Three inventions developed by our researchers won gold medals and special awards at the 50th INOVA International Invention Show, held in Zagreb from October 1 to 4, 2026.
The inventions were presented at the exhibition by staff from the Technology Transfer Office at the Medical University of Warsaw.
Awards for innovation
- Gold Medal and Excellence Award from Norton University of Cambodia went to the project entitled “A method for identifying progenitor cells, progenitor cells and their applications,” developed by Prof. Magdalena Kucia and Dr. Agnieszka Łukomska from WUM’s Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine.
The researchers developed a tool for studying cellular diversity and the plasticity of the visual system. It uses the Nectin-3 marker to precisely isolate rare retinal cell populations with a molecular profile resembling that of embryonic cells. Their solution enables precise cell selection without the need for complex genetic modifications (certificate). In the future, this invention may help identify new molecular targets for research into human therapies.
- Gold Medal and Special Award from the International Invention and Trade Expo London went to the project entitled “Method for the preparation of 5-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone”, developed by researchers from WUM’s Faculty of Pharmacy: Dr. Michał Nowacki, Prof. Maciej Dawidowski, Marta Splandesci, Prof. Joanna Giebułtowicz, Prof. Sebastian Granica, Prof. Joanna Kolmas, Prof. Jakub Piwowarski, and Dr. hab. Martyna Wróbel.
Their invention is an innovative method for synthesizing a biologically active postbiotic metabolite. Compared with existing methods, the technology substantially simplifies the process, eliminates the need to protect hydroxyl groups, and removes the need for column chromatography. The proposed synthetic pathway is based on an innovative combination of the Knoevenagel/Michael condensation reactions and selective catalytic reduction. This combination has not previously been described in the scientific literature. The method produces the target compound in high yield using simple, readily available reagents, resulting in lower costs and greater atom economy. The solution has significant potential applications in medicinal chemistry, pharmacy, and nutraceuticals. It may also serve as a platform for synthesizing other biologically active phenolic compounds.
- Gold Medal was awarded to a device for collecting biological samples from a patient's nasal cavity, developed by Prof. Edyta Krzych-Fałta from WUM’s Department of Nursing Propedeutics.
The technology enables biological material to be collected from the nose in the form of nasal lavage samples. This facilitates the diagnosis of allergies, enables the assessment of inflammatory mediators, and improves treatment effectiveness in patients with allergic or localized rhinitis.