Světelný systém pro zachování kvalit sklizeného ovoce, zeleniny a dalších rostlinných produktů.

Irská společnost vyvinula, otestovala a patentovala světelnou technologie, která zachovává a zlepšuje vlastnosti a kvality ovoce a zeleniny po sklizni a během přepravy k finálnímu zákazníkovi.
Technologie má specifické aplikace v oblastech skladování, převozu a chlazení potravin, květin, atd.
Společnost nabízí tuto technologii formou licence a spoluprací s jinými společnostmi za účelem komercializace a vývoje nových aplikací této technologie.

Description:
The company have developed a LED lighting system for food storage and display applications. They have scientifically proved that exposure of harvested plant materials, including fruit and vegetables, to the developed lighting system activates photo-oxidative light based responses. These responses in turn improve the taste, nutrient and vitamin levels, and appearance of the produce.
The company have developed their initial product offering which is targeted at domestic/commercial refrigeration applications.

The company have however identified numerous other potential commercial opportunities for their patented technology and knowhow. These opportunities would include the immediate areas of refrigeration, transport and display of harvested food products and flowers. They also see opportunities for the technology in very specific applications with particular plant products. An example of this could be to use the technology to optimise the condition of specific plant materials for the extraction of active materials or prior to further processing operations (eg extraction of active ingredients for medicinal or food use, flavouring etc).

The company believe the core technology could be “tuned” to maximise the benefits for specific plant materials in process applications.
The company are primarily a process/product development company rather than a product manufacturer and as such they are interested in engaging with manufacturing companies with a presence in particular markets. The intention would be to engage with these companies through license, collaboration or partnership arrangements to develop applications for their technologies for mutual benefit.
Innovations and advantages of the offer
The technology has been shown to improve the quality of and optimise the taste and nutritional value of harvested plant, fruit and vegetable products.

It is viewed as a simple, effective, economical and environmental solution to the provision of enhanced storage conditions for these types of produce.

The process is an alternative to the use of chemical based preservative options.

The main benefits of this technology lie in the effects on the produce exposed to these light sources. Specific benefits include:
- Improved taste, reduced astringency
- Improved appearance of produce
- Increased shelf life
- Reduced microbial levels
- Food nutrient and vitamin levels increased
- Reduced food wastage
- Potentially higher price due to improved quality
- The potential to allow certain produce to be harvested at less than ideal
times and still be of high quality when presented to the end user.

Current and Potential Domain of Application:
This technology has numerous potential application areas and markets. Deployment of the technology in refrigeration units or commercial refrigerated display units would be an obvious partner market area for example.

Other identified possibilities could include any transport or storage application involving fruit, vegetables, cut flowers etc.
Finally companies processing or extracting materials from plant materials may wish to explore the possibilities of using the technology for optimisation the plant condition prior to processing.

List of Keywords:
Technology
Technologies for the food industry
Market
Food and Beverages
Transportation
Manufacturing

Further Information (Technical Details Concerning the Profile):
The technology itself is well tested and proven and the first systems targeting the refrigeration, storage and display applications are available. The deployment of these in refrigeration units by suitable partner companies for example could be completed without difficulty. The company would also be keen to work with companies on more specific applications of the technology involving some development work or modification of the core technology to suit specific requirements.

Current Stage of Development:
Already on the market

Collaboration Type:
License Agreement
Financial Resources
Joint further development
Testing of new applications
Adaptation to specific needs

Comments:
- Type of partner sought:
The partner company / companies would be either involved directly in the handling, transport or processing of plant materials or be a manufacturer of equipment used in these activities.

- Specific area of activity of the partner:
The partner would be expected to deploy or incorporate the core technology for use with their equipment or activities under a license or suitable partnership agreement.

- Task to be performed by the partner sought:
The developer of the company would work closely with the partner to adapt the technology to the desired application.

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