• Funding Institution:FONDECYT

• Amount: 490,070.00 PEN

• PI UTEC : Dr. Emir Vela (evela@utec.edu.pe)

Highly flexible low-cost robotic system for the rehabilitation of infants from 0 to 6 months affected with spina bifida in Peru

The objective of this project is to design, manufacture and validate a highly flexible (soft and flexible materials) and low-cost robotic system for the rehabilitation of the lower extremities of infants between 0 -6 months affected with spina bifida (myelomeningocele) in Peru.

It is expected for the manufacture of these devices to be carried out with digital manufacturing processes, to make fast and low-cost prototypes, in remote regions of the country that have 3D printing technology.

• Funding Institution:MISTI Program

• Amount: 26,500  USD

• PI UTEC : Dr. Alberto Donayre (adonayre@utec.edu.pe) y Dr.Angela Belcher (MIT USA)

Programmable biomaterials for Bioremediation in Peru using synthetic biology tools

People from rural communities in Peru are exposed to heavy metal contaminants lacking alternatives for bioremediation and cost-effective decontamination solutions. Implementation of effective systems for heavy metal removal would limit and manage exposure to these pollutants. 

The main objective of this project is the implementation of cheap and simple yeast cells as a heavy metal bioremediation system. In addition, a protection of a hydrogel will be included, to produce a ready to be used yeast bioremediation system. 

• Funding Institution: FONDECYT

• Amount : 85,500.00 PEN

• PI UTEC: Dr. Julio Valdivia (jvaldivia@utec.edu.pe)

Design and implementation of a non-invasive wearable system capable of early detection of breast cancer through the use of microwave imaging technology

This project uses electromagnetic waves emitted by micro antennas located in a bra that is easy to put on for the patient, the presence of possible breast tumors is detected based on the dielectric constant that is different compared to healthy tissue. This device emits weak waves and is intended to be used in rural areas or in areas where complex equipment such as mammography does not exist. In this way, the equipment will serve for a rapid detection that alerts the doctor or health personnel to refer the suspected patient to a more specialized health center.

Detection of breast cancer is vital in its early stages and this completely innocuous kit could help in its detection. UTEC and UCSP are on the way to improve this system by developing machine learning tools and artificial intelligence algorithms.

• Funding Institution: FOREST TRENDS

• Amount: 15,000 USD

• PI: Dr. Pedro Rau (prau@utec.edu.pe)

Course in identification and formulation of water regulation ecosystem service recovery projects

Capacity building project for decision makers within the framework of the Natural Infrastructure for Water Security (INSH) project belonging to the consortium made up of Forest Trends, CONDESAN, SPDA, EcoDecisión and Imperial College London. UTEC – CITA was responsible for preparing and delivering a series of trainings in the modules of identification and formulation of water regulation ecosystem service recovery projects, in conjunction with JS Consultores. Being 14 working groups, including 7 regions of Peru with more than 70 participants trained in mountain hydrology issues and support of technologies for the recovery of water regulation ecosystems.

• Funding Institution: SECOSAN

• Amount: 250,000 USD

• PI: Dra. Mónica Santa María (msantamaria@utec.edu.pe)

Development of an early warning tool based on wastewater monitoring from the sanitation sector

This project aims to develop an early warning tool that allows knowing the incidence of COVID-19 in the towns of Metropolitan Lima, Callao and Metropolitan Arequipa from the determination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater. The project includes the development of a monitoring plan and the constant analysis of wastewater at different monitoring points in primary collectors and wastewater treatment plants. The advantage of this monitoring strategy is that it allows detecting the virus from asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and sick people in a more comprehensive and cost-efficient way.

• Funding Institution: World Bank and Fondecyt

• Amount: 1’058,300 PEN – URL

• PI: Dr. Julio Valdivia (jvaldiviav@utec.edu.pe)

Implementation of a microfluidic device “point of care” (in situ) for the pre-concentration and separation by inertial forces of Plasmodium spp. in infected blood

This project designs and tests a lab-on-a-chip device with a “point of care” function that allows the detection of Malaria in a shorter time and smaller sample volumes than those required by current clinical diagnostic techniques.