Pompeu Fabra University, through the Innovation Unit-UPF Business Shuttle, has announced the first edition of “UPF INNOValora”, an initiative conceived with the aim of promoting the valorization of knowledge by funding proof-of-concept projects linked to the results of research conducted at the University in any discipline.

Eighteen proposals were submitted for this first call, 10 of which were selected to give a brief presentation before an evaluation panel of external experts on 22 February. Of these, the evaluation panel has chosen five projects that will begin their activity on 1 April. There are 2 projects in the area of ICT, and a further 3 in the area of experimental and health sciences. By virtue of the aid that has been granted and to initiate the transfer of knowledge to society, each of these projects will have 30,000 euros, with a further 30,000 euros for projects linked to biomedical sciences, thanks to funding from the Maria de Maetzu Unit of the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences at UPF.

NanoBullet, with Pilar Rivera Gil, Ruben Vicente and Ruixue Xu  will perform pre-clinical validation and protection of the results obtained from the use of a molecular target for pancreatic tumours by specifically locating a nanostructured capsule capable of diagnosing (detecting) and treating simultaneously.

This initiative is part of the plan of actions of the project “UPF Valora Horitzó 2025”, which aims to promote innovation and social transformation by creating synergies with society and contributing to social welfare and the creation of value. It has the support of the Secretariat for Universities and Research of the Ministry of Business and Knowledge of the Government of Catalonia, and co-funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).