Organizations in the Park

This section provides information about the tenant organisations. The tenants at the Technological Park complex in Alghero operate in various sectors of Biotechnology, Nanomedicine, Biomedicine, Information Technologies and Communications.

Aqvatech Engineering srl

Founded in 2010 in the incubator for innovative businesses at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Aqvatech Engineering began its entrepreneurial adventure with the Virtual Trainer project, involving a highly innovative tool that uses LED technology to monitor the performance of swimmers in training. The company’s objective is to develop high-tech solutions to meet the needs of the sporting world. Aqvatech Engineering has targeted three of these needs in particular:- improving the quality of training- Improving the visibility and appeal of sporting events- increasing safety standards. Aqvatech Engineering has been working at the Porto Conte Ricerche in Sardinia since May 2012. It is developing research projects for sensing movement in water, in collaboration with Area 3 srl, also established at Porto Conte.Skills and technologiesIn addition to the Virtual Trainer project, the company is diversifying its activities, using LED technology in a range of new projects. There are several applications: from diving safety, using LEDs to indicate the position of the divers and the point of return to the boat, to illuminated lines on the surface of a water polo pool.Products, services and applications- Virtual Trainer allows real time monitoring of the performance of swimmers during training. The working principle is based on the possibility of programming and recording all aspects of training through the use of exclusive software, and sending this information wirelessly to an LED circuit on the pool bottom. The system is activated at the start of the training session, allowing the athlete to keep a constant check on the flow of lights, for real-time awareness of whether the current pace is on target, or is too fast or slow. - Waterpolo Visual System is a system of lights that mark the lines on a water polo pool. It uses LED light sources located inside and outside the field of play to indicate the pool lines and update the athletes, referees, jury, spectators and television viewers on the progress of the game in real time. - Aqvalight allows divers to easily find the point of return to the surface, through the use of an LED circuit fixed to the anchor cable. - Pool’s Lights is another proposal by Aqvatech that allows the remote lighting of private pools, with the possibility of programming spectacular light and colour displays.Contact [email protected]

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Area 3 srl

Area3, founded as the development of a project that began in Piedmont in 2004, deals with movement of all kinds. It provides services for the assessment of human neuromuscular performance, consultancy in the R&D of specific new technologies, and support for basic research, training and updating on topics related to human movement. It intends to become a special high-profile centre for skills, equipment, location and contacts in order to enhance its corporate know-how over time. Area 3 srl, based in Porto Conte Ricerche since October 2009, is the promoter of the Alghero Top Training project. The initiative, born from the synergy between the various players involved in Porto Conte Ricerche and local entrepreneurs, combines sport and technology in a natural setting of eminent attraction. Thanks also to collaboration with the Advanced Imaging and Motion Analysis laboratory of the University of Sassari (AIMA), Area 3 srl offers a comprehensive approach to all aspects of movement, analysing it from a range of perspectives: bioengineering, medical, rehabilitation, disability, etc. To achieve this, the company uses the most advanced technologies available in the field: kinetic and kinematic analysis, virtual reality, isokinetics, balance and dynamic force analyses, and surface EMG.Skills and technologies1. Assessment of human neuromuscular performance: the range of equipment enables assessment of biomechanics, motion kinematics, muscle strength, balance and the electrical activity of muscles. The availability of this information allows it to be immediately applied in intervention strategies for rehabilitation, sports, forensics, preventative medicine, disability therapy, etc. Area 3 can also provide on-site assessment services, thanks to its fully mobile units with portable equipment.2. Assessment of human performance in relation to environmental factors and equipment: the available instrumentation provides analysis of the effects on performance of environmental factors, such as playing surfaces, and the objects used, such as footwear, aids and sports equipment.3. Consulting services for the development, implementation and validation of methods (protocols) and materials (equipment) to improve motor performance: in addition to the facilities at the centre, companies in the sector can also take advantage of the multidisciplinary approach offered by Area 3 for the development of new products and the improve of existing ones.4. Training and professional specialisation: the logistical context of Porto Conte Ricerche, which combines workshops and reception facilities in a highly attractive setting, make it an ideal place for the dissemination of cultural, professional and scientific information. Courses and workshops can be organised on motor performance assessment methods and other movement-related topic, such as rehabilitation, athletic training, injury prevention, etc.5. Material testing: products linked to the measurement of performance, as well as other types of products (shoes, surfaces, clothing, etc.), can be analysed in order to optimise their characteristics in terms of ergonomics and biomechanics.6. Support services for scientific activity: Area 3 offers assistance with the preparation and implementation of scientific research projects financed by public and private institutions.Contact informationTelephone: +39 079 998.410 Email address: [email protected]

