Many antibiotic-resistant infections are caused by bacterial biofilms. In the biofilm form, bacteria survive exposure to highest deliverable doses of antibiotics. This project aims to devise an intervention strategy fundamentally different to current scenarios. It is based on the finding that a bacterial signal molecule c-di-GMP controls the biofilm life-cycle in bacteria; high internal levels of c-di-GMP promote biofilm formation and low levels lead to bacterial dispersal and biofilm dismantling. Our strategy is to dismantle infectious biofilms and then subsequently eradicate the liberated, bacteria with conventional antibiotics. We have developed a drug candidate (patent application submitted) that reduces the internal c-di-GMP pool. In essence, we have invented a new type of non-antibiotic antimicrobial that can improve the efficacy of existing antibiotics on antibiotic-resistant infections, in combinatorial interventions. The InnoExplorer grant will provide financial support for mouse-model experiments leading to development of a robust treatment strategy for Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI). This is one of the commonest global hospital-acquired, biofilm-based infections. A large market exists within the CUTI field, at USD5.7billion in the USA alone. Estimates suggest that market shares for a new antibacterial may range from USD4million at Year 1 post-approval to USD 1billion by Year 10. The grant will also provide financial support for early commercialization activity to prepare the funding of a spin out to oversee a Phase 1 clinical trial. At the present stage, we emphasize that failure to do so is also the major risk. Longer-term goals include revenue generation and regional reputation enhancement. This program is expected to generate commercialisable IPR that revolutionizes treatment and prevent of recalcitrant, antibiotic-resistant infections. It will also find application in industrial settings where biofilms and fouling are costly.

The aim of the project is to develop new antibiotics and prepare one or more candidates for potential commercialization in collaboration with a not yet defined business partner. We base the project on a new compound class, for which we have recently identified pronounced activity against MRSA as well as linezolid- and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) – genera that already constitute serious threats to human health. Our compound class belongs to the group of pleuromutilin conjugates, which is inherently associated with low rates of resistance and cross-resistance development. The specific class has further superiority as it is chemically different to other pleuromutilin based compounds and moreover easily synthesized. For the compounds to reach the marked as oral formulations, pharmaceutical properties and preclinical in vivo efficacy need to be established. In vitro optimization of pharmacokinetic performance is therefore key together with preclinical in vivo efficacy. For this task, we have a collective of specialized researchers combining medicinal chemistry, microbiology, pharmaceutical technology, and preclinical evaluation. Within a year we expect to have at least one compound within our class that not only has a significant and broad activity against Gram-positive pathogens but is also a drug candidate with sufficient pharmacokinetic profile, low toxicity and validated preclinical effect. Parallel to the experimental approach, we will investigate the commercial potential of the compound class by involving external consultancy. It is our goal to minimize the risks for a future partner by focusing the project on the drug-like properties, and with an optimized compound in hand, we expect to engage in a collaboration with a commercial partner. The antibiotic marked is huge and increasing as the global health problem related to multi-resistant bacteria is growing dramatically. Hereby, the perspectives for a new systemic antibiotic are almost limitless.

Obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic diseases are global crises threatening to cripple healthcare infrastructures. These metabolic disorders are driven by caloric excess and elevated blood glucose and lipid levels. We believe that increasing energy expenditure to burn off excess glucose and lipids holds the potential to counteract metabolic disorder. Attempts to exploit energy expenditure in humans have shown impressive efficacy but failed due to adverse side effects. One promising alternative approach is to activate thermogenic adipose, a type of fat tissue that can increase energy expenditure due to its unique evolutionary design to consume significant amounts of glucose and lipid from the blood to fuel calorie-burning. Yet targeting thermogenic adipose activity has proven difficult to date. However, we recently identified a novel G-protein coupled receptor, GPR3, which stimulates energy expenditure in human and mouse thermogenic adipocytes and lowers bodyweight and fully reverses diabetes in obese mouse models. Acting as a potent thermogenic adipose activator, GPR3 small molecule agonism would address a pressing, unmet need in the metabolic disorder market by promoting both weight loss and improve glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, given the lack of calorie-burning activators approved, GPR3 agonists hold the potential to be both first- and best-in-class therapeutics with an advantageous safety profile. Finally, the upside of an energy expenditure target is the combined efficacy against obesity, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver/NASH. In the InnoExplorer project, we will generate proprietary small molecule GPR3 activators to obtain in vitro and in vivo efficacy and secure IP. These goals will allow us to form a new Danish spin-out company and secure a pharmaceutical collaboration or build an international syndicate for series A financing to accelerate the development of GPR3 small molecule agonists as a next generation therapeutic.

