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Research and innovation
News article29 March 2021Directorate-General for Research and Innovation

EU4TECH PoC signs first contract for prototyping

The EU Funded Western Balkans Proof of Concept Scheme (‘EU4TECH PoC’) has signed its first contract to enable a prototype to be built and tested. The project, "Mechanical Ventilator", centres on an affordable and effective ventilator that can be manufactured rapidly from standard parts, and incorporates new and novel approaches to the ventilation process. The project responds to the acute need for such devices generated by the current COVID-19 pandemic, particularly from lower income countries whose health care systems are experiencing the devastating effects of this respiratory disease.

The device is the work of a small team from the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, in Kosovo* lead by Professor Arbnor Pajazit from the Laboratory of Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Professor Pajazit has experience of developing technology needed in times of crisis having previous demonstrated an autonomous programmable robotic arm, designed to negotiate difficult environments during rescue operations in mined field. His team is currently working on the design and construction of robotic hands for patients that have been identified in the Orthopaedic Clinics, Clinical, and University Centre of Kosovo*.

Alongside funding the prototyping, EU4TECH PoC is also proving Technical Assistance (TA) to the project to help it scope the potential for patenting and to analyse the market. Instrumental support for this prototyping action and mentoring for the project has also come from the Digital Innovation Lab Ofiçina in Tirana.

Funded under multi-country IPA the Western Balkans Proof of Concept Scheme is providing hands-on support to 40+ promising inventions in the Western Balkans.

More information

International cooperation with Western Balkans

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Publication date
29 March 2021
Author
Directorate-General for Research and Innovation