HIGHLIGHT, project of the Nanophotonics team coordinated by Manuel J. Mendes, professor at the Department of Materials Science (DCM) and researcher at CEMOP, won the 3rd place of IN3+ Award, the largest prize dedicated to innovation in Portugal.
Project HIGHLIGHT proposes the creation of an optically variable ink based on titanium oxide nanostructures, which may be used, for example, in the printing of documents and security seals, aiming at fighting counterfeiting.
This is the third work of NOVA School of Science and Technology | FCT NOVA that reaches the podium of the IN3+ Award, promoted by Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda. In 2016, the project "Secret Paper", by Elvira Fortunato, professor and researcher at DCM, was the first winner. The following year, José Barata, professor and researcher at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, won first place in the second edition with the project "Atlas".
The distinguished work, now in 2021, focuses on nanotechnology with the development of a paint that allows the manipulation of light, giving the unique possibility of optical variation visible or invisible to the human eye. According to the creators, this product could be very useful to the anti-counterfeiting market, for example to apply to all kinds of documents and security seals.
"We have recent cases of false tests or fake drugs against Covid-19, and that is what we want to stop", exemplifies to Público Manuel J. Mendes one of the several applications of the research.
The award ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of Portugal.
The 3rd edition of the IN3+ Award had 87 applications - an increase of 163% compared to the previous edition. And from these dozens of ideas, three will share the final prize. They are the "IDINA", "HIGHLIGHT" and "AICeBlock" projects.
In the press:
"Prémio de inovação de um milhão de euros da Imprensa Nacional é hoje entregue" Público
MARCELO REBELO DE SOUSA: “QUANDO PERDEMOS A INOVAÇÃO, PERDEMOS O PAPEL QUE TÍNHAMOS NO MUNDO” - TVI24
Prémio de inovação de um milhão de euros da Imprensa Nacional é hoje entregue - Impala Online
Prémio de inovação de um milhão de euros da Imprensa Nacional é hoje entregue - MundoAtual
Prémio de inovação de um milhão de euros da Imprensa Nacional é hoje entregue - Beira News Online
Prémio de inovação de um milhão de euros da Imprensa Nacional é hoje entregue - Visão Online
Prémio de inovação da Imprensa Nacional é hoje entregue - Notícias ao Minuto