High-tech research projects at DTU receive support from Innovation Fund Denmark.
Innovation Fund Denmark supports a total of 17 new high-tech projects with DKK 167 million. Researchers from DTU are involved in ten of the projects. In connection with Innovation Fund Denmark's investments in high-tech projects, the principle applies that all participants contribute to the funding out of their own pocket. Innovation Fund Denmark invests DKK 167 million and Danish businesses and universities contribute DKK 151 million themselves, making the total investment DKK 318 million.
The ten research projects DTU is involved in:
Paper bottles: Tomorrow's eco-friendly packaging
A Danish company has developed a bottle consisting only of paper fibres. Innovation Fund Denmark invests in a project to develop alternative casting processes so that the paper bottle can be ready for market launch within a few years. Innovation Fund Denmark contributes with DKK 15 million to the project. DTU Mechanical Engineering, Associate Professor Thomas Howard.
Greener driving with lightweight engines
Transport could be less expensive and less carbon-emitting with lighter engine components. Innovation Fund Denmark invests DKK 4 million in the PROALCO project which is to identify methods for casting aluminium elements that—despite the thinner design—are just as durable as always. DTU Mechanical Engineering, Associate Professor Niels Skat Tiedje.
Mobile robots to turn giant wind turbines into the profitable energy source of the future
The production of giant wind turbines is facing major challenges as components are growing in size. The InnoMill project which is headed by the DAMRC research centre, is now developing a flexible robot for processing the giant wind turbine components of the future. This will ensure the industry considerable savings and create new jobs. Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 13 million in the project. DTU Mechanical Engineering, Associate Professor Giuliano Bissacco.
Speedier production of long offshore wind turbine blades of a high quality
Offshore wind power cost levels must be reduced further to compete on an equal footing with other energy sources. Innovation Fund Denmark invests DKK 15 million in a project aimed at optimizing blade production, reducing the price tag of an offshore wind farm by millions of euros. DTU Wind Energy, Head of Section Bent F. Sørensen.
Improving hearing aids by replacing gold with PVD tin/nickel
Good hearing is worth its weight in gold. However, the high and unpredictable gold prices make it expensive and risky to use, for example for electrical contacts for hearing aids. By using less gold, the contacts may become unstable, which can cause audio disruption. New project to develop reliable, electrical contacts without using expensive precious metals. Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 12 million in the project. DTU Mechanical Engineering, Professor Rajan Ambat.
New measuring technology for blood will save lives
New measuring technology will ensure that critically ill patients receive the best treatment when their blood is measured in connection with hospital admission. The blood sample quality must be tested very quickly before the doctor uses the measurement results to prescribe the patient's treatment. This could ultimately save lives. DTU Nanotech, Professor Anders Kristensen.
Maritime drones to ensure Danish export success
Maritime drones hold huge potential, but until now the use has been limited. The company Little Smart Things, DTU Space and Aalborg University have found a technology for automatic drone landing, which is so groundbreaking that Innovation Fund Denmark is now investing DKK 5 million in the project. DTU Space, PhD Jakob Jakobsen.
Cloud-based technology for 5G mobile network
The 5G mobile network is expected to ensure rapid data transfer, and this means that a whole new network architecture will be needed. Danish companies could have a decisive influence on the design of the future data transfer systems. Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 14 million in the project, which may come up with suggestions for the design of such a technology. DTU Fotonik, Associate Professor Michael Berger.
Optical technologies for future data centres
Today, data are to an increasing degree compiled in clouds, which requires quicker and larger data centres. A new optical technology project will explore the large commercial potential which next-generation data centres will generate. Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 15 million in the project. DTU Fotonik, Associate Professor Il-Sug Chung and Professor Idelfonso Tafur Monroy.
Digital platform to push the limits of Danish architecture
The production of individual concrete elements in warped and round shapes will soon match the pace of mass production of identical elements. Innovation Fund Denmark is investing DKK 5 million in the development of a digital platform which will act as a direct link between the design studio and the production hall. DTU Compute, Associate Professor David Brander.