Computational Adaptive Optics

The primary objective was to validate CAO and prove that there is a need in the market for this teknology. The secondary goal was to improve CAOs quality and speed, and conclude how/if we protect the technology through a patent/black-box approach. Norinnova har during the project period worked on contacting industry partners to validate the technology’s value for both distributors and customers. We have particularly gathered interest from a British company and a Dutch company. Additionally, we have been in dialogue with distributors in Norway and Sweden. The industry has shared raw data of images taken with their microscopes (confocal microscopes) that have been processed by UiT to validate the technology. Norinnova and UiT have also been in close dialogue with patent attorneys to carefully evaluate and proceed with a patent filing to protect the unique method CAO uses to process images. This route was chosen due to the risk of "reverse engineering" and the potential exposure of CAO as a commercial product without patent protection. Thanks to the project, the technology has generated interest in the industry while proving its potential on directly relevant data. Furthermore, the technology has achieved what we believe is a strong basis for protection through a patent. The commercialization of CAO is now in a much stronger position for success.

Begge oppfinnerne har utviklet deres kompetanse innen kommersialisering av forskning. Spesielt når det gjelder eierskap og IP for ikke-fysisk innovasjon. Begge har blitt involvert sammen med Norinnova for dialog med industri, og samtlige har utviklet sin erfaring for samarbeid med internasjonal industrielle aktører. CAO har gjennom prosjektet blitt presentert til relevante aktører for det europeiske og amerikanske markedet. Vi har nå validert teknologien og vil i fremtiden sikte mot et kommersielt produkt som vil produsere den potensielle impacten.