NanoQuébec has just unveiled the results of the I-Nano pilot project, an open innovation web platform, which the organization launched this past spring. Receiving an enthusiastic response from both industrialists and researchers, I-Nano met with such resounding success that NanoQuébec intends to make it the open innovation platform of choice in Quebec and, eventually, across the country!
Impressive results
I-Nano was created to allow industrialists to submit technological challenges to the research community, find partners, discover avenues for solution, and be steered to the most suitable sources of financing. Phase 1 of this project dear to NanoQuébec generated considerable interest. In fact, over a period of 21 days, 58 industrial challenges were submitted to Quebec's research community by 38 companies (including five from outside Quebec), 80% of which were SMEs.
Among the challenges presented by industrialists, we note the development of coverings limiting ice formation, anti-graffiti coverings, smart wear, filters for the purification of industrial liquids, and solutions designed to enhance the performance of solar sensors. The challenges published were viewed more than 4,500 times on the web platform. Overall, 80 researchers representing 27 teaching establishments and research centres proposed 130 solutions! Today, 27 projects with a total potential value of $8M are being carried out. Impressive results, particularly for a pilot phase!
Focusing on phase 2
"We are delighted with the response of industrialists and researchers, who have made I-Nano's initial phase such a tremendous success," states Benoit Balmana, CEO of NanoQuébec. "We have effectively demonstrated the relevance of our open innovation platform and our ability to ensure networking between industrialists and the research community," he added. "We also believe that this initiative will help strengthen research capacities and align the development of nanotechnologies with industrial projects offering strong economic spinoffs."
Buoyed by this noteworthy success, NanoQuébec is now working on the implementation of I-Nano's phase 2. The organization has concluded agreements with prestigious partners who will help make I-Nano the open innovation platform of choice across the country. In fact, it will be announcing the launch of this second phase within the coming weeks.