Bioecopest srl

Bioecopest srl is involved in the research, development and marketing of innovative natural and eco-friendly products: biopesticides for the biological containment of organisms harmful to crop plants, ornamental plants, animals or living beings. Harmful parasites often cause serious economic damage to agri-food production and health risks for living beings. This is the reason behind the need for containment programmes, which unfortunately normally involve the use of chemical pesticides, with significant risk to the environment and human health. Bioecopest intends to market its products at competitive prices as an effective alternative to the use of conventional chemical pesticides. In 2009, the project team that created the company entered the Start Cup Sardegna competition and the National Award for Innovation, and took first prize in both. As a result, Bioecopest attracted the attention of investors and business angels, who closely follow the activities of the group of young researchers who founded it.Skills and technologiesBioecopest aims to enter market segments with few organic solutions as a first mover, and is the only biopesticide company in the world that focuses specifically on pests in livestock farming, with a patent already available in its portfolio.In addition to its know-how and patent for a natural bio-fly killer, Bioecopest works in collaboration with international scientists and companies already established in the global market.The technologies used by the company are essentially based on the isolation of a specific natural enemy of the harmful organism within the environment, such as the agent of a bacterial, viral or fungal disease that causes the death of the pest. Once the active ingredient is discovered, it is then used to develop a new natural formula which is harmless to humans and the environment.Contact information Telephone: +39 079 998 400 Email address: [email protected]

CardioSim

The CardioSim Advanced Cardiological Simulation Centre was set up by the Department and School of Specialisation in Cardiovascular Diseases of the University of Sassari, with contributions from the Banco di Sardegna Foundation and the university. The main mission of the centre is to complete the theoretical and practical training in the management of cardiovascular emergencies of the medical, surgical and nursing students at the university, and of the medical and nursing staff of the University Hospital of Sassari. This training will be extended to the medical staff of other health departments and hospitals in Sardinia. The management of medical emergencies requires great professionalism and an adequate level of practice, which are not sufficiently acquired during the course of studies. It also requires proper use of the human and material resources available in a given critical situation, in order to optimise the effectiveness of the intervention. The training aimed at completing the series of theoretical knowledge, practical abilities and management skills required in medical emergency situations - known as Crisis Resource Management (CRM) - should be part of the training of all health care workers who may have to deal with emergency situations. CardioSim’s structural and technological characteristics make it a teaching facility of the highest level, the first of its kind in Sardinia, equipped with sophisticated new computerised simulator mannequins that can simulate any type of critical cardiovascular disease, as well as standard mannequins for BLS-D and ALS courses.Another area of activity at the CardioSim Centre is the use of advanced simulation for courses in ongoing medical education, aimed at theoretical and practical upgrading for general practitioners and specialists in areas not strictly related to emergencies, or the training of health personnel participating in institutional projects (cardiovascular emergency networks, risk management, hospital cardiac arrest management, the management of rare diseases, cardiometabolic support networks, etc.). CardioSim is also an innovative research centre for the development of new simulation-based tools and teaching methods and the encouragement of their use in remote training.Skills and technologiesCardioSim has a secretarial office, a classroom seating 35 for lectures and debriefing, a macrosimulation room set up like hospital ward and audio-visually linked with the debriefing room, a microsimulation room with computers for self-study and a practice room for BLS-D and ALS.The Centre also enjoys the collaboration of advanced simulation teachers and tutors and ALS and BLS-D instructors from other Italian centres.The mannequins used are among the most advanced currently available and allow fully realistic simulations of the most important cardiovascular emergency situations. The SimMan mannequin offers a very wide range of interactions with the learner, including case history, physical symptomatology, the detection of vital signs (breathing, oxygen saturation, ECG, etc.) and the execution of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic manoeuvres, such as intravenous cannulation, orotracheal intubation, defibrillation, urethral catheterisation, chest drainage, drug administration, etc.Contact information Telephone: +39 079 998.400 Fax +39 079 998.567 Email address: [email protected] address: [email protected]

