First of all, if yesterday's morning news seemed surprising or too good to be true, take a good look at your calendar...
Today, we're getting serious, with the presentation of the Innovation Trophies at the Forum Labo & Biotech trade show.
This second edition of the Innovation Trophies testifies to the richness of the industrial fabric, the research efforts undertaken by laboratories and the technological creativity demonstrated by exhibitors. They recognize the excellence of companies whose innovative vision is revolutionizing the laboratory industry, making it more competitive, productive and qualitative.
Of the 76 innovations in the running, 13 were nominated by the jury of professional journalists (including Contrôles Essais Mesures) and scientists from public and private laboratories.
Four companies won an Innovation Trophy in the "Safety", "Miniaturization", "Ergonomics" and "Productivity" categories. Visitors to the show also voted for their "Coup de coeur" among the nominated innovations. And for the first time, a "French Innovation Prize" was awarded.
- Laboratory safety / Eco-design / Regulations
Safety regulations and standards are evolving rapidly. This innovation takes this into account, enabling laboratory users to work in the safest possible conditions and in compliance with current regulations. One of the selection criteria for the innovation concerned could also be its eco-design, from the materials used to the management of its end-of-life.
The winner is: Horiba Scientific for Vulcan
Vulcan is a unique and innovative digestion station which automates all the steps involved in sample preparation (acid distribution, heating, stirring, volume setting, dilution, transfer), without any operator intervention.
The nominees were Erlab DFS (for Halo) and Esco Micro PTE (for a microbiological safety station).
- Miniaturization
On the one hand, certain analysis or control methods need to take into account laboratory space constraints, or the need to carry out analyses outside the laboratory. On the other hand, given the cost of certain samples, it may be appropriate to carry out the same analysis with less reagent. Optimizing the size of the innovation will help maintain the required performance.
The winner is: Smart Inst for SmartPart
The SmartPart is a miniature system for real-time measurement of the characteristics of a mixture, coupled with the impact of the agitation process. The measurement, carried out at the heart of the fluid (liquid, granular or pasty), is based on a totally innovative technology that falls within the field of connected objects (W.S.N.).
The nominees were Metrohm (for Mira) and Xpert Automation (for Xpertdose).
- Ergonomics / Design / Comfort
Today, user comfort is a major criterion in product development and sales. Design enters the laboratory to ensure not only optimal use, but also aesthetic pleasure for the senses. Last but not least, enhanced ergonomics often enable users to get to grips with an innovation's functionalities more quickly.
The winner is Safas for UVMC TouchSnake
The UVMC TouchSnake is a spectrophotometer with an integrated, easily replaceable, adjustable touchscreen. The concept is simple: an ingenious flexible arm presents a large touch screen high up, facing the operator. Measurement monitoring and input remain easy at all times, even with the hood open, when the user is using the exclusive open-air measurement technology, e.g. for injection molding. In line with the exclusive Safas concept of sustainable spectroscopy, the key-operated screen is easily and cost-effectively replaceable by the user with any 8'' to 12'' tablet (self-adapting) running Windows 8.
The nominees were KNF Neuberger (for aRC900 rotary vaporizer) and Thermo Fischer Scientific (for the E1-Cliptip electronic multicanaus pipette).
- Productivity / Profitability
This category recognizes the tools, services and good ideas that have made it possible to increase productivity in the laboratory (optimizing processes, cost constraints and management difficulties, etc.).
The winner is Envolure for Enverdi-DBO
In response to the growing need for reactivity and analytical profitability, Envolure has developed a high-temperature flow measurement technology enabling BOD5 measurements to be carried out in just 48 hours for laboratories and industrial managers.
The nominees were Analytic Jena (for Plasmaquant MS) and Berthold (for Bscreen LB991).
- The French innovation award was awarded to Celenys for Biomimesys, a hyaluronic acid support enabling 3D cell culture in a physiological environment more representative of biological reality.
The nominees were SmartInst and Xpert Automation.
Visitors awarded their favorite to Erlab DFS for Halo.
Learn more: www.forumlabo.com