#TechTransfer

[adalidda]

Unlocking the Potential of Cocoa By-Products in West Africa: A Call for Investment, Innovation, and Experience Sharing 

Cocoa is far more than the key ingredient in chocolate; it is a source of untapped economic potential that could revolutionize industries beyond confectionery. As the world’s largest cocoa producer, Ivory Coast, alongside other West African nations such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, stands at the crossroads of an opportunity to maximize the value of cocoa by-products. These materials, currently considered waste in many cases, could create entirely new industries in food, cosmetics, and beyond. 

However, to fully unlock this potential, it will require a unified effort from global investors, local entrepreneurs, governments, and innovators willing to share their knowledge and experience. 

The Untapped Wealth of Cocoa By-Products 

Cocoa processing generates a variety of by-products, most of which are discarded or underutilized, including: 

1. Cocoa Husks and Shells: These are often discarded but are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, making them suitable for cocoa tea, flour, or natural exfoliants in skincare products. 

2. Cocoa Pulp (Mucilage): This sweet, nutrient-rich substance is traditionally left to ferment with the beans but can be repurposed into juices, syrups, alcoholic beverages, and natural hydrating agents for cosmetics. 

3. Cocoa Butter and Cocoa Powder: While cocoa butter is widely used in chocolate and skincare products, the potential to use surplus or low-grade cocoa powder in cosmetics and functional foods remains underexplored. 

4. Cocoa Pod Husks: These husks are often used as compost, but they can be processed into flour for baking or feed for livestock. 

5. Cocoa Wastewater: Frequently discarded, this by-product could be fermented into food additives or repurposed for use in eco-friendly cosmetics. 

Current Landscape in West Africa 

West Africa produces about 70% of the world’s cocoa, with Ivory Coast leading as the largest producer. Despite this dominance, the region primarily exports raw cocoa beans and only captures a fraction of the value generated in the global cocoa value chain. Most by-products are either discarded or used in low-value applications like composting or animal feed. 

Cocoa Husks and Shells: In rural Ivory Coast and Ghana, husks are commonly composted or burned. While there have been pilot projects to produce cocoa husk tea and flour, they remain at the experimental stage. 

Cocoa Pulp: This valuable by-product is largely unexploited, though small-scale initiatives in Ghana are producing cocoa pulp juice and wine. 

Cocoa Butter: While widely exported, little is retained locally for value addition in cosmetics or functional foods. 

Cocoa Pod Husks: Research institutions are exploring their use for flour and animal feed, but commercial uptake is limited. 

Success Stories: Experiences from Innovators 

Several entrepreneurs and organizations in West Africa and beyond are pioneering efforts to unlock the value of cocoa by-products. These success stories can inspire further investment and innovation: 

Case Study: Cocoa Tea in Ghana 

A Ghanaian startup has successfully launched cocoa tea made from husks. The product is marketed as a rich source of antioxidants and dietary fiber. The founders shared that sourcing raw material was easy due to the abundance of discarded husks at processing facilities. However, they emphasized the need for advanced drying and packaging technology to meet international standards. 

Case Study: Cocoa Pod Flour in Ivory Coast 

In Ivory Coast, a small agribusiness is producing pod husk flour for use in bread and pastries. The founder reported that local bakeries have embraced the product due to its cost-effectiveness and nutritional value. However, scaling up has been challenging due to limited processing equipment. 

Case Study: Cosmetics in Nigeria 

A Nigerian entrepreneur has developed a line of skincare products using cocoa butter and shell extracts. The business grew rapidly by targeting health-conscious consumers in Europe and North America. The founder highlighted the importance of collaborating with local farmers and accessing training on extraction techniques from international partners. 

Lessons from Brazil 

Brazil, a major agricultural producer, has successfully repurposed agricultural by-products into high-value products. For example, Brazil’s experience with sugarcane bagasse (used for bioenergy and bioplastics) can serve as a model for repurposing cocoa by-products in West Africa. Brazilian companies have also invested heavily in fermentation technology, which could be adapted to create cocoa pulp-based beverages. 

A Call to Action 

Why Invest in Cocoa By-Products? 

