SmartFX Feasibility Study [626495]

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SmartFX template v20170221
COVER PAGE

Title of Proposal: IoT indoor sensor and filter using nano -integration technology

Acronym: SmartFX t

List of participants : N/A

Table of Contents

1. EXCELLENCE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
1.1. OBJECTIVES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
1.2. RELATION TO THE WORK PROGRAM ……………………………………………………………………………. 2
1.3. CONCEPT AND METHODOLOGY ………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
1.4 AMBITION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
2. IMPACT …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
2.1 EXPECTED IMPACTS ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
2.2 MEASURES TO MAXIMISE IMPACT ………………………………………………………………………………. 8
3. IMPLEMENTATION …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
3.1 WORK PLAN – WORK PACKAGE AND DELI VERABLE ……………………………………………………… 9
3.2 MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES …………………………………………………………….. 9
3.3 CONSORTIUM AS A WHOLE ……………………………………………………………………………………… 10
3.4 RESOURCES TO BE COMMI TTED ……………………………………………………………………………….. 10

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SmartFX template v20170221 1. Excellence
1.1. Objectives
GreenRIS will develop a f easibility study to assess the practical viability of an IoT SmartFX filter&sensor
system (SmartFX), from both technology and economic point of view, as well as the business concept to
design final user tests and market strategy. SmartFX is an integrated IoT filter and sensor device, an
everyday indoor device that is connected to web and collect and communicate data through multiple
protocols . SmartFX filter is designed to address the particulate matter (PM) pollution in air that affects
people’s health and quality of life.
Particulate mat ters are microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in air, which influence the
atmospheric radiation field by scattering and absorption, influence visibility (Figure.1), climate and
ecosystems. Presently , there are filters developed to stop PM 10 and PM2. 5, i.e. PM with dimensions less
than 10 and 2.5 microns , respectively . The co mposition of PM depends on the source, i.e. PM10 category
includes dust, pollen, and mold, while PM2.5 includes combustion particles, trace metals, organic
compound, bacteria etc. Because of their small size, PM2.5 are not filtered in the nose or throat; they can
settle in the lungs and cause health problems. In the same size category, particles less than 100 nanometers
can penetrate the lungs and get into cardiovascular system. There are many studies that demonstrate PM
behavior and their harmful impact to health.
PM pollution is high in developing countries, where the
quality of air is unhea lthy due to large emission of PM 2.5 into
atmosphere associated with a large manufacturing industry.
Because of the increased morbidity and mortality due to
respiratory problems created by long term exposure to PM,
their emission is highly regulated in developed countries .
However, p eople should protect themselves during hazy days
using mask filters, but these measures focusses on outdoor
individual protection. For indoor protecti on, there is AC to
filter and ventilate the air, but most of the time the filters are
not properly maintained or correctly sized for a given space .
The amount of PM2.5 indoor is influenced by the concentration of PM2.5 outdoors, and the accumulation of
PM2 .5 depends on the a tmospheric conditions , the condition
of the building ( i.e. infiltration through te cracks and gaps in
building envelope) and the ventilation system (i.e. natural and mechanical). People are not aware that indoor
pollution is higher that the outdoor, however there is relatively little information on ambient concentration
and composition of PM 2.5 for indoors than for PM10.
Globally, 3.7 million deaths were attributed to ambient air pollution (AAP) in 2012 [2] . About 88% of
these deaths occur in low- and middle -income (LMI) countries, which represent 82% of the world population
[2]. About 480,000 deaths occur in the Europe. Death attributed to ambient air pollution per 100 000 capita
[2] is as follows: a) average: 53 at world level, b) highest: 102 (in Western Pacific; LMI); c) second highest:
75 (Europe LMI countries); d) fourth highest: 44 (Eur ope high income countries).
People spend a lot of their time indoors , which increase their exposure to PM2.5 . Besides the elder
population with limited mobility, there is a large percentage of young and adult people who spend time in
offices with little ventilation . In addition to the PM2.5 found outdoor, indoor spaces have their own sources
of PM2.5 that generate from c leaning supplies, furniture, flooring/carpet, pets etc.
GreenRIS Developments is a startup that develops solution s for environment integrating nanotechnology
to improve filter efficiency and use modern communication to monitor and control indoor filtration of
PM2.5. Using M2M -IoT solutions and the new wireless networking technologies (such as 4G, 5G and Fiber
to the Home), the consumers will be connected everywhere, every time and every way, being able to access many types of parameters, monitoring the devices, taking decision in real time.
1.2. Relation to the work program
GreenRIS proposal addresses the following topic: Ac celerating the uptake of nanotechnologies
advanced materials or advanced manufacturing and processing technologies by SMEs . The IoT SmartFX
filter and sensor pr oject proposed in this SME Instruments Phase I will accelerate GreenRIS innovation and
bring the technology to maturity for commercialization.

