Vinny Project

The University of Minho is the VINNY’s coordinator 

This institution positions itself as a research university, committed to development and innovation, with numerous successful partnerships in research, cultural, and socio-economic development projects.

There are two research groups from UM involved in this project. The Center for Micro Electromechanical Systems (CMEMS) is an interdisciplinary centre of excellence that develops smart microsystems and biomedical systems. The other one is The Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), aiming to deliver excellence in the research of Biological Sciences. 

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences is one of Europe’s leading Life Sciences universities, renowned for its holistic approach to research and education. Scientists, students, and graduates collaborate to develop solutions for pressing societal challenges, all with a focus on sustainability and a better future.

BOKU plays a crucial role in the development of biofertilizers derived from recycled sources. Leveraging their experience in biochar production from organic waste, the partner is formulating nutrient-rich biofertilizers that enhance soil health and promote sustainable vineyard practices. Their knowledge in pyrolysis and bio-oil extraction is vital for converting vineyard residues into valuable agricultural inputs.

This collaborative lab’s primary goal is to develop innovative, bio-based solutions to promote safer, more effective, for more productive crops resistant to diseases and environmentally friendly.

Their expertise contributes significantly to the VINNY Project through its work on bio-based pesticides and biostimulants. They specialize in isolating beneficial microorganisms and testing their efficacy against plant pathogens. Their research aims to deliver sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides by harnessing the natural properties of plant microbiota.

Ascend Technologies is a company that offers mathematical and computational support to research centers and industries. They provide comprehensive engineering and scientific solutions throughout all phases of a project, from defining goals to process analysis, model development, calibration, solution, and optimization. Additionally, they specialize in creating custom software based on client needs.

This partner is focused on developing the Safe-by-Design (SbD) platform for the VINNY Project. They provide expertise in creating safer and more sustainable nanomaterials through rigorous hazard assessments and the application of density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate chemical structures.

AITEX is a leading Spanish research centre specializing in research, innovation, and advanced technical services for the textile, cosmetics, and beauty industries. With over 35 years of experience, it is a reference institution in Spain and one of the top five in Europe. Focused on applied research and technological innovation, this association provides advanced laboratory services, certifications, and technical training, supporting companies in various sectors to drive present and future growth.

This partner leads the development of innovative agrotextiles designed to deliver biofertilizers directly to the soil. Using their expertise in textile engineering, AITEX is creating fabrics that retain moisture and nutrients, supporting root health and optimizing nutrient release for sustainable crop management.

The OSM-DAN, located in Rehovot Israel, is the leading Israeli company opening the doors to the EC funds for R&D projects. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, are only a few of the disciplines covered by OSM supported projects.

In the VINNY Project, OSM-DAN is responsible for managing dissemination, exploitation, and communication (DEC) activities, ensuring that VINNY’s results are effectively shared with the scientific community, industry stakeholders, and the general public.

Based in Braga, Portugal, LKCOM is a marketing and communication agency that offers unique and differentiating solutions. Specialists in Communication and Marketing Strategies, working with Digital and Offline Marketing, Video and Web, Social Media and Google Ads Campaigns, Online and Offline Advertising, LKCOM is the perfect partner for VINNY. 

At the project, this company is responsible for the main communications tools and website development and maintenance.

Ryp Labs is a crop and food protection company focused on developing and commercializing biomimicry-based solutions to sustainably and safely combat global food waste. With high-performing individuals driven by altruistic values, the company strives to create a lasting impact globally. Ryp Labs specializes in formulating, manufacturing and commercializing innovative solutions applicable during pre-harvest (crop) and post-harvest (fresh produce). The company’s market expertise and experience in product development and up-scale are keys to translating VINNY’s research outcomes into market-ready solutions.

As a start-up, Ryp Labs is recipient of international awards, such as Top Global StartUp (ClimaTech Run, 2022), as well as recognitions from Solar Impulse (Label for Efficient Solution) and listing in the 50 to Watch Cleantech list, in 2022. The company also attracts public funding through Belgian VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Europe’s Horizon and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), NSF (National Science Foundation).

Graanakke c/o Bornholm Vinforsyning ApS GRA is a Danish vineyard playing a vital role in the VINNY Project as a Living Lab. Their vineyard is a testing ground for validating VINNY’s sustainable viticulture solutions under real-world conditions. 

By hosting field trials, this partner helps assess the effectiveness of the newly developed nanobiopesticides and biofertilizers, contributing crucial insights to optimize these eco-friendly alternatives for wider application. 

With over 36 research laboratories, the University of Tours is the leading public research institution in the Centre Val de Loire region. The university promotes research excellence through strong collaborations with both national and international research entities, including public and private organizations. Its core expertise includes grape byproduct extracts, plant metabolomics, purification processes, and in vitro screening techniques. 

University of Tours specializes in plant metabolomics and bioactive extraction from grapevine by-products. Their research focuses on identifying and characterizing new bioactives that can be used in the development of biopesticides and biostimulants.