Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Next-generation Brain-Computer Interfacing to enable intuitive, skilled control (IntuitiveBCI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Panel description: Electrical, electronic, communication, optical and systems engineering
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: ERC STARTING GRANTS (ERC-2020-STG, 2020)
Start date: 2021-12-01
End date: 2026-11-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

More than 25% of people over the age of 50 suffer a movement disorder; many of them have a functional disability as a result. Intracortical Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) that extract or “decode” the user’s intent based on recordings from tens or hundreds of cortical neurons have enabled paralyzed patients to control computer cursors, robots, or even their own limbs just by modulating their neural activity. Despite these successes, BCI control still falls short compared to natural limb control: it is far less skilled, and it requires significantly more mental effort. My goal is to overcome these two limitations through a novel “Intuitive BCI” that leads to enhanced control compared to current approaches. Rather than follow the dominant trends of developing new decoder algorithms and interface technologies, I will adopt a unique, previously unexplored approach: to leverage the brain’s own distributed resources to control automatic movements in a skilled and intuitive manner requiring little mental effort. Automatic movements depend critically on subcortical brain structures whose activity is not probed by current cortical BCIs. To develop my novel approach to BCI based on the neural control of automatic movements, I will combine: 1) recent breakthroughs to record from thousands of neurons across the mouse brain; 2) a novel theory to model neural population activity that I have helped establish; and 3) new experimental tasks to isolate the cortico-subcortical information underlying automatic movements. This information will provide inputs to the proposed Intuitive BCI. I seek to prove that it leads to more skilled and intuitive control than current approaches, even allowing users to multi-task –an unprecedented feat in the field. This timely, multidisciplinary research will push BCI control forward, beyond current state-of-the-art approaches limited to cortical control. It will also help realize BCI’s promise to improve the quality of life of neurological patients

Keywords: brain computer interface,neural engineering,biomedical engineering,neuroprosthetics,neural control of movement,neural population activity,neural manifolds,brain machine interface
Innovative Molecular Diagnostics point-of-care device for MRSA (PoC-Cycle)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Health, demographic change and wellbeing
Theme: Treating and managing disease
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices (H2020-SMEINST-1-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2014-11-30
Duration (months): 3.0
Total project cost (EUR): 71429.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

FRIZ has developed PoC-Cycle® platform- an innovative diagnostics device introducing efficient multiplex nucleic acid testing to the point-of-care. It provides a combination of accuracy and sensitivity, multiplexing, and optimized workflow from sample collection to diagnosis. Current diagnostics platforms are technically limited: On one side only few sequence signatures can be checked, on the other side, the analysis of these signatures are mostly considered in one sequence area only due to the high complexity in developing Multiplex-PCR, as well as missing process-robustness for routine administration. FRIZ implemented a multiplex analysis in disposable microfluidic cartridge format with integrated semiconductor based on microarrays for the rapid and sensitive detection of a broad range and number of biomarkers. Key market is the screening of MRSA, a pathogen with wide spread and growing negative impact to European patients and health care systems. Experts forecast the number of deaths will increase from 6,000 to approx. 17,000 in 2015. Main users of the device are hospitals as they require simple and safe handling as well as fast and reliable results. European market potential can be estimated with 900,000 tests per year resulting in a yearly turnover of almost two million €. The new diagnostic device will significantly reduce the number of infections. Moreover, it provides future business opportunities due to its general approach for diagnose further pathogens e.g. HPV or tuberculosis. Within the project, FRIZ aims to identify end-users for validation, discuss the handling and identify possible variations to enhance the usability and acceptance of the new system in phase 2. To find an appropriate partner for validation is also part of this feasibility study. In addition, FRIZ prepares a revised version of a “freedom-to-operate” analysis. A multicentric validation study is planned as well as interviewing end-users and built up a pilot production in phase 2.