Figure 1. Photograph (Piata Victoriei,
Bucharest, Romania) duri ng a hazy day
with hazardous PM 2.5 level. (photo credit to
cod_gabriel [1])

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SmartFX template v20170221 1.3. Concept and methodology
GreenRIS team of experts has developed for the past 15 years nanomaterials and nanotechnology
processes for energy and water applications, used novel communication systems to improve people’s life.
Regarding nanotechnology, t he nanowire/nanocable platform developed using electrochemical template
synthesis was successfully demonstrated in the development of the Solar Brush™ technology for solar cells
and awarded 5 US patents. Presently, our scientists are developing a technology (TRL 6) that use surface
modification of nanofibers to cre ate a more efficient PM 2.5 filter for indoor application at a low cost .
In filtration, there are different ways i n which particles are filtered . When dealing with large particles,
impact and intercept are the main capture mechanisms. When dealing with small particles, the efficiency of
impact and intercept forces is reduced, and other mechanisms become predominant. When dealing with
particles under 200 nm, the diffusi on takes over. Therefore, at nanoscale, we need to re-think the strategy of
filtration to improve the efficiency to capture and collect PM2.5 and therefore improve people’s health and
life expectation.
GreenRIS Developments works on a device that monitor, filter and controls the PM2.5 concentration
indoors. This device enable better filtration and ultimately reduces the health problems, especially the
respiratory and cardiovascular problems due to air pollution. The Air quality in Europe – 2016 report shows
that although there have been steps to reduce emission, substantial challenges remain and considerable
impacts on human health and on the environment persist. A large proportion of European populations and
ecosystems are still exposed to air pollution that exceeds European standards and, especially, World Health
Organization (WH O) standard [3].
The risk of PM2.5 has been address in the opinion adopted in the SCENIHR report [4] Risk Assessment
of Products of Nanotechnologies. Fine airborne urban particles (PM2.5) sequester lung surfactant and amino
acids from human lung lavage. The actual role that these biomolecules play in the subsequent response is not
known. However, it is prudent to consider that the outcome of the interaction of a particle with a biological system might depend on the coating that it receives and this has implications for in vitro work and any
situation where a particle is delivered i nto a biol ogical system under nonphysiological conditions.
Inflammatory reaction is a key event that may occur following exposure to any solid material, including nanomaterials. For several nanomaterials in vitro induction of inflammatory cytokines was dem onstrated
(Carlson et al. 2008, Kim et al. 2003, Kocbach et al. 2008, Zhang et al. 2008). Such inflammatory cytokines
can also bind to nanomaterials (Kim et al. 2003). This may have implications when in vitro assays are used
for the evaluation of the infla mmatory properties of nanomaterials.
In this SME Instruments Phase I, GreenRIS will develop a feasibility study as an important step in
business development to determine the potential for success of the SmartFX business venture. The feasibility
study will include the following a ctivities and methodologies:
• Market Feasibility : assess and describe industry , industry competitiveness, market potential, access to
market outlets and sale projections; PM2.5 measurement s in office establishments to validate the market
segment.
• Technical Feasibility : estimate the facility needs, the suitability of production technology, availability and
suitability of site (i.e. access to transportation, raw material, impact on environment etc.) ; risk assessment
• Intellect ual Property Assessment : assembled a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio covering all
aspects of technology platform, product technology, including several foundational device patents as well as key enabling process techniques associated with the construction, optimization, and application of our
technology in a way that spans all critical component, device, process, and system level aspects; research
on the competitors that use nanotechnology in manufacturing of indoor filters and sensors to anal yze the
patent landscape and freedom to operate.
• Financial Feasibility : estimate the total capital needs, the equity and credit needs and the total budget
expected cost and revenues, identify financial strategies to gap the expenses in Ph ase 2 of this project.
• Managerial Feasibility : identify business structure, potential joint venture partners and other key
stakeholders, availability of consu ltants and service providers.
• Feasibility Study Conclusion: compare scenarios based on the feedback received from the test/experiment, analyze the results and conclude the criteria for decision making.
• Business Plan: develop a business plan using the information developed in this feasibility study.
The EU funding will allow our company to advance the technical work and de velop a clear business plan.
EU funding will help us test th e market by moni toring indoor PM2.5 in office spaces and collect feedback
about their experience with the interface and help understand the product development work for a phase 2 application.