Nowadays, renewable energy is increasingly integrated into the power system through power electronic (PE) converters. However, PE converters might destabilize the power system and lead to the power system blackout. To tackle this challenge, stability studies are mandatory for transmission system operators (TSOs) before allowing PE converters to physically connect to the power grid. Among other stability study methods, impedance-based stability analysis is commonly used for assessing the stability of PE converter-dominated power system. However, implementing impedance-based stability analysis in practice is non-trivial as there are many unresolved issues with existing solutions. The aim of this application is to develop a software toolbox that can provide a reliable and user-friendly solution for implementing impedance-based stability analysis. The toolbox would have following features: 1. Accurate impedance measurement. 2. Automated stability assessment. 3. Efficiency improvement of stability studies by using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. We have already developed a beta version of the toolbox with impedance measurement functionality only. With the support of Innoexplorer, we would like perform the further development of the toolbox by adding rest two functionalities, and hopefully ends up with a market-ready software product. Finally, commercialization will be initiated through non-exclusive licensing of the toolbox to different customers, which could be TSOs and PE converter manufacturers like Vestas. It is worth mentioning that the beta version of the toolbox has already been used by one German TSO (TenneT) in the real projects, and we received positive feedbacks from them. The risk we foresee could be the software robustness under different computer system environment, which could be mitigated by performing extensive tests with the help of professional software developer, such that it would not be a big challenge for our final product.

For få børn i risiko for ordblindhed får den rette tidlige indsats, bl.a. pga. skolernes ressourcemangel. Projektet AiRO’s formål er at sikre, at flere elever i 0.-1.kl. i risiko for ordblindhed udvikler funktionel læsefærdighed uafhængigt af skolens ressourcer. I projektet udvikles en ny type software til skoler, ”AiRO”, som underviser i skriftens lydprincip ved at kombinere 1) oplæsning af børnestavning med en syntese, som læser højt efter lydprincippet med 2) en adaptiv algoritme, som udvælger ord ud fra barnets forudsætninger. AiRO er med sin adaptive algoritme omkostningseffektiv og mindsker betydning af forskelle i skolers ressourcer ved, at børnene kan arbejde selvstændigt. Her søges støtte til den første af to projektfaser, AiRO1: udvikling og brugertest af talesyntesen. AiRO bygger på resultater fra min ph.d. Her børnestavede o.kl.-børn simple ord, mens en syntese læste højt. Effektstørrelsen for forskellen til kontrolgruppen var for stavning og læsning moderat og tyder på, at kombinationen af ord og syntesens oplæsning er en vej til skriftens lydprincip - første skridt mod sikker læsefærdighed. Dette gør talesyntesen central i AiRO. Aktiviteter i AiRO1 er 1) udvikling af en ny syntese - diphone resynthesis principper 2) brugertest - børn i risiko for ordblindhed. Outcome er 1) talesyntesen og 2) et grundlag for vurdering af udbytte. Langtidsmålet er, at kvalificere projektet AiRO2, som sigter mod den adaptive algoritme, udbytte og en businesscase. Slutproduktet, softwaren AiRO, skal endeligt overdrages til relevant kommerciel aktør. Største risiko i AiRO1 er brugertesten i skoleregi, som dog mindskes ved projektleders store erfaring. Det forventede marked for AiRO er indskolingen og børn i risiko for ordblindhed. Et lille, men afgørende marked for at sikre færre unge med utilstrækkelig læsefærdighed. AiRO’s værdiskabelse ligger i bedre tidlige indsatser for børn i risiko for ordblindhed og reduktion af betydningen af ressourcer i og uden for skolen.