Cocoa by-products represent an untapped revenue stream for West Africa, offering opportunities for: 

Economic Growth: Creating new industries and jobs across the value chain. 

Sustainability: Reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. 

Meeting Global Demand: Responding to the rising demand for natural, sustainable, and functional ingredients in food and cosmetics. 

What Is Needed? 

1. Investment in Processing Facilities 

   To scale up the production of by-products, the region needs modern facilities to process cocoa husks, pulp, shells, and other materials. 

2. Technology Transfer 

   Partnerships with international firms can bring advanced technology and expertise to West Africa, enabling efficient processing and value addition. 

3. Training and Capacity Building 

   Farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers need training on innovative uses for cocoa by-products and access to knowledge-sharing platforms. 

4. Research and Development 

   Governments and universities should fund R&D projects to explore new applications for cocoa by-products. 

5. Public-Private Partnerships 

   Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and businesses can help create an ecosystem that supports innovation. 

The Road Ahead 

West Africa's cocoa industry stands on the brink of a remarkable transformation. With strategic investments and robust knowledge-sharing initiatives, by-products once regarded as waste can be repurposed into the cornerstone of flourishing industries. As local entrepreneurs pioneer innovative products and global companies seek sustainably sourced ingredients, this creates an unparalleled opportunity to drive economic growth, enhance farmer livelihoods, and promote environmental sustainability.

The time to act is now. By investing in the potential of cocoa by-products, businesses can lead the move toward a more sustainable and inclusive cocoa value chain. Ivory Coast, Ghana, and other cocoa-producing nations have the resources and talent to lead this revolution. What they need is the support of the global business community to make it a reality. 

Let’s turn cocoa waste into wealth for all Africans.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and learned something new and useful from it. If you did, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in Agriculture and Agribusiness.

Mr. Kosona Chriv

Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

Solina / Sahel Agri-Sol Group (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Deko Group (Nigeria, Cambodia)

Photo: Cosmetic cream using low-grade cocoa powder as ingredient (AI-generated Image)

[shreejeet]

🚀🏥 IIT Delhi Advances Healthcare Technology! 🏥🚀

Exciting news from IIT Delhi! The institute has made significant strides in healthcare with two groundbreaking tech transfers that promise to revolutionize patient care.

🔹 What’s New:

Innovative Technologies: New advancements aimed at improving diagnostics and treatment 🧪

Tech Transfers: Bringing cutting-edge solutions from the lab to real-world applications 🔬

Enhanced Care: Promises to boost healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes 🌟

These innovations are set to transform healthcare and bring us closer to a healthier future! 🌍

💬 What are your thoughts on these advancements? Share your excitement and thoughts!

#HealthcareInnovation #TechTransfer #IITDelhi #MedicalTechnology #FutureOfHealth #Breakthroughs

[renatoferreiradasilva]

Overcoming Technological Inequality: Towards an Equitable Future

Technological inequality is a complex phenomenon rooted in intertwined histories of unequal development, exploitation, and limited access to resources. Historically, countries in the Global North have led the way in terms of scientific and technological knowledge, robust educational infrastructure, and substantial investments in research and development (R&D). Meanwhile, many nations in the Global South struggle to keep pace, facing significant socio-economic and political barriers.

The legacy of colonialism and exploitation has left deep scars on the Global South, perpetuating technological dependence and limiting its capacity for innovation. Unequal trade policies have further favored Global North countries, hindering the economic and technological development of developing nations. Political instability, armed conflicts, and corruption have been additional obstacles to progress, creating a challenging environment for investment in technology and economic development.

However, despite these challenges, there is hope for overcoming this technological inequality and building a more equitable future. A multifaceted approach is needed, starting with investment in education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and in research and development in priority areas for the Global South. This is crucial for developing qualified human capital and driving local innovation.

Facilitating technology transfer and promoting collaboration between North and South Global countries is essential for accelerating the technological development of developing nations. This may include knowledge-sharing agreements, partnerships between universities and research institutions, and international cooperation programs.

Developing effective public policies is also crucial. This means encouraging local innovation, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring universal access to technology. Investing in robust digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet access and reliable communication networks, is critical for connecting the Global South to the global digital economy and enabling equitable access to digital opportunities.