Keywords: point of care applications,in vitro diagnostics,semiconductor based microarrays,mrsa spread,pathogens,biomarkers,new diagnostic device,validation study,molecular diagnostics
Commercial-scale SOFC systems (ComSos)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Secure, clean and efficient energy
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen
Action type: Innovation actions
Partnership: FCH2 (Art-187)
Countries involved: Italy,Germany,Germany,Italy,Switzerland,Finland,Netherlands
Call: Validation and demonstration of commercial-scale fuel cell core systems within a power range of 10-100kW for selected markets/applications (H2020-JTI-FCH-2017-1, 2017)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2023-08-31
Duration (months): 68.0
Total project cost (EUR): 10277897.5
EU funding (EUR): 7486954.75
Participants: 8
Project status: SIGNED

The ComSos project aims at strengthening the European SOFC industry’s world-leading position for SOFC products in the range of 10-60 kW totally 450 kWe. Through this project, manufacturers prepare for developing capacity for serial manufacturing, sales and marketing of mid FC CHP products. All manufacturers will validate new product segments in collaboration with the respective customers and confirm product performance, the business case and size, and test in real life the distribution channel including maintenance and service. In function of the specific segments, the system will be suitable for volumes from few 10’s to several 1,000 systems per year. The key objective of the ComSos project is to validate and demonstrate fuel cell based combined heat and power solutions in the mid-sized power ranges of 10-12 kW, 20-25 kW, and 50-60 kW (referred to as Mini FC-CHP). The outcome gives proof of the superior advantages of such systems, underlying business models, and key benefits for the customer. The technology and product concepts, in the aforementioned power range, has been developed in Europe under supporting European frameworks such as the FCH-JU. The core of the consortium consists of three SOFC system manufacturers aligned with individual strategies along the value chain: Convion (two units of 60kWe each), SOLIDpower (15 units of 12kWe each) and Sunfire (6-8 units of 25kWe each). End-users and distributors have also expressed strong interest in the products, and will be actively involved in the ComSos project by participation in the Advisory Board.

Keywords: sofc systems,commercialization,business plan
A testing bed for the development of high-risk medical devices (TBMED)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
Theme: Advanced materials
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Spain,Spain,Ireland,Germany,Spain,Spain,Spain,Germany,France,France,France,Portugal
Call: Open Innovation Test Beds for Safety Testing of Medical Technologies for Health (IA) (H2020-NMBP-HUBS-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-01-01
End date: 2023-08-31
Duration (months): 56.0
Total project cost (EUR): 9535712.57
EU funding (EUR): 8480543.89
Participants: 21
Project status: SIGNED

TBMED will establish an open innovation testing bed specialized in the development of high-risk devices (≥Class IIb). Due to a long reimbursement processes, patient access to innovative high-risk medical devices in Europe can take four times longer than in the U.S. In addition to this, the new regulations will stricter ex-ante controls for this type of devices. This scenario represents a big challenge for European high-tech SMEs (representing 95% of the MedTech sector in Europe) to maintain their competitiveness and innovation capacity. TBMED will provide an integral service to accelerate the development of medical devices reducing time to market, covering technology development from TRL4-7 based on Quality-by-Design (QbD) concept and business management services. QbD concept enhances product and process understanding together with process control, based on robust scientific knowledge and quality risk management. Once operating (M37) the OITB will integrate: 1) an SME office that will provide business advice and IP management, 2) services on regulation, early health technology assessment advice and QbD, 3) a biomaterial synthesis lab, 4) characterization facilities, 5) a testing lab for in vivo and in vitro efficacy testing, 6) safety assessment and 7) clinical testing. Three case studies will be used to validate the concept and will help to establish the OITB: 1) An osteoinductive hydrogel, 2) Keratoprosthesis and 3) Magnetic NPs for hyperthermia. TBMED consists of 13 complementary partners composed by 1 Industry and 2 SMEs developers of 4 different medical devices used as case studies, 5 RTD institutions experts in the development of medical devices, 1 SME expert in QbD methodology, 2 RTD Institutions that will provide the access to a hospital network with experience in regulation, health technology assessment and clinical investigation design and testing and 2 consultancy (SME) experts on business plan development, IPR management and communication activities.

