Prof. Daniel Ruiz-Molina and Dr Claudio Roscini Receive the Honourable Mention of the Durán Farell Award 2024

by Chema Arcos

Their awarded technology offers innovative solutions for anti-counterfeiting, smart windows, and other cutting-edge applications.

CSIC Prof. Daniel Ruiz-Molina and Dr Claudio Roscini, group leader and senior researcher of the ICN2 Nanostructured Functional Materials Group, respectively, have received the Honourable Mention in the prestigious Durán Farell Award for Technological Research 2024, presented by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). Established by the Durán Farell Foundation, the award focuses on projects that significantly impact society and contribute to technological advancement in various sectors. The researchers received this recognition for their pioneering project on "Photochromeless Photochromism: New Venues for Industrial Applications." The award ceremony was held at the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB).

The technology that was awarded was developed in collaboration between ICN2, CSIC, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, UAB (Prof. Jordi Hernando and Dr Jaume Otaegui) and it was granted a patent in 2019. This is a disruptive solution based on nanomaterials that can change their optical properties (such as light absorption and emission) without the limitations of conventional light-responsive photochromic materials. This revolutionary technology has potential applications in areas such as smart windows that self-regulate sunlight transmittance through the glass, anti-counterfeiting security inks, and advanced ocular prostheses.

The researchers have created a new spin-off company, Distinkt S.L, to commercialise the technology for use in anti-counterfeiting security inks, while Futurechromes S.L., a previously created spinoff focusing on developing photochromic nanomaterials for products such as glass for buildings, or eyewear (lenses), sees the potentiality of this patented technology in its fields of interest. These applications have demonstrated significant industrial and commercial potential.

This award confirms the Group's success in technology transfer and its ability to develop solutions with social and economic impact.