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SmartFX template v20170221 (b) methodology
GreenRIS team plan to measure the PM2.5 in offices to better understand the market potential and to
develop a comprehensive business plan. We chose to study and evaluate office rooms as being
representatives for indoor environments with high PM2.5 accumulation during the day. The results obtained
in this study can be extrapolated to other similar environments such as study rooms (house, libra ry),
classrooms (schools, workshops, conferences), conference rooms (hotels, company) etc.
Our monitoring study will be performed in 3-6 offices for at least one month. We will choose various
locations with different exposure and monitor PM2.5 concentration during the day for a month or possible more. Offices are usually close to or face a main street with heavy traffic. Office space may have AC but
usually there is no AC filter maintenance schedule in place. We will choose offices with a various number of
people /office work ing 8 h/day . Because offices have usually closed windows, the work with paper generates
PM2.5. Additionally, offices present an environment with increased volatile organic compounds (VOC)
emissions, which are generated by office equipment such as computers, printers, copy machine and scanners.
Ebersviller et al [5] have demonstrated that gas -phase pollutants such as VOC interact with PM and change
PM’s composition, transforming the non-toxic PM to a chemically toxic PM that will pass the cell barriers of the
lungs [5]. In this way, the VOC -modified-PM inflict more
damage to the lung cells than did the original PM. SmartFX
will reduce the human exposure by reducing the amount of PM2.5 that acts as a vehicle for the toxic VOC.
GreenRIS performed a few initial measurement s of the
PM2.5 and VOC in an office room to test a sensor system. The office is situated in Bucharest, Romania , in a green area
and far from the main traffic . Our initial measurements
showed that only 4% of the PM2.5 level exceed ed the
threshold for the dai ly values of 25 µg/m
3, when the level of
VOC were also very high (Figure 2) .
We plan to perform measurements in city offices located
in different areas (i.e. near intense car traffic, in green area or situated on the main wind direction), different
position for the rooms (near to the outdoor source : in front of the building, near to the street or in the
backyard close to the green area) at different heights and for various position in the rooms (next and opposite to the door and windows). Identification of the position of the rooms where it is possible to have high PM2.5
concentration in relation with the outdoor concentration can be made using emissions simulation software if
data permit s. Data collected will be processed first to identify the aberrant values and then the missing
values. We will calculate the hourly average values for PM2.5 and the average values for daily working
hours . A statistical analysis will be conducted and will include descriptive statistics, histograms, quartiles
and probability density functions.
GreenRIS solution addresses EU- wide/global challenges : GreenRIS intends to develop an IoT sensor-
filter system for indoors that is new in Europe, while addressing the global challenge in health due to PM2.5.
Figure 3 shows that at global level in 2012 (WHO, Globoscan 2012) , for two people who died of cancer, one
person died because of ambient air pollution (AAP). Also, one case out of six cancer lung deaths has a mbient
air pollution causes.

