Fraunhofer Portugal Challenge is an initiative from Fraunhofer AICOS, whose main objective is to reward the scientific investigation with “practical utility” done in Portuguese Universities.

Among the large number of applications received from all Universities all over the country, our jury chose five finalists - two in MSc and three in PhD. The awarded students were invited to make a public presentation of their ideas in the closing event that happened in the Fraunhofer AICOS building, in Porto, last week.

 

Best ideas in the PhD Category:

1^st - 3.000€

"Left Ventricle Functional Analysis from Coronary CT Angiography"
Samuel Silva – Universidade de Aveiro

Samuel Silva´s idea consists in a tool that allows a quicker and more precise analysis from the left ventricle of a human heart. This is very important to characterize and analyze the cardiac functions of a patient. The tool allows the doctors to detect and diagnose cardiac problems in a much more effective way than the medical practice currently existing.  

2^nd - 1.500€

"The effective use of brain-computer interfaces in real-world applications"
Gabriel Pires – Universidade de Coimbra  

Gabriel Pires developed a system that interacts with applications and devices (for example computers), through brain signals. This system allows people with severe motor disabilities to interact with interfaces from all kinds of devices and applications, overtaking the current interact forms restrictions.

3^rd - 1.000€

"Rapid Prototyping of Ubiquitous Computing Environments"
José Silva - Universidade do Minho

José Silva’s idea consists in an innovative way of software development who allows a quick construction of prototypes of ubiquitous computing environments. The developed tool allows the users to navigate through the simulation of the defined ubiquitous environment, allowing, at the same time, that they test and assess the different characteristics of the developed solution.

 

Best ideas in the MSc Category:

1^st - 2.000€

"ABO and Rh Human Blood Typing Device"
Sara Pimenta - Universidade do Minho

Sara Pimenta´s idea consists in the development of a portable device that is able to identify and classify, in 5 minutes, the blood type of a patient, inside of the system ABO/RH. Being a procedure that, following the normal procedure, takes 30 minutes, this portable device will definitely save lives in emergency situations, since it will make the blood transfusions safer.   

2^nd - 1.000€

"Eco-visualization in Design"
Mafalda Rocha – Universidade de Aveiro

Mafalda Rocha conceived one small device for domestic use, resembling a package, made of an interface that allows the user to monitor and measure its own water, gas and electricity consumptions. The use of this device will allow, not only a bigger awareness regarding energy consumptions but will also help the user, if he wants, to define goals and change habits regarding resources consumption.