The Tecnimede Open Innovation Competition has reached its final stage, with 10 finalist teams selected to compete for the Jorge Ruas Award at the Final Event, taking place on 27 May, from 14:00 to 18:10, at Pavilhão do Conhecimento, in Lisbon (Portugal).
These projects represent cutting-edge innovation in pharmaceutical technology, demonstrating strong scientific merit, clear development potential, and a compelling value proposition in addressing real-world healthcare challenges.
The finalists are:
- Biodiffuse – A bio-based alternative to titanium dioxide used in pharmaceutical coatings, improving opacity while reducing the need for dyes and synthetic additives.
- CELLIMMUNE – A platform that converts human stromal cells into stable microparticles, enabling targeted and controlled immunomodulation in a ready-to-use format.
- Exobiosphere – Develops advanced human disease models in microgravity, enabling more physiologically relevant drug testing through high-throughput experiments in space.
- GILDED – A therapeutic platform for type 2 diabetes that delivers specific microRNAs to protect pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.
- NanoPyl – An antibiotic-free nanotechnology designed to treat H. pylori infections by physically disrupting the bacteria, reducing resistance and preserving the microbiome.
- ohmPRO – A novel nanoparticle-based therapy with intrinsic anticancer activity, enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing the required dose of chemotherapy.
- PEPILSKIN – A multifunctional hydrogel for chronic wounds, combining antimicrobial action with tissue regeneration to accelerate healing in conditions like diabetic foot ulcers.
- SafeAlleleSCA – A precision gene therapy for Machado–Joseph disease that selectively silences the mutated gene while preserving its normal function.
- SilenSCAs – A CRISPR-based approach aiming to permanently inactivate the disease-causing gene in Machado–Joseph disease.
- VTμA Accelerate – A high-throughput tissue-on-chip platform that creates vascularised human microtissues for more predictive and scalable drug testing.
Join us on 27 May to discover the projects shaping the future of pharmaceutical innovation. Secure your spot at https://tecnimedeopeninnovation-final.eventbrite.pt
In the Final Event, each team will present its project to an international judging panel, which will select the winner of the Jorge Ruas Award using a set of evaluation criteria grounded on innovation, feasibility, and market potential. Teams will present a 5-minute pitch followed by Q&A from the judging panel.
The programme will also feature a keynote address by Yann Gaston-Mathé, CEO and Founder of Iktos on “AI in Drug Discovery: A Practical Look at Where We Are and the Road Ahead.”
More than a competition, this initiative creates opportunities for collaboration with Tecnimede Group, supporting the advancement of innovative technologies towards real-world application. It strengthens the connection between research, innovation, and industry.
Join us!