Two technologies from Masaryk University succeeded in TT Day 2023 finals
The expert jury composed of representatives of investors and science awarded second place in the Transfera Technology Day 2023 competition to the project Luciferase reporter system with extremely stable bioluminescent signal from the Loschmidt Laboratories of the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University and the International Clinical Research Centre of St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno. Another project of the Faculty of Science of MU entitled Detection of individual nanoparticle markers in biological tissues was also well presented in the final.
Second place overall in the competition for ideas, that are also evaluated for commercial potential, went to so-called luciferases – enzymes that enable living organisms to produce light. The "chemical fireflies" are used in many scientific, research or clinical applications or in the diagnosis of various diseases. In their research, scientists have succeeded in creating an artificial enzyme that glows much longer and more stably than the natural one. This enzyme will help to improve diagnosis, monitor some diseases and facilitate further scientific research. "The long-term vision of this research is not only to improve diagnostics, but also to translate luminescence for practical use – for example, in the form of glowing plants or trees," Daniel Pluskal, a member of the research team, told the jury. More information about the winning project can be found here.
"The invention of the scientists from the Faculty of Science is protected by the international patent application, the filing of which was secured in cooperation with the MU Centre for Technology Transfer. We are currently communicating with a private company that has shown great interest in the commercial application of this invention. Currently, we are also evaluating the commercial potential and approaching other potential interested parties, which is one of the main activities of our centre", added Radoslav Trautmann, Head of the Technology Transfer Department of CTT MU.
Another project of Masaryk University, Detection of individual nanoparticle markers in biological tissues, was also excellently presented in the finals. The scientific team represented by professor J. Preisler pointed out the possible practical application of the technology in tissue imaging and immunological tests. In terms of commercial potential, the technology has the potential to, for example, extend the imaging capabilities of mass spectrometers.
The fourth annual Transfera Technology Day took place on 21 November 2024 in Rakvice. A total of 28 projects from 13 scientific, research and academic institutions competed to reach the finals. 12 technologies with the greatest commercial potential made it to the final round. The expert jury, that judged the projects, was composed of representatives of scientific research institutions and investors.
Transfera Technology Day 2023 competition photo gallery
