Plant protection of tomorrow: project outline wins DATIpilot innovation sprint
Dr. Mehmet Dinc and Benedikt Keitel came out on top against almost 3,000 applicants with their research idea "BORKNAV": their idea is designed to sustainably protect forests from the bark beetle.
The research duo from the Biomimetic Receptors research group at the Ulm site, led by Prof. Dr. Boris Mizaikoff, came out on top against 25 teams at the "Innovation on stage" roadshow of the DATIpilot funding measure: Dinc and Keitel presented their research idea BORKNAV in a 5-minute elevator pitch.
The innovative technology to be developed is intended to combat the threat of bark beetles in order to protect forests. The approach is bio-inspired and sustainable: highly effective and specific pheromones are used, which are released in a long-term and controlled manner. Pheromones are messenger substances that transmit sensory information. In the BORKNAV scenario, they signal to the pests: "Stay away!" There is therefore no need to use toxic substances that pose a risk to biodiversity, as the beetles are figuratively beaten with their own weapons.
The "innovation on stage" roadshow was organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and offers researchers throughout Germany a platform to present themselves and their research ideas. Key criteria such as social relevance, originality of the project and feasibility were decisive for the evaluation process. The innovation project will be funded with around 150,000 euros over 18 months.
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Competences
- Biomimetic materials
- Micro- and nanomaterials
- Protein analysis
- Polymer chemistry
- Synthetic receptors
Contact
Competences
- Biomimetic materials
- Micro- and nanomaterials
- Additive manufacturing
- Polymer chemistry
- Synthetic receptors