FAST-TRACK COVID-19 for enterprises

Argo System has launched the second call for the submission of research, development and innovation projects

The “FAST-TRACK COVID-19” call for submissions launched by Argo System and Area Science Park has now extended to enterprises for research, development and innovation projects. The call has been promoted within the ARGO System’s Genomics and Epigenomics Platform with the support of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region, the Ministry of University and Research and the Ministry of Economic Development.

The call for submissions is addressed to SMEs and large companies that may have an interest in using a latest-generation platform that includes a high-processivity sequencer as well as the “Orfeo” Data Centre, which are engineered to provide advanced computing and data analysis services in the field of genomics and other domains.

The innovation and research projects submitted should concern:

Innovation and research of technology in the medical-healthcare field with special reference to: medical diagnostics and prognosis (equipment for diagnosis that comply with the requested standards in terms of reliability and components and materials designed for diagnostics and prognosis); anti-viral therapeutic strategies (validation of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of antiviral medications, nano-biotechnological constructs, vaccines and antibody strategic approaches).

Innovation and research of data-driven technology/equipment with special reference to: artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning techniques for predictive models on the spread and/or course of the disease or, more in general, on the data connected with the current epidemiological emergency; systems for the access, extraction and data mining of large multi-omics data banks to promote the sharing and the use of the available scientific information on the disease.

Overall, the call for submissions covers funds amounting to €400,000, which will be divided between the projects submitted through the Fast Track Call for research projects (extended to 30 September 2020) and the projects submitted by enterprises, which have a deadline expiring on 30 November 2020.