"Creation of a product line to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits, dried fruits and frozen berries," A project developed by scientists from Novosibirsk State Technical University within the framework of the Priority program, entered the top ten following the results of the global innovation and entrepreneurship competition in Fujian Province.
"The University" delegation visited Xiamen, Fujian Province (China). It consisted of Sergey Ospichev, Vice-rector for Research and Innovation, Candidate of Physico-Mathematical Sciences, Ekaterina Litvinova, Head of the STP "New Engineering Solutions and Artificial Intelligence for the Medical Industry" of the Priority 2030 program at NSTU-NETI, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Anastasia Korel, Junior Researcher at the Center for Technological Excellence, Candidate of Biological Sciences, junior researcher at the Center Technological Excellence Anna Pronchenko The scientists presented a project that had previously successfully reached the final of the competition. In total, almost 1,500 international projects participated in the competition, 116 reached the final, including the project of scientists from NSTU-NETI. Participation in the competition took place with the assistance of Olga Lisienko, head of the branch of the Russian-Asian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RASP).
According to Anastasia Korel, the head of the project, the biosafety gel is based on natural polymers of plant and animal origin, which makes it safe for fruits, humans and the environment. During processing, it creates a functional protective film that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi on the surface of fruits, slows down moisture loss, preserves vitamins and antioxidants without altering the organoleptic properties of fruits and without affecting their nutritional value. The shelf life of fresh fruits after biogel treatment increases by 30-40%, dried fruits remain usable throughout the year, berries and fruits tolerate freezing better — they retain elasticity, organoleptic properties and vitamins.
As Sergey Ospichev noted, the recognition in the competition is an important step towards promoting the developments of NSTU-NETI scientists not only in the Chinese market, but also in the markets of the BRICS countries.
During the visit, the delegation of NSTU-NETI held talks with the Department of Science and Technology of Xiamen City on cooperation issues. The delegation also visited the BRICS innovation incubator, got acquainted with its organizational structure, functions, working mechanisms and areas of support for international projects. The parties discussed the prospects of NSTU-NETI's participation in the implementation of joint research programs and technological initiatives of the BRICS countries on the platform of the BRICS innovation incubator.
An important outcome of the visit was the signing of an agreement on friendship and intentions for cooperation between NSTU-NETI and the China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era business incubator.
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The Fujian Province Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is held to attract, select and support talented innovation projects from around the world, create favorable conditions, wide opportunities and high-quality service for the development of innovation, as well as promote the integration of technological and industrial innovations.