A tech deep dive into The Innovations Powering PGF Launchpad

In part two of our PGF Launchpad Test-net campaign series we will be doing a deep dive into the impact projects featured on the platform and their real world impact applications applications. 

Date
March 11, 2024

A tech deep dive into The Innovations Powering PGF Launchpad

According to reports from 2023, worldwide R&D funding allocated to sustainable technology innovation was less than 5%. This is largely due to the VC dominated funding model for innovative start-ups that picks winners rather than funding projects based on their merits. Additionally as stated in part one of the series that up to 83% European Union University lab innovations fail to be funded and never to get market due to the current VC hegemony in the technology start-up venture industry. 

The PGF Launchpad aims to solve these problems by dis-intermediating VCs and crowdsourcing the funding directly from Web3 retail investors. The basket investment feature ensures that impact projects are funded equally and fairly while the PIPE the Lab to IPO platform’s QED process ensures projects receive capital based on their merits including societal impact, environmental impact and commercial viability. Our path way de-risks and democratises access to early stage impact investment for web3 retail investors, breaking down VC funding hierarchies and levelling the playing field.

 

Deep Dive Look at the Technology Behind the Platform

Now let’s take a deeper look into the real world impact inventions on the PGF Launchpad test-net and their potential applications. There are currently four impact projects featured on the test-net including :

  • Glucose-derived polymers - a sugar based plastic that is stronger, biodegradable and able to be recycle unlike traditional plastic bags made from fossil fuels  

  • DNA origami-based electromagnetic materials - bio based nano-tech materials that could be used in military industries , construction and renewable energy

 

  • Advanced seismic detection - this device has ability to spot potential earthquakes in real time

  • Microfluidic devices for stem cell research - this innovation tests the fitness of red blood cells giving valuable insights that could aid in developing better health treatments 

Revolutionise the World with Glucose-Derived Polymers

Imagine a world where sustainability is not just a goal but a reality. That world is closer than you think, thanks to the ground-breaking innovation of glucose-derived polymers. These marvels of science, crafted from the renewable bounty of glucose, boast a combination of strength, durability, and flexibility that can stand the test of time—without costing the earth. What sets them apart is their unique ability to be recycled over and over again without losing their integrity, promising a future of minimal waste and maximal reuse.

From Packaging to Skyscrapers: A Sustainable Transformation

- Packaging:
Wave goodbye to the plastic crisis. These polymers offer a solution that's not just tough and protective but also kind to the planet, decomposing seamlessly back into nature.

- Construction:
Envision buildings and infrastructure that tread lightly on the earth, made possible by materials that offer a sustainable alternative without compromise.

- Transportation:
Lighter vehicles mean greener journeys. These polymers have the potential to revolutionise automotive and aerospace parts, driving us toward a more fuel-efficient future.

- Medical Marvels:
Imagine medical devices and implants that are as safe for the environment as they are for our bodies, thanks to biocompatible polymers that vanish without a trace.

- Fashion Forward:
The textile industry can turn a new, greener leaf with fibres that fight microplastic pollution, all while offering the durability and comfort we demand.


According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, over 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced every year, a figure that glucose-derived polymers could significantly reduce through biodegradability and recycling capabilities.

The global bioplastics market is projected to grow substantially, with the European Bioplastics Association forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 15% over the next five years, indicating a shift towards sustainable polymer solutions.

Challenges to Champion

While the horizon is bright, the path is not without its hurdles. Scaling production, ensuring the polymers break down appropriately in different environments, and standing toe-to-toe with traditional materials in cost and performance are challenges that await. But for those ready to innovate, these obstacles are merely steps on the staircase to a sustainable future.

DNA Origami: The Blueprint of Tomorrow’s Technology

Step into the future with DNA origami-based electromagnetic materials, a ground-breaking fusion of biology and engineering that's set to redefine our world. By manipulating metals at the nanoscale, these materials offer unprecedented control over light, promising a revolution across defence, construction, optics, and beyond.

Transforming Industries with Light

- Defence:
From radar-evading technology to advanced sensors, the applications are as vast as they are game-changing.


- Construction:
Smart windows and buildings that adjust to light and heat, optimising energy use and comfort in real time.


- Optics:
Lenses and filters with abilities beyond current limits, opening new vistas in vision and precision.


- Coatings:
Imagine surfaces that adapt their colour, reduce glare, or boost solar efficiency on demand.


- Energy:
Solar cells and energy storage solutions that could significantly tip the scales in favour of green power.


- Agriculture:
Tailored light for crops, enhancing growth and yield with precision never before possible.

Research published in "Nature Materials" and "Science" has demonstrated the potential of DNA origami in creating nanostructures with precise electromagnetic properties, hinting at applications ranging from improved solar cells to advanced sensors.

Cost-Effectiveness: While specific cost metrics are evolving, the scalability of DNA origami techniques for industrial applications suggests a path towards cost-effective production compared to traditional nanofabrication methods.

Navigating the Future

The path is lined with challenges, from ensuring durability to mastering the complexity of design and integration. Yet, for the pioneers among us, these are but exciting challenges to overcome, paving the way for a world where the manipulation of light crafts a brighter future for all.

Seismic Detection: The Dawn of Disaster Preparedness

With the collaboration between IMDEA Materials and UPM, the future of seismic detection is here. A device capable of capturing the full spectrum of ground movements in real-time promises to transform how we prepare for and respond to natural disasters, safeguarding both lives and infrastructure.

