27 July, 2023

There is also a patent made by staff belonging to the Terra&AcquaTech laboratory of the Tecnopolo of Ferrara among those being enhanced thanks to a Proof of Concept (PoC) project funded by the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT).

The patent in question is called "Modular Photocatalytic System" and consists, as indicated by the title itself, of a modular photocatalytic system made in prototype form that works through the use of solar energy that filters through the water to be treated. Specifically, the prototype is particularly effective in purifying water from emerging micro-contaminants such as drugs, antibiotics and new medicines now increasingly present in urban waters and in purifying industrial effluents from new chemicals.

Thanks to the "Proof Of Concept Empowering and Speeding-up Technology Evolution" (POC ESTE) program of the University of Ferrara and the University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, financed within the framework of the Call for the realization of Programs for the Enhancement of Patents" of Italian Universities and Public Research Institutions (EPRs) and IRCCSs with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Terra&AcquaTech laboratory will be able to carry out activities aimed at identifying applications for which the modular photocatalytic system can be directly applied, downstream of an engineering process conducted in close collaboration with the companies that will be identified.

As is well known, the main objective of PoC projects is to support the increase in the technological level of an invention-as measured by the Technology Rediness Level (TRL) scale-so that the invention can make a technological leap from the laboratory to the development of a working prototype/demonstrator, to industrial exploitation.

Participation in these projects also allows for the dissemination of the culture of knowledge valorization and intellectual property protection, increasing the role of the University in the innovation ecosystem, encouraging interaction between its research groups and the production system with a view to generating economic and social impact.

The Technopole researchers involved in the enhancement project are Professor Donato Vincenzi and Professor Luisa Pasti, both belonging to the Terra&AcquaTech laboratory.

Once again, the Tecnopolo of Ferrara expresses its vocation as a structure dedicated to industrial research that provides services to companies for applied research and promotes innovation within the High Technology Network of Emilia-Romagna.

With the help of the Department III Mission and Relations with the Territory and the Technology Transfer Office, the activities of the Technopole can be enhanced and disseminated among territorial stakeholders, allowing the conclusion of technology transfer agreements.

For more information, please feel free to contact us at the email address: tecnopolo@unife.it