Seven University of Bologna patents shortlisted for Intellectual Property Awards

A sound-insulating window that reduces outside noise, a new, economical and sustainable method for recycling polystyrene composites and a catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid. There is also a micro-organism that promotes plant growth in horticulture; a computer system for monitoring and estimating the state of soil moisture; a device capable of generating a continuous electric current through the oxidation of organic waste matrices and a device designed to cushion the impact of helmets to reduce the risk of severe brain trauma.

These are the seven patents submitted by the University of Bologna that have been selected for the final stage of the Intellectual Property Awards, the competition that promotes innovation and encourages the creativity of inventors.

The competition, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, in collaboration with Netval, the association for the valorisation of public research, and the government agency Invitalia, is open to universities, public research organisations and scientific hospital care institutes that hold patents.

Prizes of €10,000 will be awarded in each of the six technological fields: Med tech, Climatech, Agritech, The Energy of the Future, The Future from the Space and The Future of the City.

In addition, this year's competition includes a special 'Women's Entrepreneurship' prize for each technology area for the best patents filed by research groups made up of at least 50% women. The award is part of the NRRP-funded 'Women's Entrepreneurship' programme, which aims to promote women’s entrepreneurship and careers in science and technology to help close the gender gap.

Of the sixteen patents submitted by the University of Bologna, seven will be shortlisted for an award: the award ceremony will take place next October, on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of the Italian Patent and Trademark Office.

Three University of Bologna patents are competing in the Clima Tech category: a window with a soundproofing system that reduces the impact of external noise, a method for recycling polystyrene composites that guarantees the recovery of materials and reduces disposal costs, and a catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to acetic acid in the liquid phase.

In the Agri Tech category, two patents were submitted by the University of Bologna: a micro-organism that promotes vegetative growth in horticulture and floriculture, increasing both productivity and nutrient absorption, and a computer system for monitoring and predicting the state of soil moisture, for determining the quantity and quality of irrigation during the hottest months.

In Energy of the Future category, there is a device capable of producing a continuous direct current through the alkaline oxidation of organic waste matrices. Lastly, in the Future of the City category, there is a patent for a shock-absorbing device for helmets designed to reduce perpendicular and tangential impacts, thereby reducing the risk of severe brain trauma.