A New Paradigm in Safety and Monitoring

- Early Warning:
Extra seconds can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. This technology promises just that.


- Infrastructure Integrity:
Real-time monitoring of buildings and bridges, offering a chance to prevent disaster before it strikes.


- Volcanic Vigilance:
In the face of volcanic threats, this device offers insights that could save lives and preserve communities.


- Oceanic Oversight:
Protecting undersea infrastructure from unseen seismic threats, ensuring the backbone of our connectivity remains intact.


- Landslide Prediction:
Turning real-time data into life-saving forecasts in areas at risk of landslides.

 A study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) highlights that current early warning systems can provide seconds to tens of seconds of warning before earthquake shaking arrives, a margin that advanced seismic detection technologies aim to increase.

The global structural health monitoring market, as reported by Markets and Markets, is expected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2020 to USD 2.3 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 14.5%, underscoring the importance of advanced monitoring technologies in safeguarding infrastructure.

Challenges to Overcome

The journey ahead involves navigating the complexities of cost-effective deployment, data management, and network security. Yet, these challenges are the seeds of innovation, promising a future where advanced seismic detection stands as a pillar of global safety and preparedness.

Microfluidic Marvels: Pioneering Stem Cell Breakthroughs

Enter the era of microfluidic devices, where the manipulation of blood stem and progenitor cells opens new frontiers in medicine. This device not only measures the impact of compressive stresses but also offers a window into the cells' functional capacities, heralding a new age of therapeutic possibilities.

Revolutionising Medicine, One Cell at a Time

- Transplants:
Enhancing the success of blood stem cell transplants, offering hope where it's most needed.


- Cell Therapy:
Selecting the strongest cells for treatments, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in medicine.


- Drug Discovery:
A deeper dive into how drugs impact stem cell resilience, leading to breakthroughs in treatment.


- Personalised Medicine:
Tailoring treatments to the individual, based on how their stem cells respond to stress.


According to a report by Grand View Research, the global stem cell market size was valued at USD 9.38 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2021 to 2028, reflecting the growing importance of stem cell research and therapies.

Innovation in Cell Therapy: The application of microfluidic devices in cell therapy, particularly in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of stem cell expansion and manipulation, is highlighted in numerous publications in journals such as "Lab on a Chip" and "Biomicrofluidics."

Pathways and Pitfalls

As we march toward clinical application, scalability, cost, and integration into existing medical practices stand as challenges to be met. Yet, these hurdles are stepping stones on the path to a future where stem cell research and therapy redefine healing and health.

For the visionaries, the early adopters, the dreamers, and the doers, these technologies are not just innovations; they're invitations to participate in shaping a future where sustainability, safety, and health are not just ideals, but realities. The future is in our hands, and together, we can turn these potentials into palpable change.

Okay, so now you know the potential real world impact of the technologies on the launchpad but you may want an even deeper dive into precisely how these technologies work. We wish we could share that with you here but these inventions are patentable and need to remain private until they are fully published. We have a work around for you though, you may view the full disclosures by joining the PIPE associate network using on the “Get Involved” visible on each project page for an even deeper dive into the launchpad project’s tech.

Revolutionising Tomorrow, Today: The PGF Launchpad Vision

As we stand on the brink of monumental shifts in sustainability and technology, PGF Launchpad emerges as a beacon of innovation and progress. With our ground-breaking advancements in glucose-derived polymers, DNA origami-based electromagnetic materials, advanced seismic detection, and pioneering microfluidic devices, we are not just envisioning the future; we are actively constructing it. Each innovation, from reducing environmental footprints to enhancing medical breakthroughs and safeguarding infrastructure, represents a step towards a more sustainable, efficient, and safer world.

A Call to Pioneer Together

The journey of PGF Launchpad is not a solitary pursuit but a collective endeavour that beckons the bright minds of investors, researchers, and the global community.

Our platform is a testament to the transformative power of technology when directed towards impactful and sustainable advancements. We stand at a pivotal moment where your involvement can help steer the course of innovation towards meaningful change.

The opportunity to be part of PGF Launchpad is an invitation to contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship, technological breakthroughs, and societal betterment. Together, we have the power to shape a future where technology and sustainability converge to create a world we are proud to pass on to future generations.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

We invite you to dive deeper into the world of PGF Launchpad, where innovation meets impact.

Explore the vast potential of our cutting-edge technologies and see first hand how your engagement can catalyse significant advancements in both the tech landscape and sustainable development. Participate in our beta test to experience the forefront of impact investing and join a community of forward-thinkers, innovators, and change-makers.

Your journey with PGF Launchpad is not just about witnessing the future of technology and sustainability it's about actively creating it. Engage with us, share your insights, and contribute to a platform that's setting new standards for how we invest in, develop, and deploy technologies that matter. Together, let's unlock the full potential of impact investing and pave the way for a future filled with promise, progress, and transformative change.

Discover more about PGF Launchpad, Join Our Beta Test, and become part of the pioneering community shaping the future of impact investing. Your expertise, your vision, and your passion are the keys to unlocking a sustainable future for all. Let's embark on this journey together towards a horizon brimming with possibilities.


Be part of the change. Be part of PGF Launchpad.