Recipients of the 6th University of Ljubljana Innovation Fund announced

The University of Ljubljana Innovation Fund co-finances promising innovative projects and helps them progress to a higher level of technological readiness. The Knowledge Transfer Office provides expert support to all projects, encourages their development and connects them with businesses and other organisations within the innovation ecosystem. This year the Innovation Fund evaluation committee selected the following projects for co-financing:

1. Mycelium composites of the future, UL Biotechnical Faculty

A team led by Dr Davor Kržišnik addresses the problem of the excessive use of plastics and materials from non-renewable sources and responds to the growing demand for biodegradable, circular and low-carbon materials compliant with European regulations. The innovation will optimise the development and production of mycelium composites by enabling rapid adaptation of shapes and material properties to the product’s intended use.

2. Development of a smart device for studying wildlife, UL Biotechnical Faculty

A team led by Dr Miha Krofel is developing a solution to support researchers, conservationists and managers in monitoring biodiversity, detecting environmental disturbances and obtaining important information that cannot be captured through conventional observation, particularly for elusive species. The innovation will contribute to a better understanding of wildlife behaviour and enable the collection of unique data.

3. Digitalisation of the cardiovascular system, UL Faculty of Medicine

A team led by Dr Borut Kirn is developing an innovative system for real-time monitoring of the cardiovascular system in patients. The device will provide anaesthesiologists and cardiologists with a clear insight into the patient’s condition, enabling more effective, faster and more accurate decision-making in critical situations where the stability of the cardiovascular system is crucial for patient safety.

4. Efficient cooling of microelectronics and power electronics devices, UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Led by Dr Katja Klinar, this project addresses the limitations of existing cooling solutions, such as air and water cooling, which are no longer sufficient for the most demanding devices. The innovation will enable significantly higher cooling density, greater energy efficiency and the use of environmentally friendly coolants, contributing to the sustainable operation of advanced electronic systems.

5. Smart dehumidifier, UL Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

A team led by Dr Primož Poredoš is developing a solution to the problem of damp and mould, which affects a significant share of households in the EU and can cause health problems, particularly in children, as well as long-term damage to buildings. The device will enable effective moisture reduction without noise, compressors or environmentally problematic refrigerant gases, either as a stand-alone unit or as an architecturally integrated element within a space.

6. Development of a thermostable version of insulin, UL Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology and UL Faculty of Medicine

A team led by Dr Martin Gazvoda and Dr Sergej Pirkmajer is developing a thermostable analogue of human insulin that retains its structure and biological activity even at high temperatures. Such a medicine could enable safe access to insulin for more than 830 million people with diabetes, since cold chain storage would no longer be required. This would significantly reduce storage and logistics costs, thereby greatly increasing accessibility and facilitating treatment.

The selected projects reflect the diversity of the University of Ljubljana’s research potential and make an important contribution to the development of innovations with social, environmental and economic impact.