The SMINT@Hannover project, funded by the state of Lower Saxony, aimed to transform innovative technology ideas from universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions into marketable business models over a period of 2.5 years through funding, workshops, coaching and access to infrastructure. The funded innovations range from mobile sensors for analysing stress markers in blood to an AI that minimises rejects in production and a highly sensitive current meter. 

The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) was one of the core partners and supported the founding teams and start-ups with scientific expertise as well as access to 3D printing equipment, laser systems and other infrastructure. Two promising ideas from the LZH were driven forward as part of SMINT: A 3D-printed cooling glove to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy from PNProtect and a novel laser marking process for the seamless traceability of slaughter animals from piiq tracing solution.

The founding teams and start-ups benefited from close consultation and access to the LZH's infrastructure when realising their ideas. PNProtect was subsequently awarded an EXIST start-up grant.

More information on SMINT@Hannover in the press release from hannoverimpuls GmbH and on LinkedIn.