NTNU Discovery awarded 5.75 million to the smartest inventors

The support went to a number of different inventors, including in the fields of medical research, construction and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

– NTNU’s strategy is knowledge for a better world. NTNU Discovery will contribute to the creation of more new companies, says Pro-Rector for Innovation at NTNU, Toril Hernes, who handed over the checks to the six different inventors at Gruva at Gløshaugen.

Nanotech breakthrough

Among those who received support was Cleana from Professor Magnar Bjørås at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine. The same environment was involved in the rapid development of effective corona tests in 2020.

– Cleana is a unique nanomachine that can enter cells and cell nuclei. Nanoparticles are covered with enzymes and proteins that can perform specific operations inside the cell nucleus where the genetic material is, without breaking down the cell, says Professor Magnar Bjørås.

The work with Cleana is a direct result of the collaboration that occurred during the development of the corona test, which also used nanoparticles.

– Now we are looking at other possibilities and expanding the scope of application of nanotechnology in the field of medical molecular biology. Cleana would never have happened without the pandemic, he says.

The support from NTNU Discovery is important for further developing the technology.

– We are at a stage where we have a pilot that needs to be validated, and that costs money. As of today, we do not have funding to do that, but we will get that through NTNU Discovery, says Magnar Bjørås.

THESE RECEIVED SUPPORT

These inventions were awarded 1 million NOK NTNU Discovery:

Aldera: Targeted radiation therapy

Aldara is a pharmaceutical tool for targeted radiotherapy using nanoparticles.

ClayColor: Eco-friendly dye

ClayColor is a dye based on clay minerals. The production is far more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic dyes, which today are made from crude oil.

Cleana: Better epigenetic profiling

Cleana is a nanomachine for chromatin profiling for use in diagnostics and research.

EkkoPOS-II: Simplified ultrasound

EkkoPOS-II should make ultrasound examinations easier and faster.

MRC-forbindelse: Stronger wood constructions

MRC connection for wooden buildings (moment resistant connection) is a construction method that provides opportunities for solid frame constructions without diagonals and shear walls, and simplifies the bracing of buildings.

OxyPatch: Lifesaving sensor

OxyPatch is a small sensor that measures the oxygen level in the brain and continuously sends information to an integrated screen.