Figure 3. Number of d eath causes by AAP compared to cancer (a) and lung cancer (b)

Figure 2. PM2.5 concentration in air
measured in an office room between 8 AM
and 8 PM.
a) b)

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SmartFX template v20170221 Sex and/or gender analysis : We will design a sex and/or gender analysis into this innovative research
project as a component that may open new areas of research , while sparkling creativity in both market and
technology. Because the inhalation rate of PM2.5 is gender and age dependent, we will design t he
experiment to measure P M2.5 to account for the gender factor and to help understand the importance of
gender analysis, beside office location and occupancy. We will use the following methodological factors
when analyzing indoor related concentrations and emis sions:
• Gender behaviors vs income ;
• Gender occupancy vs PM2.5 emission ;
• Design and conduct survey: awareness of emissions, awareness of PM2.5 , awareness of VOC etc
1.4 Ambition
This innovation business project addresses the challenges imposed by a modern and polluted life and
bring the IoT SmartFX filter&sensor into people’s life, in their home , and at work. Personal exposure is
determined by the time spent in specific microenvir onments and the concentrations in those
microenvironments. People spend more than 85% of their time indoors [6]. Thus the indoor environment is a
main location in which exposures to ambient PM2.5 occur.
Overall indoor PM2.5 concentrations are shaped by infiltration of outdoor PM2.5 and additions from
indoor sources [7]. Urban air contains trace elements of transition metals that are augment the healt h effects
of particulate matters via cytotoxicity and/or inflammation [8]. As hazardous air pollutants, there is a
substantial information ambient concentration of individual elements because manufacturers are required to
provide emission data. However, there is little information about indoor concentration of trace elements in
PM2.5. Also, the enormous burden of asthma in terms of costs and adverse health effects are well known by
families and health care professionals. While not all asthma and allergy triggers are airborne, some key ones
are, including cat allergen, PM2.5 and respiratory virus. Studies shows that the use of high performing air
filter in home ventilation systems can effectively red uce indoor levels of PM2.5 identified as a common
asthma and allergy triggers [9].
In the European Union, the major source of primary PM2.5 and PM10 in “commercial, institutional and
household” sector is the fuel combustion, which contribute 56 % and 40 % to the PM2.5 and PM10
emissions , respectively . In the EU -28, the premature deaths attributed to PM2.5 causes increased with 8% in
2013 compared to 2012, from 403 000 in 2012 to 436 000 in 2013. The highest numbers of YLL (year of life
lost) are estimated for the countries with the largest populations (United Kingdom, France, Italy, and
Germany). However, in relative terms, when considering YLL per 100 000 inhabitants, the largest impacts
are observed in the central and eastern European coun tries where the highest concentrations are also
observed [3, 10] . The WHO guideline for PM2.5 annual mean (10 μg/m3) has been exceeded at 74 % of the
stations, located in 26 of the 30 countries reporting PM2.5 dat a, with a minimum data coverage of 75 % of
valid data. Out of the 28 countries of the European Union, only Estonia, Finland, Iceland and Ireland did not
report any exceedance of the WHO AQG for PM2.5.
2. Impact
2.1 Expected Impacts
a1) I ndoor air quality market (IAQ)
Global: The analysts forecast the global IAQ market to grow at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR )
of 8.3% during the period 2016-2020.
Key vendors: 3M, Carrier, Trane, TSI
Other prominent vendors: Aprilaire, Filtration, Halton, Lennox International, United Air Specialists
Market drivers: Growing health concerns Market challenges: Lack of awareness about indoor air pollution
Market trends: Advanced heating, ventilation, and a ir conditioning (HVAC) systems
Source: Global Indoor Air Quality Market 2016-2020 [11]
According to “Global Air Purifiers Market By Filter Type, By End Use Sector, By Region, Competition
Forecast and Opportunities, 2011 – 2021” [12], the global air purifiers market is projected to cross $ 59
billion by 2021. In 2015, North America dominated the global air purifiers market, followed by Asia-Pacific,
Europe, South America and Middle East & Africa.
U.S.: The indoor air quality market in the U.S. totaled $7.8 billion in 2015. The market should total $8.3
billion in 2016 and $10.8 billion by 2021, incre asing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%
from 2016 to 2021 [13].

