that innovations can have on the so-called 3Ts: Territory, Trieste and Te ("you" in Italian, meaning individual citizens). The ceremony featured the presentation of a publication (in Italian and English) containing descriptions of all the products and technologies eligible for the awards.

 

The independent jury elected three winners for each of the Awards' categories, defined by the degree of market-readiness: "early bird" potential innovation; "to be" potential innovation;  "in the market" actual innovation. The winners are listed below.

 

THE AWARDS

"Early Birds" potential innovation category

Research results yet to be applied to production, but promising in terms of market impact and repercussions on the private sector, industry, the local territory, and users.

 

C-Energy S.r.l.

Microgeneration systems

Low environmental impact electricity generators based on fuel cells. Unlike systems available on the market that rely in hydrogen cells, these new systems can use natural gas, LPG, or biogas as fuel. This makes them potentially highly versatile.

Motive: For addressing the growing demand for energy savings and low environmental impact even in small systems.

 

ICGEB International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

microRNA to induce cardiac regeneration

In order to favour the regeneration of cardiac tissue, the Centre , a series of human microRNA has been generated to be used as therapeutic agents, given their ability to induce the proliferation of cardiomyocytes (striated heart muscle fibres) and thus treat various cardiac pathologies linked to their loss, including myocardial infraction,  ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, and heart failure. Additionally, this invention also concerns a method to screen biologically and pharmacologically active compounds in inducing the proliferation of cardiomyocytes.

Motive: For the contribution it could make to the treatment of certain types of heart disease that are of great relevance to public health. For its potential both in terms of commercial applications and public health savings.

 

GME General Micro Electronics S.r.l.

What Is Automation

A system that makes it possible, in any building, to control domotic devices and sensors, even if produced by different manufacturers and using different operating languages. It works both as a stand-alone and web-based programme, and can be run via any online navigation system.

Motive: For its attention to interoperability regarding standards used in domotics, for its web-friendly approach, and for the high degree of customization made possible in part by its open-source development.

 

"To Be" potential innovation category

The innovation can already be used because it is in the final stages of production: it is about to be launched on markets with a high impact potential.

 

Microglass S.r.l.

MTT FIT series

A cabin using "cold" microwave technology -maintaining temperatures at refrigeration level - to increase the shelf life of fresh produce. The device makes it possible to conserve products longer naturally, without using chemical preservatives, for the time necessary to reach distant markets and remain fresh when in logistics and distribution platforms and/or on market shelves.

Motive: For successfully transferring microwave technology to the food and agriculture sector, a primary sector for the national and local economy, with a potentially positive environmental and social impact in terms of waste reduction.

 

Tecna S.r.l.

I'Screen Strepto

Screening kit to detect the presence of streptomycin and dihydrosteptomycin in honey. These are aminoglycoside antibiotics used in beekeeping to treat certain bacterial infections in beehives. Their use in Europe is prohibited.

I'Screen STREPTO can analyze samples in a simple and inexpensive manner that can nevertheless produce results that are just as accurate as those obtained with expensive confirmation methods.

Motive: For improving food security, and for its ease-of-use and cost-effectiveness in an important economic sector for the regional and local economy.

 

Elcon Elettronica S.r.l.

TA - Self-powered transformer for measurements

A device to measure the available power  to be added to electrical distribution cabinets. It can be easily installed (using pliers) onto the conductor whose current needs to be measured, without any need for wiring. The information is read and sent to a box in the cabinet that collects the data from all the devices that have been installed and, after a preliminary analysis, sends them to a server where they can be analyzed by a technician. The device is self-powered.

Motive: For having applied an innovative approach to an inexpensive, easy-to-use device that can help improve the distribution of electricity.

"In the Market" innovation category

The innovation has already been applied to one or more products that are already available on one or more markets, with a directly measurable impact.

 

Eidon - Kaires S.r.l.

Litoscope 104

A system to acquire, process, and archives images of stone slabs in order to ensure quality control. The system acquires extremely high resolution colour images of large stone slabs on the production line, independently of the thickness of the slab. The Litoscope system processes the raw images to correct the geometric distortion caused by the lens, to optimize colour reproduction, and to acquire all geometrical data regarding shape and size.

Motive: For successfully transferring innovative technology in stone cutting, a traditional sector of great relevance to the national economy.

 

Synaps Technology S.r.l.

Sililight - New LED illumination systems

A new way to generate light with the maximum energy savings, the highest efficiency, and the best possible quality and aesthetic performance. The LED T8 SiLiLIGHT tubes, available in different lengths (600, 900, 1200 and 1500 mm), colour temperatures (warm white, daylight white, cold white, and  "nature") and finishes (transparent or opaline), were entirely designed by Synaps Technology, which studied LED mixture to ensure improved colour performance. Also available are ceiling lights, street lamps, and warehouse lights.

Motive: For manufacturing original accessories with great market potential, combining energy savings with improved light quality and aesthetic performance.

 

Dr. Schär S.p.A.

Pan del Forno

A major innovation in the gluten-free sector: fresh-baked bread. Until now, the only gluten-free bread available in Italy was either packaged bread prepared in a protected atmosphere (4 month shelf life) or frozen bread (12 month shelf life). This product is much more similar to fresh-baked, sliced bread.

Motive: For meeting the demand for fresh-baked bread suitable for those suffering from celiac disease in an innovative way, both in terms of technology and distribution.

 

Special mentions
A special mention went to ICGEB - International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for its commitment, openness, and ability to look beyond the scientific results of its research, for its sensitivity to the opportunities and incentives provided by the local territory, and for its willingness to cooperate and get involves even in sectors beyond strictly scientific ones.