Furthermore, actively involving civil society, local communities, and minority groups in the technological development process is important. This ensures that their needs and perspectives are considered, contributing to the creation of more inclusive and relevant technological solutions.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and startups is another important way to drive technological development. Providing financial support and mentorship, creating innovation ecosystems, and promoting social entrepreneurship can help stimulate the creation of companies that address the specific needs of the Global South.

In summary, overcoming technological inequality requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves education, research, technology transfer, public policy development, digital infrastructure, civil society empowerment, and entrepreneurship promotion. Only then can we move towards a truly equitable and inclusive future.

[garcia-smith]

TechTransfer - Technology Transfer Consultants

Technology transfer consultants are professionals who specialize in facilitating the exchange of technological knowledge, innovations, and expertise between organizations or industries. These consultants play a crucial role in helping companies leverage their intellectual property and innovative solutions, turning them into viable commercial products or services.

[cliffpavlovic]

AUTM 2022 Canadian Region Meeting in Montreal (May 17-18). My first in-person conference in over 2 years (due to the pandemic). Great to advance my knowledge in the domain of tech transfer as well as reconnect with others in the field (without the use of video conferencing software 🙂). #conference #workshops #meeting #autm @autm #event #technology #techtransfer #knowledge #sharing #commercialization #networking #networkingevent #people #montreal #quebec #canada #mtl #mtlmoment (at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtHvKLLRGV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mxdmanis]

Startup NASA Series 06.15.2022 Today members of the 2021 Tech Center Research Park Science Technology Transfer Program (TCRP STANP) Cohort, from just nine months ago, "Techtonic 3D" are moving their company forward with the licensing of NASA Technology are presenting today at 2PM - https://technology.nasa.gov/virtual-event/startup-nasa-series-techtonic-3d - Free: Registration Required. _______________________ 2022 Cohort - NEXT UP We spent a week-long 2022 Accelerator Session 1 (June 6 - 11) in Newport News, VA, at TCRP STANP with the most dynamic and diverse cohort of 30+ participants from around the United States, HBCUs, MSIs, and other schools, including alumni. The 2022 cohort members range in age from 19 to 74, with the mean being in the late 30s, and 3/4's of the cohort are African-American women. Everyone has fantastic ideas in areas related to but not limited to food production, water purification, infrastructure repair, wearable tech in clothing, energy production, housing affordability, health, etc. We are entering Session 2 with this cohort that will run through mid-September. We are supporting the NASA Tech Commercialization Program to get NASA patented technology into the hands of entrepreneurs who want to solve pressing problems facing our world and have a high likelihood of bringing their ideas and NASA Technology to market. Today's presentation is an example of how our team helps move ideas to implementation. #vctc #nasa #vtcrc #ili360 #mirialiti #leanstartup #newportnews #liquidstudios360 #t2x #TCRP #commercialization #Entrepreneurship #hampton #von #techtransfer #startup #hbcu #msi https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce0-Lk5LJNG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[acsec]

after the application for European Patent last year (01/06/21), we already got notice for the first tranche of the prime 😅 and last 01/06/22, the application for international patent (PCT) had been filed 💙🤍❤️ i still have another invention that is currently being studied by our regional technology transfer office, hoping it’ll pass the initial search 🤞🏽😉 patent/brevet bilan: 1 EP filed, Examination result: new in Europe and have inventive steps, interested companies identified 1 PCT filed, examination started 1 invention under examination by regional tech transfer office #amazingadventuresofbeaujethro #invention #inventor #patent #brevet #intellectualproperty #scientist #science #research #researcher #technology #techtransfer (at Nice, France) https://www.instagram.com/p/CelweJQNNtI/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sprreviews]

National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11 to highlight the achievements of engineers and scientists in the field of technology and science. The day acts as a reminder of the country's technological advancements. @spr_reviews follow for more latest world's updates. Extra Knowledge 🧐 × Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. × Udupi Ramachandra Rao was an Indian space scientist and chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. #nationaltechnologyday #techtravelingtripod #technologyday #international #spacescientist #aerospacescientist #aerospaceengineering #firstmobile #nokiaringo #firstcomputer #techtransfer #technologytrends #technology #revolution #factsoflife #facts‼️ #indiangentlemen #genius #firstcamera #india #indias #happierthanever #apjabdulkalam #udaipur #development #growthmindset #extraextra #tech #daytrading #indianhistory (at Technology) https://www.instagram.com/p/COus7fJpFLr/?igshid=sml4gi2sp7w4

