U7 - Office for Substantive Project Support, Technology Transfer and Innovation

Head of Unit

Mag. Robert Blatnik, CLP, Coordinator of formation of spin-out companies, Robert
Preferred fields: Electronics and Information Technologies
Sector Group Digital, Enterprise Europe Network
Phone: +386 1 477 31 37
Room: C142A

Coworkers

Tomaž Lutman, MSc Biochemistry; Tomaž
Preferred fields: Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences and Materials, Patenting, Licensing
Phone: +386 1 477 38 01
Room: C143

Dr Marijan Leban, Marijan
Preferred fields: Physics and Reactor Engineering, Electronics and Information Technologies
Sector Group Electronics, Enterprise Europe Network
Phone: +386 1 477 30 96
Room: C143

Dr Urška Florjančič, Urška
Preferred fields: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials and Environmental Sciences
Sector Group Energy Intensive Industries (SG EII), Enterprise Europe Network
Telephone: +386 1 477 38 03
Room: C143

Dr Terezija Poženel Kovačič, Terezija
Preferred fields: Materials, Metallurgy and Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences
Telephone: +386 1 477 31 58
Room: C143

Dr. Levin Pal, M.Sc. Microbiology Levin
Preferred fields: Biotechnology, Patenting, Licensing, and State Aid Rules for Research, Development and Innovation
Telephone: + 386 1 477 33 03
Room: C154

Cene Čibej, M.Sc. Ecology and Biodiversity, Cene
Telephone:
Room: C143

U7 Projects

Unit U7 participates in various international projects, contributing to the achievement of project -objectives and the implementation of project activities.

KTO3 – Consortium of Knowledge Transfer Offices at 10 Public Research Organisations (PROs)
The Knowledge Transfer Office Consortium (KTO) connects knowledge transfer offices from ten public research organizations (PRO): Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), Faculty of Information Studies in Novo mesto (FIŠ), Geological Survey of Slovenia (GeoZS), Institute of Metals and Technology (IMT), National Institute of Chemistry (KI), Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (KIS), National Institute of Biology (NIB), Rudolfovo – Science and Technology Center Novo mesto (Rudolfovo), Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), and Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS KP). The project strengthens existing KTOs, establishes new KTOs, and enhances collaboration among stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. The goals include the protection and commercialization of intellectual property, strategic patenting, commercialization of inventions, and raising awareness about intellectual property. In collaboration with the KTO consortium of Slovenian universities, we plan activities for promotion, networking, exchange of best practices, and development of competencies, which will accelerate the processes of protecting and commercializing intellectual property. The project will contribute to the innovative transformation of the Slovenian economy in line with the Smart Specialization Strategy 2030 (S5).

The operation is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund: https://evropskasredstva.si/

Project website: https://prenosznanja.si/



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IFIGENEIA – Excellence Hubs for Innovation in Nuclear Medicine with LINAC (Linear Accelerator) Technology
The IFIGENEIA project addresses the challenges of modern nuclear medicine by introducing advanced LINAC (Linear Accelerator) technology as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional radioisotope production sources. The project will establish three Excellence Hubs in Greece, Slovenia, and Cyprus, serving as innovation centers for the development, validation, and commercialization of radioisotopes and related technologies. The main goal is to support research, diagnostics, therapy, and theranostics by utilizing LINAC technology, which enables high flexibility, safety, and accessibility. Each Hub brings together key stakeholders from research, industry, public sector, and civil society in a quadruple-helix model, while aligning with regional RIS3 strategies. In addition to the technological dimension, the project includes the development of investment strategies, the strengthening of entrepreneurial skills, and mentoring activities for Western Balkan countries, with the aim of fostering long-term European integration and knowledge transfer.

Project website: https://ifigeneia.eu/



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CRP IL – Analysis of the Support Environment for Effective Management and Exploitation of Intellectual Property in Slovenia
The objective of the research project is to analyze and improve the support environment for intellectual property (IP) in Slovenia. The project is divided into five work packages (WPs). First, we aim to gain a comprehensive insight into the current state of IP management and exploitation in Slovenia, review existing studies in this field, and conduct several analyses in the area of industrial property. Next, we will carry out an empirical study to assess the needs of IP creators (researchers, developers, inventors, and other authors of intellectual works) and the role and competences of supporting organizations. Furthermore, we intend to review best practices of intellectual property management in different countries, which will contribute to the development of strategic models for standardized management and use of IP in Slovenia, tailored to key stakeholders such as universities, research institutes, and companies. Key contributions of the project include understanding the Slovenian IP ecosystem and its shortcomings, identifying best practices from innovation-driven countries, and developing guidelines for standardized management and valorization of IP.

The project is co-financed by ARIS and MVZI.

