Mediterranean Transnational Technology Transfer - MET3

“Modelo de Transferencia Transnacional de Tecnologia en el Mediterraneo”Friday 27 April 2012

 “MET3 Overview”

Dr. Aris XenakisNHRF

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The National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF)

Established in 1958 Its purpose: the

organisation and support of high-level research projects in the natural sciences and the humanities

Presentation

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NHRF – Research Institutes

Natural Sciences Institutes Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology

(IBRB) Institute of Theoretical and Physical Chemistry

(ITPC)• Institute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

(IOPC)

Humanities Institutes Institute of Neohellenic Research (INR) Institute of Byzantine Research (IBR) Institute of Greek and Roman Antiquity (IGRA)

Presentation

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NHRF - The Technology Transfer Liaison Office Main Activities

works on the potential of NHRF’s research results, transfers know-how, develops relationships with industrial actors, supports knowledge-intensive spin-off companies and supports the submission of proposals for research funding

Main Projects

MED Programme – 1st call: “MET3 - Mediterranean Technology Transfer”- LP

South East Europe Programme – 1st call: “TECH.FOOD-Solutions & interventions for the Technological Transfer and innovation of Agrofood sector in South East Regions”

MED Programme – 2nd call: IP-SMEs

Presentation

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A major difficulty faced by most Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs) is that of building effective Research-Industry partnerships. Technology transfer involves the processes of capturing and sharing explicit and tacit knowledge and includes both commercial and non-commercial activities. In particular, EU has identified the transnational dimension of technology transfer as one of ten key areas for action on its Innovation Strategy based on the lack of interregional cooperation and joint approaches.   

MET3 brings together seven regions from France, Italy, Spain and Greece with a variety of profiles but common needs and perspectives on improving TTT methods and assisting regional stakeholders to develop strategic partnerships.  

The project will deliver a network on Technology Transfer targeted to MED needs and accommodate profiles ranging from the “blue chip coast” PACA to “low tech” Voreio Aigaio. MET3 aims to develop a modular toolbox for integrated TTT and thus facilitate exploitation of research results by taking into account technology and other “soft” aspects of the process.

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PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1.Set up a transnational network of Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs), Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and Innovation Intermediaries that foster regional and trans-regional technology transfer.

2.Map and assess technology based opportunities (TBO), dynamics and drawbacks in participant regions in MED area covering sectors such as Biotech, Food, Energy, Environment, etc.

3.Build a transnational structure that will disseminate to local SMEs innovative technologies and applied research results and boost their competitiveness.

4.Develop and disseminate a robust set of selected technology offers, requests and exploitation plans for lucrative technologies identified in MED and elsewhere.

5.Develop support tools and capacity building seminars to enable economic actors to engage in innovative technology deployment (legal support, technology licensing, partnership building).

6.Extract & disseminate transferable results and good practices in terms of a modular toolbox to TT officers, SMEs, Researchers, Intermediaries and the wider innovation community.

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PROJECT CONSORTIUM

Name Abbreviation Country

National Hellenic Research Foundation NHRF

GreeceUniversity of the Aegean UoA

Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas

FORTH

Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre of Andalucía

CIT AndalucíaSpain

University Enterprise Training Partnership of the Region of Murcia

FUERM

Mediterranée Technologies MT France

Regional Agency for Technology and Innovation

ARTI Italy

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MED AREA

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Overall status of MET3Workplan

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PROJECT FLOWCHART MET3 components

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OUTPUTS

C1 Communication

5 Newsletters The newsletters are distributed to Policy Makers, SME representative organizations and relevant institutions across Europe.

6 Mediterranean Technology Transfer Open DaysSynthesis of activities implemented, stakeholders participated & topics presented. Assessment of project's impact on regional innovation systems. Cross-fertilization of experiences between project partners, stakeholders & beneficiaries.

International Technology Transfer Conference, 02/04/2012 Marseille A meeting place for network building & supporting the impact of TT in the heart of MED area. The conference targets all stakeholders and will bring together representatives of European, national, regional, local institutions, SME’s, industrialists, TT executives and Innovation Intermediaries.

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OUTPUTS

C3 Mediterranean TT Network

94 Technology Based Opportunities (TBOs)Identification of R&D results and ideas for commercialization of research-based products & services, building a rich portfolio of MED validated TBOs in selected sectors:

Agro food Biotechnology

Life Sciences Energy

IndustryEnvironment

ICT

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OUTPUTS

C4 Mediterranean TT Pilot Activities

A. 35 Exploitation PlansProduction of exploitation plans for selected technology based opportunities jointly identified from Partners. Identification of Intellectual Property (IP) status, target MED and global market and the most suitable exploitation channels (eg. Licensing, spin-off, etc.).

B. 6 Exploitation SeminarsImplementation of 6 exploitation seminars to discuss specific Technology Based Opportunities (TBOs) & Exploitation plans. The seminars revealed the market, legal (IPR) and other conditions to be fulfilled before promoting to targets.

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OUTPUTS

C4 Mediterranean TT Pilot Activities

C. 365 Technology Transfer Missions

Visits and presentations to regional beneficiaries in order to demonstrate the TBOs and exploitation ideas and actively seek for creation of partnerships, development of business matches, licensing in/out, creation of spin-offs etc.