[nasa]

10 “Spinoffs of Tomorrow” You Can License for Your Business

The job of the our Technology Transfer Program is pretty straight-forward – bring NASA technology down to Earth. But, what does that actually mean? We’re glad you asked! We transfer the cool inventions NASA scientists develop for missions and license them to American businesses and entrepreneurs. And that is where the magic happens: those business-savvy licensees then create goods and products using our NASA tech. Once it hits the market, it becomes a “NASA Spinoff.”

If you’re imagining that sounds like a nightmare of paperwork and bureaucracy, think again. Our new automated “ATLAS” system helps you license your tech in no time — online and without any confusing forms or jargon.

So, sit back and browse this list of NASA tech ripe for the picking (well, licensing.) When you find something you like, follow the links below to apply for a license today! You can also browse the rest of our patent portfolio - full of hundreds of available technologies – by visiting technology.nasa.gov.

1. Soil Remediation with Plant-Fungal Combinations

Ahh, fungus. It’s fun to say and fun to eat—if you are a mushroom fan. But, did you know it can play a crucial role in helping trees grow in contaminated soil? Scientists at our Ames Research Center discovered that a special type of the fungus among us called “Ectomycorrhizal” (or EM for short) can help enhance the growth of trees in areas that have been damaged, such as those from oil spills.

2. Preliminary Research Aerodynamic Design to Lower Drag

When it comes to aircraft, drag can be, well…a drag. Luckily, innovators at our Armstrong Flight Research Center are experimenting with a new wing design that removes adverse yaw (or unwanted twisting) and dramatically increases aircraft efficiency by reducing drag. Known as the “Preliminary Research Aerodynamic Design to Lower Drag (PRANDTL-D)” wing, this design addresses integrated bending moments and lift to achieve drag reduction.

3. Advancements in Nanomaterials

What do aircraft, batteries, and furniture have in common? They can ALL be improved with our nanomaterials.  Nanomaterials are very tiny materials that often have unique optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Innovators at NASA’s Glenn Research Center have developed a suite of materials and methods to optimize the performance of nanomaterials by making them tougher and easier to process. This useful stuff can also help electronics, fuel cells and textiles.

4. Green Precision Cleaning

Industrial cleaning is hard work. It can also be expensive when you have to bring in chemicals to get things squeaky. Enter “Green Precision Cleaning,” which uses the nitrogen bubbles in water instead. The bubbles act as a scrubbing agent to clean equipment. Goddard Space Flight Center scientists developed this system for cleaning tubing and piping that significantly reduces cost and carbon consumption. Deionized water (or water that has been treated to remove most of its mineral ions) takes the place of costlier isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and also leaves no waste, which cuts out the pricey process of disposal. The cleaning system quickly and precisely removes all foreign matter from tubing and piping.

5. Self-Contained Device to Isolate Biological Samples

When it comes to working in space, smaller is always better. Innovators at our Johnson Space Center have developed a self-contained device for isolating microscopic materials like DNA, RNA, proteins, and cells without using pipettes or centrifuges. Think of this technology like a small briefcase full of what you need to isolate genetic material from organisms and microorganisms for analysis away from the lab. The device is also leak-proof, so users are protected from chemical hazards—which is good news for astronauts and Earth-bound scientists alike.

6. Portable, Rapid, Quiet Drill

When it comes to “bringing the boom,” NASA does it better than anyone. But sometimes, we know it’s better to keep the decibels low. That’s why innovators at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have developed a new handheld drilling device, suitable for a variety of operations, that is portable, rapid and quiet. Noise from drilling operations often becomes problematic because of the location or time of operations. Nighttime drilling can be particularly bothersome and the use of hearing protection in the high-noise areas may be difficult in some instances due to space restrictions or local hazards. This drill also weighs less than five pounds – talk about portable power.  

