The Pomeranian Economic Griffin in the Pomeranian Start-Up category went to NaNoEXPO - Next Generation Therapeutics, a spin-off company cooperating with the University of Gdańsk. Gryffin is an award for Pomeranian companies that set new trends and desired economic directions, contributing to the development of the entire region.

'We are invariably delighted by the success of spin-off companies associated with the University. This always confirms that research focused on the needs of the economy and society has been and continues to be carried out at the University and that scientists are successfully coping with the formal challenges of knowledge commercialisation and technology transfer and excelling in market competition. We congratulate the entire NaNoEXPO team on the award,' says Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Development dr hab. Sylwia Mrozowska, prof. UG.

The Economic Griffin is one of the most important awards in the Pomeranian business community. It has been awarded since 2000 jointly by economic self-government organisations and the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. It can be awarded to entrepreneurs whose activities particularly contribute to the region's development, set new trends in business, and are a model and inspiration for others.

This year, the distinction in the Pomeranian Start-Up category went to a spin-off company of the University of Gdańsk - NaNoExpo, whose president is Ms. Beata Gromadzka. NaNoExpo is a biotechnology start-up, the core of which is a highly qualified research staff in the fields of biotechnology, bioengineering, molecular biology, virology, cell culture and toxicology, as well as a broad network of scientific contacts, which allows for an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to research and services. The services and R&D solutions offered by NaNoExpo include bioengineering of customised biological nanostructures (exposure of selected epitopes/peptides on the surface of nanostructures). In addition, the company designs and manufactures virus-like particles (VLPs) and offers a wide range of toxicology, virology and molecular biology assays using the latest methods and equipment. In addition, the company has extensive experience in designing antigens for vaccination and producing polyclonal antibodies.

In recent years, the winners of the Pomeranian Economic Griffin have repeatedly been companies managed by graduates and employees of the University of Gdańsk:

• Laureate: Iglotex S.A. Skórcz, President Maciej Włodarczyk (2022)
• Laureate: Port Lotniczy Gdańsk Sp. z o. o., president Tomasz Kloskowski (2022)
• Winner: Korporacja Budowlana Doraco Sp. Z o. o., president Angelika Cieślowska (2022)
• Winner: Omida Capital Group, president Bartłomiej Glinka (2022)
• Winner: CHRONOSPACE SP. z o. o., president Rafał Lewkowicz (2021)
• Laureate: Portman Lights sp. Z o. o., president Dominik Zimakowski (2020)
• Laureate: QSAR Lab sp. z o. o., president Tomasz Puzyn (2020)

The University of Gdańsk has been helping spin-off companies founded by UG employees for years thanks to the special purpose vehicle Univentum Labs Sp. z o.o., established in 2014. Univentum Labs deals with the commercialisation of the results of scientific research and development work, in particular with the acquisition of shares in capital companies or the creation of capital companies that are established to implement the results of scientific research or development work carried out at the University of Gdańsk. In addition, the company handles various orders from external entities addressed to research staff at the University of Gdańsk.

This year, a record number of 116 applications were submitted for the Economic Griffin competition. They were assessed by representatives of the Pomeranian Business Council, i.e. people involved in business on a daily basis. The applications were also analysed by the leading consulting institution PwC, the competition's substantive partner. By the chapter's decision, 32 finalists were selected, with ten statuettes and 22 distinctions presented. The finalists included leaders of innovation, export, investment, competence development, green transformation, Pomeranian Start-Up, and a business-friendly municipality.

The gala of the 24th edition of the competition took place on Friday, September 15, on the 34th floor of the Olivia Centre office building. It was preceded by a debate addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy and labour market.