Conforma Società Cooperativa ARL

Conforma was founded in 2011 by the will to co-operate three consultants-trainers engaged by the middle of the 90 projects in development of human resources in the creation and start-up business.Always act as trainers, defines the customer approach of Conforma, or help you generate a change, supporting the people in the path of construction of a new company (traditional structures and innovative start-ups) performing the best activity, a profession.The search for the best solutions for each company and the pursuit of realistic goals are the guidelines of the interventions of advice that we carry, dedicated mainly to the management and organization of work in the company.Attention to the needs of customers: there aren’t companies alike, is our deep conviction that only an active listening of the customer allows real understanding of its problems and choosing the best action to take.Results orientation: they are always defined target objectives, so as to give advice, which itself is abstract, an imprint concrete.Pragmatism, the result of experience: there is no "solution", there is "the best solution for your company", and only by working in a constructive and business climate with defined objectives can be achieved high quality standards.Through our network of consultants, we offer services in the following areas:- Human Resource Management- Coaching- Web Marketing & Communication- Management review- Quality Management Systems- Privacy- SafetyConforma is certified UNI EN ISO 9001: 2008, first in Sardinia, ISO 29990: 2011. Skills and technologiesWe have developed different software to support the control systems of business management and performance monitoring of workers.We also produce custom software, to the matters referred to above, based on the needs identified through the organizational analysis.Finally, we work through the learning platform formainrete.it, the exclusive training to distance (e-learning) and mixed mode (blended learning). ContactsPhone: +39 340 3994015Fax: 1782271432Email: [email protected]

Eudermica Lab Sas

Eudermica Lab Sas was founded in January 2013 with the aim of creating products for the pharmaceutical and aesthetic market, with particular focus on the area of dermatology. It is involved in the research, development and production of natural, innovative and eco-sustainable skin cosmetic products for the face and body.Skills and technologiesNature and sustainability are the two core values of Eudermica Lab, which, whenever possible, uses natural raw materials typical of the Mediterranean flora of Sardinia for the development of its products, through collaboration with local producers. Contact information Telephone: +39 079 998.405 Email address: [email protected]

GPEM Srl

GPEM is engaged in sales, installation, training, support and advice in the field of systems for the spatial measurement of movement and the figures connected with it, with a broad range of applications from biomechanics and rehabilitation to those closer to engineering, such as vehicle tracking and the provision of tracking systems for virtual and augmented reality projects. The company was established in 2012 through the initiative of its founding member and has formed productive business relations and cooperation with some of the most important centres in Italy, including the Italian Institute of Technology, ENEA and the INAIL Prosthesis Centre.Skills and technologiesThe company’s strengths are the quality of its catalogue products, each of which is a leader in its own market segment, and its profound and proven technical expertise in the field. The combination of these two features makes GPEM an ideal partner to turn to for planning, installation and assistance for an efficient and innovative measurement laboratory. GPEM is also engaged in research and development, particularly in the field of specific sport-related products and game applications for rehabilitative purposes.Contact information Email address: [email protected]: +39 393 9806454Fax: +39 051 0821141

Istituto Superiore Mario Boella (ISMB)

