Innovation and Technology Center “Prospective Materials” opened at OJSC Research and Production Enterprise “Ref-Optoelectronics” on Dec. 24, 2013. Saratov University scientists presented their inventions to a delegation headed by Gov. V.V. Radaev. Region leaders took part in the opening ceremony, among them Minister of Industry and Energy S.M. Lisovski, Saratov Region Duma deputy, CEO of OJSC Research and Production Enterprise “Ref-Optoelectronics” A.D. Sidorenko, President of Saratov Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry M.A. Fateev, vice-president of Skolkovo Fund V.F. Kolesnikov, representatives of the Foundation for Prospective Studies and others.

The honored guests had a tour around the Center and saw production area and nano-materials laboratory. The Center develops and produces electrospinned polymer nanofiber barrier materials. The delegation saw a production unit of polymer nanofibers used in medicine and surface oil pickup. New advanced technology is used in other industries as well, e.g. filters.

When opening the Center, L.Yu. Kossovich mentioned cutting-edge technology like developing electrospinning nanofiber technology that is developed here. It has wide application area ranging from medicine to fine filtration systems.

Yu.E. Salkovski, chair of electrospinning department at Education and Research Institute of Nanostructures and Biosystems presented unique chitosan-based adhesive bandage produced at the Center. It has antibacterial layer, helps heeling and protects the skin. It is produced using Italian equipment that has no alternatives in Russia.

At the later meeting the delegation members discussed regional innovation industry development.

Gov. V.V. Radaev said that Saratov University innovations help to develop industrial potential of the region. In his opinion the Center is a unique institution equipped with cutting-edge technology and its capacity has to be used effectively. It is very important for young specialists and experienced researchers to explore new areas. We have to reach a higher level of production up to working with Ministry of Defense.

L.Yu. Kossovich noticed that this is the third innovation center in SSU that has helped to establish a new industry. SSU produces wound dressing, medical wear and respirator masks. SSU nanofiber products surpass their counterparts. Yu.E. Salkovski shoved materials used for their production.

CEO of Saratov Burn Center N.V. Ostrovski highlighted the importance of wound dressing made in SSU that helps healing burns without cicatrization.

Head of the Foundation for Prospective Studies project group S.M. Alekseev told about the Foundation work. Its main goal is to help the development of research and innovations with high results and application in the defense industry. The Foundation determines research areas, designs and brings to life promising projects. He thinks polymer electrospinning technology is an attractive and exciting research area that can create unique materials and new safety products. The Foundation has determined several collaboration areas with SSU and plans to open a joint laboratory.

Representative of the Foundation for Prospective Studies A.L. Kovtun mentioned that they are actively seeking partners for big projects. He’s announced plans to found a joint laboratory in SSU and mentioned their interest in all University innovation areas: from metal working to radio electronics.

CEO of OJSC Research and Production Enterprise “Ref-Optoelectronics” A.D. Sidorenko sees ITC “Prospective Materials” as a one-of-a-kind fusion of science and industry and considers nanotechnology the most promising area. In his opinion production space at “Reflector” could become the basis for a technology park.

Gov. V.V. Radaev hopes Saratov State University and other leading organizations of the region will always succeed in their innovation work.