COVID -19 Pandemic causes many changes. We take these changes into account by adding UN SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) to the project objectives. For UN SDG 3, the protection of vaccines stored in the deep freeze, i.e. at -70°C, has been included as a fifth thermal target. But difficulties in the supply chain and prolonged testing of the materials, some of the results had to be postponed.
WP1 - Product final development includes intense laboratory work.
T1.1. Synthesis of the active material includes analyses of potentially suitable substances, basic synthesis with controls, and compatibility tests. The best components of the active material were identified and tested.
T1.2. Preparation and testing of the new ink includes selection of (a) active materials, (b) materials for microencapsulation, and (c) binder system. Materials (b) and (c) must be compatible with colouration at the controlled value. The manufacturing for (a), (b) and (c) have been defined. The microbiological stability of the substances has been tested. The methodology and inputs for the LCA analysis was defined.
T1.3. Indicator labels are printed on professional printing presses. A typical example of the new inks was produced with upscaling. The tests required on the printing line were carried out.
WP4 – Pre-commercialization and IPR. The possibilities were rather limited by the COVID19 restrictions, but some results were achieved as a basis for successful continuation.
T4.1. Business development activities. The team worked on market exploration, identifying potential buyers and their needs/expectations, and potential strategic partners for commercialisation. The first steps were carried out with the EIC coach Mr Cillo. Later, more detailed market research was made. Important and promising negotiations were started with a major manufacturer of innovative packaging for overseas transport of large fish.
T4.3. IPR protection. The strategy for IPR was prepared. An extended patent search is underway to define the strategy.
T4.4. Communication of project activities was provided at two events and online. Event in Slovenia brought together stakeholders from industry, academia, brand owners. Event in Malmo bring together cutting-edge research and early-stage technologies with stakeholders from industry and investment.
We are proud of the WIPO Medal for Inventors awarded to Dr Marta Klanjšek Gunde, co-founder and CEO of MyCol d.o.o. and coordinator.
WP5. Project management and coordination
T5.1. Management of the work flow. Work on the project began by assembling a team of experts in the field of advanced materials and business development. The company currently employs 5 full-time staff and 3 part-time staff for this contract.
The overall situation and expansion of the project objectives were the reason for the postponement of 5 deliverables in WP1 and WP2, which have already been agreed upon at PO.
Pre-commercialization activities in RP1 were mostly implemented online. We expect that the situation will allow in the next 12 months to achieve the objectives set out in the Grant Agreement.
T5.2. Administrative and financial management
Coordination team is very well organized. Total amount spent in the RP1 is 463.004,31 EUR, which is 76.40% of the advanced payment received. We had an internal control to check the eligibility of the costs. The feedback was positive, minimum comments related to the securing documentation for full audit trail are already resolved.
