In today’s world, innovation isn’t just about inventing something entirely new; it’s also about cleverly applying existing technologies in new ways. This is where technology transfer shines. It’s the process of taking a technology developed for one purpose and adapting it to solve a different problem, often in a completely different field. Technology transfer empowers businesses to innovate faster and smarter. By leveraging existing technologies, companies can reduce risks and costs while tapping into valuable expertise. This opens doors to new markets and applications, fueling growth and creating a competitive edge.
Case Study: microalgae as deep space food for future astronauts
A prime example of technology transfer’s potential lies in the work of Astrofood, a company focused on developing food systems for deep space based on fresh microalgae. They’re taking their expertise in growing microalgae in advanced photobioreactor systems for deep space missions and applying it to industrial Earth-based food production. The challenge? Although microalgae like Spirulina are efficient and sustainable protein sources, cultivating them for food production is time-consuming, costly, and complicated by factors like gravity and radiation. However, the use of advanced photobioreactor systems enables the production of high-quality foodstuffs that are nutritious, delicious, and could even help alleviate health issues faced by astronauts when staying for longer durations in space.
Astrofood is partnering with Leap Technologies, a Ghent University spin-off specializing in mechatronics anddata-driven control systems, to advance their photobioreactor technology to the next generation. By integrating novel sensors and adaptive control algorithms, they aim to further optimize the growth environment, making the system more efficient and less time-consuming. Paving the way for customized pharmaceuticals and in-orbit manufacturing.
Market Opportunity and Impact
This technology transfer has a dual impact:
- Space Applications: The data gathered from Earth-based applications will be crucial for developing autonomous food production systems for long-duration space missions. This will enable space agencies and private companies to provide astronauts with fresh, tailored and nutritious food grown in space, reducing reliance on Earth-based resupplies while keeping the crew healthy.
- Earth-based Applications: The enhanced photobioreactor technology will make Astrofood more competitive in the growing market for alternative protein sources. By reducing production costs and increasing efficiency, they can offer delicious high-quality microalgae products at a lower price, driving wider adoption and contributing to an exponentially more sustainable food system. Furthermore, this provides them with an opportunity to explore new applications in pharmaceutical sectors by producing specific biological compounds that require a high degree of control.
The Importance of Funding: Spark Funding and Sustainable Innovation
Funding plays a critical role in enabling technology transfer and ensuring its long-term success. ESA Technology Broker Belgium, managed by Verhaert, is supporting Astrofood’s project with Spark Funding, an initiative that provides financial backing for innovative projects that leverage space technologies for terrestrial applications and vice versa. This funding is crucial for bridging the gap between research and commercialization, enabling Astrofood to develop and implement its technology, generate sustainable income streams, and achieve its goals of revolutionizing food production both on Earth and in space.
Verhaert: Pioneering Technology Transfer
Verhaert Masters in Innovation is a leading player in the field of technology transfer, facilitating the adoption of innovative solutions across various sectors. Verhaert has a strong track record in supporting technology transfer initiatives for the European Space Agency (ESA) and other deep-tech sectors, such as energy fusion technology.
Through its expertise in identifying transferable technologies, connecting businesses with solutions, and facilitating technology adaptation, Verhaert is helping to unlock the power of innovation and drive economic growth.