D. 12 Technology Transfer Commercialization & Human Capital Capacity Building Seminars Organization of 12 Capacity Building Seminars aiming at the improvement of „in-house‟ skills for Technology Transfer Professionals, covering topics such as Negotiations of IP, IP business development, etc. Emphasis also given to the “soft” side of innovation and the role of “human capital” on stimulating technology transfer from research to industry.

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OUTPUTS

C5 Mediterranean TT Model

Transnational Technology Transfer Model (Modular Toolbox)Roadmap consolidating the practitioners and policy recommendations in a modular toolbox per participating region, technology transfer topic and the Med space in general.

Technology & Innovation Portalwww.met3.eu Development of a technology & innovation portal for dissemination of Technology Based Opportunities in MED area and assistance on identification of research commercialization practices & practitioners.

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• Biotechnology and Life Sciences• Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in α cosmetic depilatory

product• Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a local weight loss

product• Development of an oral drug against canine leishmaniasis

(kala-azar)• Block copolymer based nanoparticles for drug delivery and

bioimaging.• Anti-aging properties of Greek olive leaf extracts (Koroneiki

variety) and oleuropein via retaining proteasome function on human fibroblasts

• Development of new methodologies for the production of new bioactive high added value products from Spirulina (Arthrospira) Species

• Biological markers as predictors of response in the treatment of cancer patients with cross-linking alkylating agents

• GRISSOM- Grids for In Silico Systems Biology and Medicine• Stem cells bio bank – Spin off company

Industry• Applied Spectroscopy Laboratory – Services• Hydrogen Microsensor based on NiO• Hybrid polymer/cobalt chloride humidity sensors based onoptical diffraction

Technology Based Opportunities NHRF

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Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in cosmetic productst

Introducing the technology

• Products based on an innovative process that encapsulates bioactive substances (proteolytic enzymes or cofactors) in Lecithin-based microemulsions.

Markets Addressed •Cosmetics/Natural Cosmetics Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry

Most Appropriate Transfer Method

• Licensing

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• The product is based on an innovative process that encapsulates in Lecithin-based microemulsions proteolytic enzymes, naturally secreted also in humans, which act on the hair follicles inhibiting the hair regenerationn.

• This process improves the depilatory action of the enzymes, as they are applied by means of the microemulsion that acts as an effective carrier through the skin barrier. The shape of the microemulsion is such that allows its easy spreading over the whole surface of the skin to be depilated. Furthermore, the presence of the microemulsion offers the facility to be applied on every type of skin. These characteristics of the process enhance the cosmetic action of the product.

• Several original publications and review articles in international referred journals and an appreciable number of patents have dealt with this know-how and its application in depilatory preparations.

Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a cosmetic depilatory product ct

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Actually the product is only used by beauty salons and experts – and not from individual users – (through a license to a Greek pharmaceutical company), since it had to be stored and transferred at low temperature (refrigerated).

The product is based on the patents “Lecithin-based microemulsions containing proteolytic enzymes and method for permanent enzymic depilation” patent • United States Patent, 6,203,791 / 20-3-01 and • European Patent 0955991/05-03-2003

Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a cosmetic depilatory product ct

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The research team has managed to further improve the product not needing to be refrigerated, transforming it into a retail commercial product.

Product Characteristics:Use: face, legs, arms, other sensitive areasPackaging: Single-use packaging, consisting of a two part depilatory kit; a vial containing the enzymic solution and a vial containing a solution of the carrier for the transdermal transfer. The mixing of the two components has to be done just before use.Application: The application of the depilatory preparation is carried out by simple spreading to the depilation area, after the hair removal process (i.e. waxing, sugaring etc.). Enzymes are transferred to the hair follicles and deactivate them.Result: Depending on the type of hair, the final result is achieved after 4-8 applications

Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a cosmetic depilatory product ct

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Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a local weight loss product

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This product is designed as an effective weight loss aid for targeted treatment in localized zones (especially waist line and thighs). It consists of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a non polar medium that contains the active substances caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. The product is based in a safe cosmetic preparation, consisting of a two part kit:A liquid microemulsion to be applied with a massage to the area.A microemulsion gel for slow carriage of the active substances.

Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a local weight loss product

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How does it work?

The active substances of the product boost lipolysis, in individual cell basis effecting on the cell membrane. These substances act as catalysts to the factors that cause the lypolysis, but also hamper the factors that recess it. The blood circulation is improved, enhancing the metabolic processes of the skin. Specifically, these substances:• inhibit the action of phospho-diesterase (c-AMP ->5-AMP)• inhibit the action of the α adrenergic receptors of adenosine (adenylate

cyclase antagonists)• activate the β adrenergic receptors (relative to adrenaline)

Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a local weight loss product

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Results:

The product’s effectiveness assessment criteria are based on:decrease of fat mass in hypodermis

• improvement of the skin biological functions (nourishment, blood circulation)

• improvement of the skin mechanical properties (elasticity)• improvement of the skin texture and appearance .

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Results: The product has been tested by an experimental group consisting of 60 people. The significant results of the experimental study, after using the preparation, indicate:• average weight loss 1,7 kg • average waist loss 3,5 cm• In one case there was a 17 cm waist loss, while 15 people lost more

than 5 cm at the waist.• 32 of the participants’ waist loss was around 3-5cm, 10 of them lost 3

cm at the waist, while 2 participants showed no difference at their waste size.

• The control group evidenced no change• Clinical examination revealed that at the area studied, the wrinkles

were less severe and the elasticity of the skin was improved.

Use of Lecithin-based microemulsions in a local weight loss product

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Thank you…

www.met3.eu