The Istituto Superiore Mario Boella (ISMB) is a centre for applied research and innovation focused on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). The institute was founded in 2000 by Compagnia di San Paolo and the Polytechnic University of Turin, and now includes the technology and process skills of around 150 researchers, who work in close collaboration with businesses, academic institutes and public administration.The Institute operates on a knowledge management basis, involving itself not only in the creation of innovation, but also assisting with its implementation and subsequent evolution. ISMB is organised into Research Areas geared towards some of the main fields of ICT: computing infrastructures based on cloud computing and electromagnetic simulation (Advanced Computing & Electromagnetics), optical telecommunications and optoelectronics (Applied Photonics), the use of information and communications technology to support sustainable development (Innovation Development), applications for mobile devices and data management (Mobile Solutions), wireless systems for the provision of new services on mobile channels (Multi-Layer Wireless Solutions), satellite navigation technologies and applications (Navigation Technologies) and wireless sensors and enabling systems for the Internet of Things (Pervasive Technologies).In 2011, the Institute extended its field of activity to process innovation, with particular attention to the priority topics on the European agenda. This development is aimed at enhancing the technological excellence and results achieved by the research areas under the Strategic Programmes (Smart Energy, Smart City and Smart Health), which, by nature, require trans-sectoral skills. Also with regard to process innovation, ISMB has developed considerable expertise in the analysis of new business models, which are critical for ensuring the sustainability of innovative solutions. The Institute is also involved in various industrial partnerships with large and small-to-medium companies, as well as in international higher education initiatives organised in close cooperation with academic institutes.In July 2013, the ISMB organisational structure underwent further updating to achieve three main objectives: consolidation of the activities of the Research Areas through the combination and focusing of skills; the continued development of the Strategic Programmes; and improvement and development of relations with stakeholders, both within and outside of the Institute, through the various departments. These are engaged in support activities for the Research Areas and Strategic Programmes, taking care of the monitoring of emerging trends and research opportunities, the development of innovative post-graduate and professional training modules capable of enhancing the technical skills of ISMB (Higher & Professional Education), the management of the relationship with companies and public administrations (Partners & Front End), the administration of the Institute and the coordination of institutional processes (Research & Support Secretariat).

Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology - UNISS

The Laboratory of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (LMNT) currently consists of six researchers, including one PHD student. It is located in the Porto Conte Ricerche complex and includes about 200 m2 of laboratory space. The laboratory is equipped for the chemical preparation of materials and nanomaterials, and their chemical and physical characterisation.Various characterisation techniques are available: infrared spectroscopy, near-infrared spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopic analysis in relation to temperature (25-250°C), UV-visible spectrometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, dynamic light scattering for analysis of the size of nanoparticles, viscometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, a dip-coating device for depositing thin films and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The laboratory’s activity is focused on advanced research in the field of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies, and it also provides a service for the characterisation of traditional materials, particularly for construction and architecture. The intensity and quality of laboratory research is confirmed by the many scientific publications in international journals with a high impact factor (about 10-12 publications per year) and by numerous patents.The laboratory has an extensive network of collaborations with Italian and international laboratories, particularly with laboratories with large research infrastructures (the SINBAD synchrotron radiation facility at the National Laboratories in Frascati, the SAXS synchotron radiation laboratory of the Austrian Academy of Science at Elettra, and the solid state high-field NMR laboratory at the CNRS in Orleans).Collaborative activities are also in progress with the University of Paris VI (Laboratory of Solid State Chemistry), Kyoto University (Laboratory of Inorganic Photonics Materials), the University of Kansai (Sol-Gel Laboratory), and the University of Buenos Aires and the CNEA in Argentina.The laboratory is self-financing thanks to national and European research projects and research activities with industry; three national projects (2 funded by FIRB and 1 by PRIN) and one European STREP project are currently in progress. There are also ongoing research projects with industrial companies in the field of nanobiotechnology and innovative photocatalytic products based on titanium dioxide.Skills and technologiesThe laboratory provides support for research in the field of materials, particularly nanomaterials and their applications in nanobiotechnology, nanophotonics and nanosensors. It also performs characterisation activities, from materials to supramolecular structures (proteins), through various techniques either directly available in the laboratory or in other major infrastructure laboratories. Lastly, the laboratory also carries out consultancy activities for the development of devices based on new technologies.The research activity at Porto Conte Ricerche is currently focused in the following areas:- Synthesis of nanomaterials through supramolecular self-assembly techniques. This method produces mesoporous nanomaterials (2-50 nm) with an organised and uniform porous structure. Mesoporous materials are obtained in the form of thin films, membranes and nanopowders. These materials are used in the development of several applications in various sectors: nanoparticles for drug delivery, nanobiosensors, electrochemical sensors, films with a low refractive index and an ultra-low dielectric constant, photocatalytic films for use in photovoltaic cells and anti-pollutants, materials for environmental decontamination.- Synthesis of hybrid organic-inorganic materials. These types of materials are obtained through sol-gel synthesis processes, i.e. chemical synthesis at low temperature using metal alkoxides. These materials are characterised by properties with intermediate characteristics between inorganic glasses and organic polymers, thanks to the presence of a non-hydrolytic covalent bond between silicon and carbon, and feature a series of innovative properties with a wide range of applications. Investigations are currently under way in the laboratory for the development of multifunctional hybrid materials, such as scratch-resistant films that act as selective filters for certain wavelengths, and hybrid materials for photonic applications, such as waveguides, amplifiers etc.Contact informationTelephone: +39 079 998.630 Fax +39 079 9720420 Email address: [email protected]