Project website: https://www.rudolfovo.eu/nacionalni-projekti/crp-il%3A-



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CRP ISERO – Framework for Self-Evaluation of Research Organisations in the Field of Knowledge Transfer
The main objective of the project is to prepare proposals for frameworks and recommendations for self-monitoring and further evaluation (i.e., a valorization metric) of research organizations in their efforts to support the development and strengthening of knowledge transfer into practice in Slovenia. The project “Framework for Self-Evaluation of Research Organizations in the Field of Knowledge Transfer – ISERO”, No. V5-24055, is co-financed by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (MVZI) from the state budget in the amount of EUR 90,000.00.

Project website: https://www.fm-kp.si/raziskovalni-programi-in-projekti/crp_projekt_izhodisca_za_samoevalvacijo_raziskovalnih_organizacij_na_podrocju_prenosa_znanja_isero



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STEIDA – Strengthening Technology Transfer Ecosystem through Innovative and Digital Approaches
The aim of STEIDA project is to strengthen technology transfer ecosystem through an innovative and holistic approach which will foster national and international collaboration among universities, academic staff, businesses, students, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders by developing/using digital platforms and networks. The project will also contribute to close the gap between academia and industry through providing students with new competencies. The project is aimed at different target groups: higher education institutions and business support organizations and their staff, students and anyone interested in a career in technology transfer. It also includes academics, entrepreneurs and companies.

Project website: http://www.steidaproject.net/

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WASTELESS – Waste Quantification Solutions to Limit Environmental Stress
The main objective of WASTELESS is (i) to develop and test a mix of innovative tools and methodologies for Food-Loss-and-Waste measurement and monitoring, generating robust data on critical and poorly understood Food Supply Chains, (ii) to recommend a harmonised methodological Framework for food waste quantification, and (iii) to develop a decision support systemic Toolbox targeting all food value chain stakeholders enabling the duplication of WASTELESS collection points across EU territories and different food commodities. The mix of solutions for food waste measuring and monitoring will include digital and data-based cost-efficient technologies and methodologies; addressing the 5 stages of the supply chain, and tackling specific food commodities. It will build on existing work, projects, and practices for food waste measuring and monitoring, a thorough and up-to-date study of tools and methodologies, inefficiencies and requirements of Food Supply Chain actors to support the development, and case studies of these solutions. The project has the ambition to feed the model built by the JRC through specific case studies during the project and data collection replication after the project’s duration. In this sense, several food groups have been identified for which data and food waste coefficients are lacking: fruits and vegetables, fruit juices, processed meat products, dairy products, and cereal products. In the project, CTT will be involved in impact assessment and optimisation.

Project website: https://wastelesseu.com/


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PETVISION – Next Generation Limited-Angle Time-of-Flight PET Imager
In 2020, over 2.7 million people in the EU were diagnosed with cancer, with projections indicating a 24% increase by 2035, making it the leading cause of death. Despite Positron Emission Tomography (PET) being the most sensitive diagnostic technique for cancer, the high cost of producing PET scanners limits accessibility to fewer than 0.5% of medical centres globally. The PetVision project seeks to transform this landscape by developing a cost-effective, modular PET device with superior timing resolution. The project aims to translate European technological breakthroughs into a revolutionary, fully modular, cost-accessible range of devices for broad applications, from standard PET centres to mobile units. Through innovations in detector design, photo-sensors, and electronics, PetVision aims to significantly improve human health by making high-quality PET imaging available in diverse clinical settings.

Project website: https://petvision.org/


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EEN – Enterprise Europe Network
Within the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) project we help small and medium enterprises, as well as large enterprises, research organizations, professional and sector associations, technology centers and other entities to seize the unparalleled business opportunities in the EU Single Market.
Enterprise Europe Network offers:
• information and practical advice on opportunities in the EU market, European legislation and relevant policies; • a business and technology database which presents the basis for search for suitable business partners; • information on tenders and international cooperation. Enterprise Europe Network: • by creating synergies between knowledge holders and companies develops research and innovation capacities of companies, encourages technology cooperation and organizes cooperation meetings; • helps companies access research results, take part in research programs and file tender applications; • incorporates companies and other organizations into policy creating processes by communicating their interests to representatives of European Commission and assessing implementation of EU policies in the field of competitiveness and innovation. Center for Technology Transfer and Innovation represents one of the contact points in Slovenia.

Project website: http://www.een.si/


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SQUASH – Slovenian Quantum Science Hub
SQUASH is an international research and career development program in the field of quantum sciences, led by the Jožef Stefan Institute. The program is designed to develop a new generation of top-tier postdoctoral researchers and to strengthen connections between the scientific research environment, industry, and international partners. A major focus of the program is also on connecting science and industry, knowledge transfer, and developing new opportunities for the practical application of research results. The SQUASH program is co-funded under the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency.

Project website: https://squash.ijs.si/