Keywords: medical devices,open innovation testing bed,quality by design
Embedding a comprehensive ethical dimension to organoïd-based research and resulting technologies (HYBRIDA)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Science with and for Society
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Italy,Belgium,Greece,Norway,France,Netherlands,Denmark,United Kingdom
Call: The ethics of organoïds (H2020-SwafS-2020-1, 2020)
Start date: 2021-02-01
End date: 2024-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2995785.0
EU funding (EUR): 2995785.0
Participants: 8
Project status: SIGNED

Since Roman law, all entities have been categorized and regulated either as persons or as things (subjects or objects). However, this conceptual, epistemological and regulatory dualism is currently being challenged by disruptive research and innovation, among which organoid research is a prominent example. The dualistic normative framework pertaining to health and life science research are disrupted by three different kinds of uncertainty. First, conceptual uncertainty (ontological uncertainty): how should one conceive of entities that cannot be categorized as either persons or things? What are they? Second, epistemological and methodological uncertainty: How do we know the characteristics of these entities called organoids? How do we address forms of uncertainty that cannot be evaluated through the use of statistical methods, i.e. risk? Epistemological uncertainty comes in two kinds, which can be categorized as qualitative, or strict, uncertainty and ignorance or non-knowledge. In order to develop ethically and socially robust ways of assessing the effects of organoid research and related technologies, there is a need to include these additional forms of uncertainty in the Health Technology Assessment (HTA). Third, regulatory uncertainty: this uncertainty emerges because parts of regulatory frameworks concerning the rights and duties of persons have been merged with elements of regulation dealing with the stewardship of objects or things. These forms of uncertainty are of particular importance. This project aims to address how these uncertainties arise in organoid research and develop a conceptual and regulatory framework able to overcome this dualism. From this follows also the need to communicate the potential and possible pitfalls of organoid research in ways that convey realistic- instead of hyped scenarios.

Keywords: epistemology,uncertainty,regulatory dualism,chimeras,hybrids
Validation of a fast and simple peripheral blood diagnostic biomarker kit for Alzheimer’s disease (ADDIA)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Societal Challenges
Programme: Health, demographic change and wellbeing
Theme: Treating and managing disease
Action type: SME instrument
Countries involved: France
Call: Clinical research for the validation of biomarkers and/or diagnostic medical devices (H2020-SMEINST-2-2014, 2014)
Start date: 2015-08-01
End date: 2019-07-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4998625.0
EU funding (EUR): 4998625.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The French SME Amoneta Diagnostics has previously developed a diagnostic kit for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on two blood biomarkers that are scientifically proven to be associated with AD. The company holds the intellectual property for specific fluorescent probes that can detect these biomarkers in small amounts of blood using flow cytometry. Currently, no single test to diagnose AD exists. A potential AD diagnosis is usually given by a combination of clinical examination, neuropsychological tests and brain imaging over weeks/months. A lumbar puncture can be performed to detect biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid, but this procedure is risky and expensive. A definite AD diagnosis can formally only be given by autopsy. Consequently, the diagnosis is assessed late and still questionable. The novel kit allows the diagnosis of AD, using only one single test, in a fast, non-invasive and inexpensive way. We expect the blood-based biomarker kit to facilitate assessment of drug efficacy in AD drug development and the monitoring of treatment efficacy in AD patients. This kit will meet the urgent medical need of ~2 million patients in Europe, Japan and America, that are annually diagnosed with AD. Successful implementation will have a strong impact on the quality of life of patients and a significant impact on the healthcare system and economy. In this project, Amoneta Diagnostics will validate this diagnostic test by performing a Proof-of-Performance (PoP) clinical study in 800 human subjects including 400 AD patients. At the end of this 3-year project, a validated and CE registered IVD biomarker assay will be available and ready for clinical application. This innovative ADDIA biomarker assay will be ready for initial market introduction and further commercialization and implementation. The project is supported by patient organisation Alzheimer Europe, and several leading European Alzheimer centres that are committed to enrol subjects for the PoP clinical study.