Primo Principio Cooperative

The current Primo Principio Cooperative group is composed of three founding members, among whom the main operational branches of the ICT sector are subdivided, and an expert in economics and management who is in charge of guiding the growth of the company. Primo Principio was created with the objective of developing the “Virtual Zero” entrepreneurial ideal: a technology solution that creates a virtual 0-Km and transparent supply chain, shortening the distances between producers and consumers in the agri-food sectors. The main activities of the company developed directly from the experiences of its members: telecommunications networks, wireless solutions, radio-planning, digital-divide, the measurement of electromagnetic fields and software design. Primo Principio is characterised by its great flexibility and geographical mobility; its services and activities are available both nationally and internationally.Skills and technologiesIts main skills are centred on wireless communication solutions.The activities offered include: support, training and ad hoc services for small and medium-sized enterprises, public administrations, local authorities and international cooperation.Its specific experience in the field of development cooperation, largely acquired through its activities with Engineers Without Borders, is offered for consultancy, technical assistance, training and partnerships, both in developing countries and in Italy.Contact informationTelephone: +39 079 998424 Email address: [email protected]

SANE Biometrics srl

SANE Biometrics was founded in 2010 with the aim of developing a multimodal biometric access control system for use in conjunction with next-generation electronic passports. The company has a very streamlined structure, but with a wealth of skill and creativity. Its market placement puts it in an ideal position to grasp the opportunities offered by the change in technology regarding electronic passports, both in European and extra-European countries. The company’s objective is to achieve full and proper use of the data contained in passports. This data can be used not only as a means of identification in cross-border security checks, but also in a range of other similar applications, from identification for electronic payment transactions to the verification of identity for public records. The company’s technology is currently being refined and is expected to be relaunched in stages. To date, fully functional prototypes are available for OEM applications and production is expected to begin in the second half of 2011.Skills and technologiesSANE Biometrics is developing an innovative approach to multimodal biometrics. In a multimodal biometric system, different biometric features - such as digital fingerprints and facial, voice or iris images - are combined in a fusion scheme.The technologies generally in use often perform poorly, for example, in Match Score Fusion, validation results are defined through a weighted average of the individual scores for the various features.The key element of the innovation introduced by SANE Biometrics consists of a proprietary technique based on Feature Level Fusion. The information extracted from various biometric sources is combined in a single feature vector, which is used to verify identity. This approach has several advantages: first of all, it provides a drastic reduction in the quantity of data to process, together with a great reduction in the verification time.In addition, the technique provides a significant increase in recognition accuracy when compared with other commonly used methods. Finally, it completely resolves the issue of privacy in the processing of biometric data as the feature vector generated by the fusion of information extracted from the various biometric features does not allow the process to be reversed in any way to obtain the original features. This feature makes the algorithm particularly suitable for use over the Internet.Products, services, applicationsSANE Biometrics is developing a range of products, all based on the same technology platform, which is the real element of innovation and ensures the effectiveness and efficiency of the devices provided. The main products include the following:1. idMOB: a mobile device designed to compare the live data of an individual with the data in their electronic passport.2 IdPASS: an OEM version of IdMOB designed to compare the live data of an individual with that in their electronic passport and/or other types of identification media (magnetic cards, radio frequency identification).3. IdPAY: a miniaturised device designed to store a series of information obtained from the contents of the bearer’s passport in an internal memory and to produce on request a digital verification token containing a pair of vectors related to the owner.The first of these is the vector stored inside the device, while the second is generated in real time by capturing live biometric data.Contact informationTelephone and fax: +39 079 998.496 Email address: [email protected]