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SmartFX template v20170221 China : The air purifier market in China was USD 0.965 Billion in 2014 [14]. The report also reveals the
trend in this industry is shifting to people becoming more conscious about the health issue than being
pessimist about the cost involved in buying the product. The residential market for air purifier is one a
continuous increase. Worsening air quality levels had led to a boom in the air purifier market in 2016. New entrants like Dyson and Airgle are rapidly growing demand led to a robust growth in the Ch ina market in the
coming years.
According to “China Air Purifiers Market By Filter Type, By End User Sector, Competition Forecast and
Opportunities, 2011- 2021” [15], the market for air purifiers in China is projected to grow at a CAGR of
around 18% during 2016 – 2021, on account of rising disposable income levels of consumers, increasing
consumer awareness and rising installation of air purifiers in government hospitals and institutions. Some of
the major provinces in China such as Beijing, Shanghai and Shanxi are ranked among the most polluted
cities in the world.
The analysts forecast the residential air purifiers market in China to grow at a CAGR of 10.24% and
10.64% in terms of revenue and volume, respectively, over the period 2014-2019 [16].
Europe : According to the report, "Europe Air Purifiers Market By Filter Type, Competition Forecast and
Opportunities, 2011-2021" [17], the market for air purifiers in Europe is projected to grow at a CAGR of
over 14% during 2016- 2021, on account of growing disposable income and increasing consumer awareness
regarding the benefits of using air purifiers.
Europe air purifiers market has been broadly segmented into HEPA & Activated Carbon; Ion & Ozone
Generator; HEPA, Activated Carbon and Ion & Ozone Generator, Electrostatic Precipitators; HEPA;
Activated Carbon; & Others. In 2015, HEPA & Activated Carbon air purifiers dominated the region’s air
purifiers market due to their high efficiency to trap particulate matter and harmful gases coupled with their
rising adoption in commercial as well as residential sectors.
Some of the major companies operati ng in Europe air purifiers market are IQAir, Blue Air AB, Jarden
Consumer Solutions, Philips and Sharp El ectronics Europe, among others.
a2) market for nanotechnology in environmental applications
According to BCC Research’s NAN039C [18], the overall market for nanotechnology in environmental
applications is expected to reach $25.7 billion in 2015. This market is projected to grow to $41.8 billion by
2020, at a significant five year CAGR of 10.2%.
The nanotechnology market for air remediation applications acc ounted for nearly $9.4 billion in 2014.
During the five year period of 2015 through 2020, this market segment is forecast to further grow at a CAGR
of 10.3%, to rea ch $16.7 billion in 2020.
Nanomaterials used in air remediation : The information regarding nanomaterials used in air
remediation field are obtained from Nanotechnology Products Database that contain 194 products from 60
companies and 21 countries. In air remediation field are included air -purifiers, air conditioners, air sensors,
catalysts, humidifiers, and dust collector cartridges. The most important nanomaterials used in air
remediation products are silver followed by carbon and gold (see figure 4 a), and the main properties are anti –
bacterial activity, deodorization, air purificatio n and dehumidification (figure 4.b).

Figure 4. Market share in air remediation products for nanomaterials (a) and applications (b).
The countries with the highest number of products in which nanomaterials are used in air remediation
field are South Korea and U.S.A. followed by E.U (only products from Germany, Netherlands and Denmark)

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SmartFX template v20170221 and are presented in figure 5.a. From 320 patents published in this field by different companies, 85 patents
(25%) were related to the applications of nanotechnology in manufacturing air conditioners. A number of 78
patents (24%) out of all patents published by these corporations is related to the applicati on of
nanotechnology in filters of home appliances (Figure 5.b). LG has the most share in using nanotechnology to manufacture air conditioners. In this category of technical science, 85 patents have been published by
different companies, and LG has the own ership of 41 patents (48%) out of all patents published in this
category of home appliances. Panasonic and General Electric are in the next ranks.