The ANDROLIS project aims to develop a portable prototype Doppler LIDAR sensor and demonstrate two key functionalities at long range, i.e. 0.5-1 km: (a) to detect drone-characteristic patterns or Doppler signatures from blades or propellers of drones in order to discriminate drones from birds; (b) to obtain shape information of the drone to detect the presence of a payload thus providing early warning. The Anti-Drone LIDAR Sensor is based on a laser Doppler sensing technology we have developed/improved over the years. The technology has been proven for measuring Doppler-shifted reflections from aerosols to determine wind speed and direction. Our LIDAR wind sensors are now sold by Windar Photonics A/S. In a 2019 Discovery Grant project, we conducted proof-of-concept tests to show that our LIDAR also has the potential to detect blade signatures of drones at ranges of up to 150 m. Our hypothesis is that the LIDAR can detect blade signatures from 0.5-1 km distance since LIDAR beams can achieve long-range collimation. We will design and build a portable anti-drone LIDAR prototype in the 1st quarter of the 1-yr project. In the 2nd quarter, we will conduct outdoor tests on the LIDAR’s ability to detect micro-Doppler signatures from propellers of a drone at 0.5-1 km or beyond (i.e. test the range limit). We will then, in the 3rd quarter, demonstrate the LIDAR functionality to construct a profile/silhouette of a drone with or without a payload, testing at long-range from 0.5-1 km. In the 4th quarter, we will test the LIDAR’s compatibility with radar system at MyDefence test facility. Project output: (a) Prototype hardware-software, (b) test documentations, (c) filed patent. Long-term goals: (a) Spin-out founded, (b) License agreement with DTU and/or LIDAR manufacturer, (c) Partnership with defence system firm. Biggest risks: Delay in prototype assembly (e.g. components delivery) will incur delays in field tests, i.e. compatibility with radar system. Expected market: 9+ BDKK

The aim of ‘Apocyclops’ is to convert our copepod research into a live feed product for marine aquaculture. Apocyclops is based on a recently found copepod species that is easy to mass cultivate for live feed to fish larvae. We can replace microalgae as food for the copepod with yeast. Yeast is very poor in fatty acids content, but we have proven that our copepod can biosynthesize long chained polyunsaturated fatty acids. Main activities and outputs Kick-off WS1 (RUC): Outputs are 1) Detailed project plan, 2) Risk analysis, 3) ID potential business cases. WS2 (RUC, PISCO): Output is Challenging business cases. Products testing & shipping (RUC): Outputs are 1) Biochemical analysis of copepods before and after shipping, 2) Cost price and experience with shipping copepods internationally. Market analysis (RUC, MOTION): Outputs are 1) Understanding the market, competitors, design of the marketing mix, 2) Threads, possibilities and suggestions for penetration strategies. Midterm WS (RUC): Outputs are 1) Challenging the project plan, 2) Risk analysis and business cases. De risk WS (RUC, CORTAL): Outputs are 1) "Final" business case and product description, 2) Risk analysis of products. End WS (RUC): Outputs are 1) Go to market strategy, soft funding, investor, new project plan and 2) Risk analysis for future progress. The long-term goals are to become a global born company revolutionizing the marine live feed market with an ambition to support the development of a sustainable hatchery industry. The biggest risks are if our products are not able to compete in price with the already existing market of live feed organisms. To de risk, we pursue different business cases and product ideas to investigate if Apocyclops is economical feasible. Our expected market is Asia. The current live feed market size is 200 million DKK mainly obtained by Artemia another but suboptimal live feed. Our goal is 20% of the market within 10 years with a value of 40 million DKK.

We aim to develop a nanoscale high-resolution, large printing volume and multi-material Atto3D printer MVP, defined go-to-market strategies and an optimized business plan. This project is based on results from a Villum Experiment project,” Micro/Nanoscale 3D Printing: Hacking a Blu-ray Player.” A laboratory prototype can 3D print micro/nanoscale objects in cubic centimeter volume. The prototype implements an unorthodox method that transforms a low-cost component, an optical pick-up unit in a Blu-ray drive, to a high-value-added nano-resolution 3D printer. We will focus on developing multi-material Atto3D printer MVP and specialized software for printing complex objects with multi-material. The MVP will compare printing results with commercial systems to evaluate the performance. We are targeting high-resolution and photo-polymerization 3D printer markets. Two market strategies will be finalized and a business plan will be optimized. After this project, the most considerable risk will be reduced by the development and demonstration of a well-functioning MVP. The Atto3D MVP will be ready for printing objects requested by 3 Danish companies. We will also use the MVP to participate in conferences and trade fairs. With an optimized business plan, we will start up a company and attract investments from strategic collaborators and VCs. The biggest risks are: 1.The MVP printing resolution cannot match the golden standard 3D printing systems 2.The software cannot achieve complex structures with multiple materials printing at the same time. 3. The high-resolution printer market doesn’t trust the new company with new technology. The multi-material version Atto3D will penetrate the global high-resolution 3D printer market (1.2 B US$ in 2024) and reach a share of 25%. We will also address the global market of photo-polymerization based 3D printers (3.2 B US$ in 2024) and reach more than 10% market share with single material version Atto3D printer.

