Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius visits University of Malta Technology Commercialisation Projects
The Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, Chris Agius, was welcomed at the University of Malta by Pro Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer, Professor Saviour Zammit, and by Director Corporate Research & Knowledge Transfer, Dr Ing. Anton Bartolo.
Mr Agius was shown round some projects that the KTO is working on, together with the researchers involved, with the aim of commercialisation.
The projects visited were the following: • Ultra-Wideband Antenna - Prof. Kristian Zarb Adami ( http://www.um.edu.mt/know ledgetransfer/technology/uwb antenna) The antenna system can be designed to fit specifically with many needs. Currently the main effort is to develop an optimised antenna system for space observation specifically for use within the square kilometer array project. The SKA project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, with eventually over one million square metres of collecting area. • Cancer Diagnostic Kits - Prof.
Godfrey Grech (http://www.um.edu.mt/know ledgetransfer/technology/brea stcancerdetection) The primary goal of this project is to develop methods for breast cancer detection. Biotech Innovations Ltd., a spin-out company, has been set up to commercialise these technologies. Currently, work is under way to manufacture a kit for detection of a common type of breast cancer known as HER-2 Positive. Biotech Innovations intends to carry out research to develop more kits and to offer testing services around its tech- nologies. • Offshore Energy Storage - Prof. Tonio Sant ( http://www.um.edu.mt/know ledgetransfer/technology/offshorewindenergy) The group has designed a floating platform, similar to the ones used for offshore wind turbines, that has the additional benefit of acting as an energy storage system. The technology converts the unpredictable and variable output from an offshore wind turbine into a smooth and predictable supply. This solves a big problem current- ly being faced by offshore wind turbines in supplying conventional electrical grids. • Multivision Camera - Dr Ing. Marc Anthony Azzopardi ( http://www.um.edu.mt/know ledgetransfer/technology/hsvi deo) The group has developed a system which enables near perfect synchronization of high-speed video footage from two or more cameras for observation of events happening at ultra-high speeds. They are currently working on a project to design and manufacture high-speed cameras that would have the ability for very precise synchronisation. • Micro CHP - Prof. Joseph Cilia
The group is designing and building a combined heat and power system for domestic use. The device, when coupled with smart energy and battery management systems, could revolutionize the way you supply your home with and use energy.