The 15th International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG was held on 11 and 12 May 2022 at Spodek Arena. The event featured an award ceremony. The employees of the University of Silesia received four gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals. The solutions submitted for the competition of innovations INTARG were evaluated by an international jury.
The aim of the Show is the international exchange of business contacts between representatives of the world of science, industry, business, and finance. INTARG is a place for the exchange of scientific knowledge, technology transfer, and promotion and commercialisation of inventions and innovations. The programme of the Show included: a conference, presentations by the exhibitors, and discussion panels.
The solutions of the employees of the University of Silesia awarded gold medals
System supporting the diagnostics of neurological diseases; authors: Paweł Janik, PhD; Michał Pielka, MSc Eng; Małgorzata Janik, PhD, from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
A high technology solution which uses intelligent sensors with radio transmission of data and server software. The system allows for precise recording of upper limb vibration and for monitoring its position.
Hybrid dental implants for use in controlled drug release systems; authors: Patrycja Osak, MSc Eng; Bożena Łosiewicz, PhD, DSc; Joanna Maszybrocka, PhD; Julian Kubisztal, PhD, from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
The solution involves the manufacturing of innovative dental implants, the surface of which is modified by the application of hybrid coatings composed of amorphous tricalcium phosphate sub-coatings as well as microfibrous polymer coatings which are the intelligent transmitters of drugs. The invention will allow for painless application, faster healing, and significant acceleration of bone tissue regeneration.
The method of preparation of poly(γ-butyrolactone); authors: Roksana Bernat, MSc Eng; Paulina Maksym, PhD Eng.; Magdalena Tarnacka, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor; Andrzej Dzienia, PhD Eng.; Prof. Kamil Kamiński; Prof. Marian Paluch from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
The innovation uses the high-pressure method of poly(γ-butyrolactone) production, which meets the requirements of “green chemistry” (without the usage of metallic compounds) and leads to the production of polymers with well-defined parameters, of high purity, in a much higher temperature range, with greater efficiency, and in time much shorter compared to the already known solutions at atmospheric pressure. The presented synthetic approach is a “milestone” on the road to the commercialisation of previously unavailable yet highly sought-after biomaterial.
X-Dots – Support for your wastewater treatment plants; authors: Anna Dzionek, PhD; Danuta Wojcieszyńska, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor; Urszula Guzik, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor, from the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
The innovation involves a technology created for the support of the household and municipal wastewater treatment plants. Its core is xanthan, which is particularly resistant to harsh environmental conditions. By appropriate selection of microorganisms, X-Dots has a huge potential in bioremediation and wastewater treatment.
You can read more about the invention in the article “Microbiological vaccine for wastewater treatment plants” in the University of Silesia Magazine No. 5 (295) February 2022.
The solutions of the employees from the University of Silesia awarded silver medals
Gesture controller; authors: Michał Pielka, MSc Eng; Paweł Janik, PhD; Małgorzata Janik, PhD, from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
This high technology solution consists of a complex sensor system meant to be worn on your hand, advanced built-in data analysis and radio transmission management software, as well as a server environment for archiving and motion visualisation.
Flippers with antibacterial and antimycotic properties; authors: Andrzej Swinarew, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor, and Jadwiga Gabor, MSc, from the Faculty of Science and Technology; Arkadiusz Stanula, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor from the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice; Andrzej Ostrowski, PhD, Dsc, Associate Professor, and Tadeusz Ambroży, PhD, DSc, Associate Professor from the University School of Physical Education in Krakow as well as Olexander Skaliy, PhD, DSc, from the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz.
The flippers allow for faster and more economical swimming and diving. A flipper made of materials with antibacterial and antimycotic properties is beneficial to improving swimming with all techniques.
You can read more about the invention in the article Improved flippers. An invention of the scientists from the University of Silesia and the Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice.
The solutions of the employees from the University of Silesia awarded bronze medals
Modelling cellular structures for usage in medicine and technology; authors: Joanna Maszybrocka, PhD; Bożena Łosiewicz, PhD, DSc; Patrycja Osak, MSc Eng; Michał Dworak, PhD, from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Thanks to the specific spacial design of the cell structure metallic materials, they have unique properties, thanks to which they can be used in various ways, e.g., as elements of catalytic converters, elements of heat exchangers, crumple zones in vehicles or bone implants. Additionally, a modelling methodology was developed, and a library of homogeneous, gradient, and hybrid porous structures was prepared as a part of the project.
Manual rotating handle for SEM tables; authors: Artur Taszakowski, PhD; and Bartosz Baran, MSc, from the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
The innovation improves work with the scanning electron microscope, especially for sample testing which requires imaging from various planes. This technology raises the ergonomics and productivity of work while making it easier to manipulate objects.
You can find more information on this topic on the website of the International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG.
Medals and certificates awarded during the event
Photo by Rafał Lubański