UNISS Nanomedicine Laboratory

The Nanomedicine Laboratory (LNM), which is part of the “Drug Design and Nanomedicine Laboratory” of the Chemistry and Pharmacy Department of the University of Sassari, is incorporated within the research sector for the ”Design and development of drugs and nanomedicine”. This sector develops new molecule prototypes of pharmaceutical interest and functionalised nanosystems aimed at specific biological targets.The research topics envisage the use of multidisciplinary approaches relevant to medicinal chemistry and nanobiotechnology, with the aim of achieving synergy in the management of a variety of problems in the medical field. Particular attention is paid to the design and development of polymeric and inorganic nanosystems capable of interacting intelligently and releasing chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents at a subcellular level (or performing diagnostic or theranostic functions) for the treatment of various types of tumours.Innovative nanoprototypes, designed with molecular hooks and programmable features, are able to specifically target diseased cells while preserving healthy cells, in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of the active ingredients they carry or optimise their effectiveness as diagnostic probes.Several of the projects currently underway are conducted with funding from the Region of Sardinia, under Law 7/2007, and involve multidisciplinary collaboration with Italian researchers from national research institutions and universities (Porto Conte Ricerche, CNR-SS, UNISS, UniPR, UniFI and UniGE), and with foreign research centres such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Southern California and the Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven.Skills and technologiesDesign and development of suitably functionalised nanostructured systems able to interact selectively with various molecular targets on tumour cells (or other biological targets) and to release active ingredients in a targeted mannerDevelopment of nanomaterials for medical applicationsDevelopment of diagnostic and teranostic nanosystems.Contact informationTelephone: +39 079 998.616 Fax: +39 079 229.559 Email address: [email protected]

ViroStatics srl

ViroStatics, a privately owned company founded in 2005, has its main headquarters in Sassari and its laboratories at the Porto Conte Ricerche complex of the Science and Technology Park of Sardinia, in the Tramilgio area of Alghero. The business development section of the company also operates in North America.The main focus of ViroStatics’ research and development is the development of drugs in the field of viral infections, tumours and inflammatory diseases, areas with medical treatment needs beyond the reach of currently available drugs. These innovative drugs target a human protein that plays a key role in the processes of viral infection, oncogenesis and inflammation. The ViroStatics laboratories have developed methodologies in the field of cell culture, flow cytometric analysis and virology to allow an effective selection of candidate compounds for development with optimal activity and toxicity profiles. The projects currently in progress involve drugs for the treatment of:1) patients affected by human immunodeficiency virus (in a preclinical phase, with the start of human trials expected by the end of 2015)2) the herpes virus (compound selection phase)3) human papillomavirus (compound selection phase), cancer and inflammation (both projects in the initial research phase)The ViroStatics management includes several prominent figures with extensive experience in the field of science and industry, and is supported by a top level scientific committee. ViroStatics is actively seeking partners companies for the out-licensing of products in its areas of interest. Contact informationTelephone: +39 079 998.639Email address: [email protected]