WASABI aims at providing SMEs with the tools and knowledge to improve workers capacities and performance, providing advanced user interfaces for continuous augmented hybrid-decision-making. Such interfaces assist employees in interacting with complex software, effectively reducing its skill floor. In consequence, humans will find using software easier and be more open to applying it effectively at work. WASABI’s advanced interfaces will cover, for instance, situation analysis, intervention identification, action planning and execution, and impact monitoring and mitigation. One of the key technologies in WASABI’s solution portfolio is the digital intelligent assistant (DIA) - an anthropomorphic, task-oriented AI with a conversational interface. A network of DIHs that will help boosting impact by guiding SMEs in this new path will be created and integrated within other existing DIH networks. Our customized, federated, white-label shop will include such DIAs and skill-packages to help organizations reach their sustainability goals. Blue-collar and white-collar workers will be capable of using it for hands-free or eyes-free computer-interaction, AI-based advice and guidance, and augmented analytics.

Silk Biomaterials is a nanotechnology platform company. Its goal is to revolutionize the €85bn global tissue engineering market by leveraging the biomimetic properties and the mechanical advantages of silk. SilkByPass, a device designed for the regeneration of small blood vessels, will be the first product developed by Silk Biomaterials. About 560k/year coronary artery bypass graft surgeries (CABG) are performed in OECD countries. The current golden standard for CABG is autograft (mainly saphenous vein, umbilical vein and mammary artery) and very often more than one graft is required for each procedure. However, autografts are not always available and present several drawbacks: so, there is a global urgent need for man-made grafts. Very few synthetic grafts are on the market and, due to their very poor results, they are used only when autografts previously failed. There is also a need for man-made solutions for peripheral blood vessels, like saphenous veins and carotids. For those vessels there are no autografts available and small calibre synthetic grafts fail in restoring the bloodstream. Our innovative nanotechnology stimulates faster natural human tissue regeneration, with no rejection risks or use of drugs. In addition to that, it is cheaper than other synthetic grafts, allows for easy surgery and doesn’t produce any dangerous degradation product in the patient’s body. Key opinion leaders, clinicians, venture capitalists and medical device companies have already recognized its commercial potential, which is estimated to be around €3.9bn annually in OECD countries. The feasibility assessment to be undertaken in Phase 1 will help Silk Biomaterials further de-risk its technological/commercial viability and plan for a series of activities requiring Phase 2 funding (i.e.: clinical trials, reimbursement negotiations, distribution and licensing agreements, etc.) that will improve the investment readiness of our company and strengthen its long term sustainability.

Peripheral nerve injury is a major source of disability, impairing muscle movement or normal sensations: 4Mn people annually experience traumatic nerve damage. Current solutions do not always achieve full motor and sensory recovery, leading to loss of sensation/function and pain, with a significant impact to patients’ lives. With 50% unsuccessful nerve repair procedures, patients require prolonged rehabilitation, and 30% of them experience permanent disability, producing a high socio-economic burden. KLISBio has developed SILKBridge, a novel cost-effective nerve guide made of silk fibroin for safe and efficient peripheral nerve repair. KLISBio’s solution, clinically tested with a first in human (FIH) study, supports and protects the regenerating nerve from compressive forces, restoring its function, and reducing pain without patient discomfort. SILKBridge enhances nerve healing without immune rejection nor fibrosis, reducing the costs of rehabilitation and prolonged surgeries.