UrFU Startup Studio's First Two Projects Received Investments

11:09, April 7, 2023

These are a biodegradable wrap and a cold plasma technology

Two projects of the UrFU Startup Studio have received the first financial support of a federal project of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science. These are projects to develop a hardware and software complex using cold plasma to extend product shelf life and to develop biodegradable polymer packaging.

"The technology of biodegradable polymer packaging developed by the scientists of the Ural Federal University solves two problems at the same time - the environmental problem and the financial problem. The technology is going to help manufacturers reduce the cost of producing packaging. According to the legislation, from 2025 the responsibility for the disposal of packaging will be fully transferred to its producers. This is a significant cost. The environmental issue is also significant. Due to the special compound formula, the packaging decomposes in soil within six months, while similar technologies take one to three years," said Valeria Tretyakova, the Director and Innovator of Polimer LLC.

Another innovation is the creation of a hardware and software complex aimed at processing products, especially meat, and extending their shelf life by up to 30 days.

"For example, a product that is so difficult to preserve, such as raw meat, does not lose its flavor, color or quality after being treated with cold plasma. It also destroys pathogens on the surface of the product. Meat processing companies and farms are the target of the development. The technology can also be used to treat vegetables, fruits and berries as well. This will allow companies to save money and consumers to have always fresh products." - said Ilya Kaigorodov, the General Director and Innovator of Plasma Technologies LLC.

According to Eduard Moskalenko, the Head of the UrFU Startup Studio, the Ministry of Higher Education and Science is actively developing technological entrepreneurship at universities. Startup studios at universities will allow students to realize their boldest ideas and provide the necessary financial support.

"The directors of the Ural Federal University startups are students of the university. The startups will be 100% owned by the Ural Federal University Startup Studio, but over time the share will be sold and the startups will become public. It is worth noting that the UrFU Startup Studio plans to prepare three to five ready-made startups per quarter, which will be led by students and project leaders up to the age of 35. The business teams will consist of students and university staff. The Startup Studio is focused on the real needs of consumers and businesses," - said Eduard Moskalenko.

The income of the startup depends on the project. The estimated amount of funding for startups is from 500 thousand to 5 million rubles.

Reference

The selection of university startup studios is carried out as part of the implementation of the federal project "University Technology Entrepreneurship Platform". The goal of the federal project is the support of student startups and the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people. One of the main goals of the project is to create 50 university startup studios by 2030. The UrFU was one of the winners of the federal competitive selection of programs for the development of university startup studios. This large-scale project is implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the Foundation for Infrastructure and Educational Programs.