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

– NTNU’s strategy is knowledge for a better world. “NTNU Discovery will help create more new companies,” says Toril Hernes, vice director for innovation at NTNU, who presented the checks to the six different inventors at Gruva at Gløshaugen.

Nanotechnology breakthrough

Among those who received funding was Cleana, headed by Professor Magnar Bjørås at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine. The same community 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 located, without breaking down the cell,” says Professor Magnar Bjørås.

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

“We are now looking at other opportunities and expanding the application of nanotechnology in medical molecular biology. Cleana would never have happened without the pandemic,” he says.

The support from NTNU Discovery is important to further develop the technology.

“We’re at a stage where we have a pilot that needs to be validated, and that costs money. At present, we don’t have the funding to do this, but we will get it through NTNU Discovery,” says Magnar Bjørås.

THESE RECEIVED SUPPORT

These inventions were awarded NOK 1 million to NTNU Discovery:

Aldera: Targeted radiation therapy

Aldera is a pharmaceutical tool for targeted radiation therapy 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 are currently made from crude oil.

Cleana: Better epigenetic profiling

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

EchoPOS-II: Simplify ultrasound examination

EchoPOS-II will make ultrasound examinations easier and faster.

MRC connection: Stronger wooden structures

MRC connection for timber buildings (moment resistant connection) is a construction method that allows for solid frame structures without diagonals and shear walls, and simplifies the bracing of buildings.

OxyPatch: Life-saving sensor

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