7. Damage Detection System for Flat Surfaces

The ability to detect damage to surfaces can be crucial, especially on a sealed environment that sustains human life or critical equipment. Enter Kennedy Space Center’s damage detection system for flat composite surfaces. The system is made up of layered composite material, with some of those layers containing the detection system imbedded right in. Besides one day potentially keeping humans safe on Mars, this tech can also be used on aircrafts, military shelters, inflatable structures and more.

8. Sucrose-Treated Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Yarns and Sheets

We all know what a spoonful of sugar is capable of. But, who knew it could help make some materials stronger? Innovators at NASA’s Langley Research Center did! They use dehydrated sucrose to create yarns and woven sheets of carbon nanotubes and graphene.

The resulting materials are lightweight and strong. Sucrose is inexpensive and readily available, making the process cost-effective. Makes you look at the sweet substance a little differently, doesn’t it?

9. Ultrasonic Stir Welding

NASA scientists needed to find a way to friction weld that would be gentler on their welding equipment. Meet our next tech, ultrasonic stir welding.

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center engineers developed ultrasonic stir welding to join large pieces of very high-strength, high-melting-temperature metals such as titanium and Inconel. The addition of ultrasonic energy reduces damaging forces to the stir rod (or the piece of the unit that vibrates so fast, it joins the welding material together), extending its life. The technology also leaves behind a smoother, higher-quality weld.

10. A Field Deployable PiezoElectric Gravimeter (PEG)

It’s important to know that the fuel pumping into rockets has remained fully liquid or if a harmful chemical is leaking out of its container. But each of those things, and the many other places sensors are routinely used, tends to require a specially designed, one-use device.

That can result in time-consuming and costly cycles of design, test and build, since there is no real standardized sensor that can be adapted and used more widely.

To meet this need, the PiezoElectric Gravimeter (PEG) was developed to provide a sensing system and method that can serve as the foundation for a wide variety of sensing applications.

See anything your business could use? Did anything inspire you to start your own company? If so, head to our website at technology.nasa.gov to check them out.

When you’ve found what you need, click, “Apply Now!” Our licensing system, ATLAS, will guide you through the rest.

If the items on this round-up didn’t grab you, that’s ok, too. We have hundreds of other technologies available and ready to license on our website.

And if you want to learn more about the technologies already being used all around you, visit spinoff.nasa.gov.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com

[goodip-blog]

We Provide Innovative Technologies with Ideas

There can be many headaches that come with modern software solutions, but a good partnership with a strong technology support company can ensure that your business IT solutions are running smoothly. If you're a business that is due for an upgrade, don't let lack of technical knowledge or the fear of the unknown deter you from capitalizing on all the ways these new innovations can improve your business.

Patentsforsale:

First, you need to choose how you want to sell your patent. Once you have aristocracy a clear, benefit-driven presentation, the final step is to make the pitch. Generally, you will find a business development mailing address or e-mail address on the company website. Rights but grant someone else the licensee the right to make something based on the Patentsforsale.

Tech transfer:

The practice of technology transmission cans greatly assistance an organization. The sharing of technology between two or more organizations. Usually, one organisation has developed a new technology as Tech transfer and licenses it to the other organization, whose goal is to commercialize that technology. For instance, a university who has developed a new technology may license that technology to businesses so that the businesses can develop the new technology into a product, process, application, or service.

Patent Kaufen:

Utility patent the way in which any invention works or is used. However, this is granted only after proper application and verification is done. Anyone who invents new and useful methods or products can apply for patent. Utility Patent Kaufen can be provisional and non-provisional. Patent filing is a legal procedure and involves patience and following accurate procedure.

[justwannaquilt]

Covid-19 Masks: Executive Director of Tech Transfer @ Tulane, John Christie explains it all

[babyawacs]

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.@japan .@china #china youhave a bigproblem. west changed back to not allowing you dominance overthe keys theygaveyou and switchedbackto blockbuilding against you+brics this maybe noticable atsomepoint the us felt atwarwithyouforalongtime idonot know how the techtransfers andtrade changes inthis weather from gotten weird to now somewhatdemystified principally themore critical the technology…