Keywords: alzheimer s disease
Automated Microhandling System for X-ray Crystallography (RodBot)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (ERC-2014-PoC, 2014)
Start date: 2015-09-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 148885.0
EU funding (EUR): 148885.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Crystallography is one of the most important methods for studying the 3D structure of complex biological macromolecules. The knowledge of the detailed structure of proteins, enzymes and chromatin allows scientists to understand concepts such as bimolecular interactions, mechanism of enzymatic catalysis and the therapeutic action of drug molecules. A major bottleneck of high-throughput crystallography is harvesting the crystallized form of these molecules from their liquid environments and manipulating them to a location that enables exposure to the X-ray beam. Due of the fragility and large size range of crystals this step has so far been done manually by trained experts. The proposed research will advance the concept of using a wireless, magnetically driven microrobot, named the RodBot, for micromanipulation of delicate biological entities. The RodBot rolls on a supporting surface in a low Reynolds number fluidic environment and generates rising flows in front of it, and a vortex above it. The flows are utilized for noncontact micromanipulation of fragile objects such as protein crystals. As the RodBot approaches a micro-object, the object comes under the influence of the rising flows which lift it off the substrate. The suspended object is then trapped in the vortex and can be transported to a pre-defined location. The RodBot is powered and controlled by external, low intensity magnetic fields which are generally harmless to living organisms and can readily penetrate most biological material. The flows generated by the RodBot can precisely manipulate crystals of sizes varying from a few microns up to one millimeter. It is capable of separating individual crystals from a group and delivering it to an extraction device called the loop. The core magnetic manipulation technology for the wireless control of the RodBot has been developed under the auspices of the ERC Advanced grant project BOTMED.
Personified Self Interaction (PSI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Proof of concept grants
Action type: ERC actions
Countries involved: Spain
Call: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (ERC-2015-PoC, 2015)
Start date: 2016-07-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 149950.0
EU funding (EUR): 149950.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proof of concept is based on the ERC Advanced Grant TRAVERSE (2009-2015). It will exploit immersive virtual reality in a new form of psychological clinical intervention akin to Gestalt Therapy. The primary aim of this Proof of Concept project is to generate a business model that would allow us to diffuse our technology to thousands of counsellors and psychologists around the world. In order to accomplish that we commission further trials to extend the evidence base of the approach, investigate through market research the extension of the technique for business practice, develop a commercial prototype with consumer equipment that would be low cost but high quality, exhibit our product at international conferences, and make the system available on loan to psychologists or counsellors who wished to try it, and generally start the process of diffusion. Moreover, we that our low cost system incorporates patentable inventions that would be investigated in an IP strategy. Through this approach we will develop the Business Model and a draft Business Plan for mass take up of our applications.

Keywords: virtual reality,counselling,therapy,business communication,self counselling
Profiting from ECO-innovation: the RolE of BUSiness model (ECO_REBUS)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Economic Sciences
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2017-05-01
End date: 2020-04-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 195454.8
EU funding (EUR): 195454.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

ECO_REBUS aims to get a closer understanding of the process through which firms adopt and operate public voluntary eco-innovation policies, a kind of policy that has become increasingly central in policy makers’ agenda. To achieve this objective, the project assigns a specific role to the concept of business model, defined as the configuration of customer sensing, customer engagement, value delivery and monetization components, that captures causal links between value creation and value capture at the business level. Specifically, the project will integrate the literature on eco-innovation and the one on business model to address how and why business model can make eco-innovation a central part of the firm’s value creation and appropriation. To do this, ECO_REBUS will investigate -by a cognitive and processual perspective- the phases through which public voluntary eco-innovation policies are adopted and operated by firms. To do this, first, the researcher will carry out both a literature review at the intersection of eco-innovation policy and business models, and also a review of business model change. Secondly, interviews with top managers team members will be carried out with a cognitive approach to explore how they evaluate the potential impacts of future eco-innovation adoption by the lens of business model. Third, a comparative case study on firms and multiple business units will enable to explore the processual aspects aiming to understand how and why changing the business model might help firms successfully face the challenge of eco-innovation policy adoption, and get positive economic gains. Some original and innovative aspects characterize ECO_REBUS. Among others, its processual and cognitive contribution showing how and why some firms profit being green; its multiple level of analysis, and its inter-disciplinary contribution by integrating knowledge from the field of environmental management and the field of business model research.

Keywords: eco innovation,voluntary environmental policies,business model,environmental policies