Overordnet formål er at udvikle en automatisk regulering af afgiven 980 nm laserenergi for at undgå skader på patient, så risiko for skader reduceres, hvis blærecancer fjernes med laser i ambulatoriet. Derved kan 2-3 dages indlæggelse erstattes af 45 minutters ambulant behandling. Laserbehandlingen er udviklet, publiceret og i klinisk anvendelse af ansøger/urologisk afdeling. Under laserbehandling vil en tomografilaser sende 1300 nm lys ud i blæren. Lyset vil reflekteres til et kontrolsystem, der beregner laserfiberens afstand til blærens væg og regulerer behandlingslaserens energiafgift til en ikke skadelig laserenergi pr blære areal. Formål med 12 måneders innoexplorer grant er at få etableret et lejet laboratorium på Fotonik DTU, - købe laserdele og bygge/teste en prototype på tomografilaser til beregning af afstand mellem laser fiber tip og reflekterende medie. Projektet kan teste afstandsberegning i bedøvede grise. Såfremt POC opnås vil man gå efter at bygge en prototype af hele systemet. Derefter muligvis genansøgning om Innobuster eller etablering af Newco mhp Innobuster grant. Projektet vil generere ny IP som efter aftale med Regionen Hs IP-kontor kan købes på rimelige vilkår af et kommende Newco. Fredom to operate analyse er udført. Det langsigtede mål er en kommercialisering mhp at trække økonomi til projektet og produktion af udstyr til ambulant patientbehandling. Risiko er om der kan identificeres udviklere med tilstrækkelig kompetence til at udvikle produktet. Mangel herpå kan bringe os til i en tidlig Newco fase at søge kompetencer i etableret laser industri. Anden risiko er om afstandsbedømmelse kan fungere i blæren. Blæren er et godt ”optisk” organ men skattering af returlys kan modvirke afstandsbedømmelsen. Blærecancer behandling er ens i den industrialiserede verden. Man søger simplere og mere skånsom behandling som ambulant behandling opfylder. Engangs laserfibre til behandling vil blive udviklet og være en væsentlig kommerciel parameter.

Acute myocardial infarct (AMI) occurs when the heart’s own blood supply is blocked by occlusion of a coronary artery. The decreased blood supply to the heart is causing fatal ischemic damage to the heart. All initiatives to improve recovery of cardiac perfusion after AMI will improve patient recovery and quality of life as well as health economy. Aim, long-term goal and output The long-term goal of the current project is to develop an EP1 drug that increases coronary perfusion and recovery when given in the ambulance during AMI. Our current major aim is to reproduce rodent cardioprotection of EP1 in a minipig model of AMI. Validated endpoints are cardiac function, coronary perfusion and biomarkers. Results In rats treated with our EP1-compound (a derivative of calcitonin gene-related peptide, CGRP) 1 hour after experimental AMI, the heart perfusion defect was reduced by 50% one month after the incident. Further, an increased survival rate was observed in the treated animals. The biological actions of EP1-like peptides are highly conserved across species and the results are based on a strong biological rationale and the discovery of pathway sensibilization. Major risk The rodent AMI models have significant limitations to predict cardioprotection in the clinic and the models have suffered a reputation of ‘mission impossible’. We have used a modified model and benefitted from the clinical state-of-the-art method to measure coronary perfusion. Further, we have dosed at clinically relevant time points post AMI. The current project seeks Innoexplorer support to reach a stop/go decision based on a cardioprotective effect of EP1 in a validated minipig AMI model. Market and IPR AMI is a life-threatening and costly condition annually affecting more than 15 million individuals world-wide. No current pharmacological intervention exists and EP1 is first in class. A patent application has been submitted and potential additional indications exist.