Project description
A market for synthetic spider silk
There is a need for robust materials in many industries, from textile and medicine to aerospace and construction. Currently, a number of materials are made from synthetic petroleum fibres, which harm the environment. These materials also lack the properties created by nature, as in the case of spider silk protein fibres combining high tensile strength and elasticity. The ERC-funded ArtSilkTex project will build on previous research that developed the first-ever technology for generating improved artificial spider silk. ArtSilkTex will pave its way towards successful commercialisation and mass production. It will secure patent strategy, necessary analysis and benchmarking of the product to ensure a successful way to markets through a spin-off enterprise.
Objective
ArtSilkTex builds on the ERC-funded project ARTSILK, in which we recently have succeeded in 1) producing artificial spider silk on a scale that, for the first time, opens up the possibility of producing the material for industrial use and 2) inventing engineered spider silk proteins that can be spun into fibers with significantly enhanced mechancial properties. In this project we will manufacture artificial spider silk yarns that will be benchmarked against commonly used yarns on the market. The breakthrough potential of an environmentally friendly, biobased high-performance fiber is great and our work is expected to result in a material that can be used or many applications and replace some of the petroleum-based synthetic fibers on the market. To pinpoint which markets and applications that are most suitable to target, get a better understanding of our competitors, and to ensure the best possible prerequisites for taking this material to the market, the project comprise four main activities: 1) generation of an IP strategy, 2) a thorough analysis of the material's life cycle, cost of goods and carbon footprint, 3) generation of artificial spider silk yarns and benchmarking against other materials, and 4) business development including setting up a business plan and the launch of a spinn-off company. We have a strong project team with highly motivated and experienced members with complimentary backgrounds, and we have an established collaborations with large international companies and potential future customers.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering fibers
- engineering and technology materials engineering textiles
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-POC1
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
750 07 Uppsala
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.