Figure 5. Number of patents that use nanotechnology in house appliances by country (a) and by product (b).
b) Company
GreenRIS ’ mission is to realize the promise nanotechnology holds. It was founded in 2017 by a small
collection of research scientists in nanotechnology, mathematician/statistician and business people who
believe in the commercial potential of the nano-based product s and are seeking to realize that potential. This
collection of professionals came together to develop this product by leveraging each founder’s experience,
competency and expertise in the complementary fields required by the IoTSmartFX platform.
GreenRIS is at an early stage but has several key resources. First, it has several patents now in the filing
process. GreenRIS team have several decades of business experience and are inventors of over 12 patents
(for assorted other companies), most of which resul ted in successful commercial products. This does not
include the patents currently in process.
GreenRIS does not currently have revenues beyond grants as it is an early -stage startup. It is currently
raising early -stage venture funding and has garnered a great deal of interest in the GreenRIS technology,
which is partly the subject of this proposal. GreenRIS is currently presenting to both angel investors and
early -stage venture capital investors to raise the funds to expand research facilities and develop the capability
to produce prototypes. Strong interest has been expressed for later stage investment by VC’s with knowledge
of the technology. Current R&D resources needed to reach that point are within but at the high end of typical
angel investment. Modes t grant funding has the dual benefits of making the risk more palatable to angel
investors and providing sci entific scrutiny to technology. GreenRIS has three founders (R.Vidu,
M.Balanescu and G.Suciu), and uses several additional consultants as needed.
Dr. Ruxandra Vidu is a published nanotechnology expert with over 25 years’ experience in chemical
engineering and materials science, advanced materials, manufacturing and processing technologies . She has
expertise in extremely thin -film and nanostructure f abrication and integration into devices. Since 1996,
Ruxandra has worked with leading universities in Japan, United States and Romania, and consulted for
Mitsubishi and BP Solar in electrochemistry, solar energy and energy storage related projects. Her wor k
emphasizes the use of nanoscience and nanotechnology in the development of advanced materials with novel structures and compositions, with a special focus on ultra-thin film systems for energy applications, water
remediation and air filtration. She has p ublished over 80 papers and co-authored 12 patents licensed,
pending, or in process. She earned a PhD in Materials Engineering and Processing from Osaka University,
Japan. Dr. Vidu’s contribution to the project is related to technical feasibility, intellec tual protection
assessment and business plan preparation
Dr. Mihaela Balanescu is an expert with over 19 years’ experience in the fields of climate change, air
pollution, atmospheric dispersion mathematical modeling and environmental risk management. She provides
support for national authorities (Ministry of Environment, National Environmental Agency) in estimation,
validation and reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants (PM, VOC, etc)
emissions and offer technical consulta ncy fo r industrial units. She is expert reviewer for United Nation
Framework Convention on Climate Change and performed technical reviews of national GHG inventories

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SmartFX template v20170221 (i.e. U.K., Portugal and Spain) for the Industrial Processes and Product Use sector. Although sh e is a
mathematician with a M.D. in applied statistics from University of Bucharest, Romania she earned in 2005
the PhD in engineering from the Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania. Her contribution to the
project is related to the market research, technical feasibility and business plan preparation.
Dipl. Eng. George Suciu is an expert in ICT Applications, with over 40 years experience in R&D and
Innovation Projects in Telecommunications, as a solution provider (Integrator) for going to the market with
new technologies, in more than 25 EU -Projects (www.beiaro.eu). The M2M -IoT (Machine To Machine-
Internet of Things) platform developed by his company (www.beia -telemetrie.ro) has many applications.
George Suciu will contribute to define the IoT require ments bringing his experience in the integration and
technical communication methodologies. He will contribute with know -how in building cloud based
architecture for analytics of 2D/3D data with search based tools and visualizations dashboards. He will
participate in the software components, services and middleware integration, as well as the implementation
of smart emergencies situations (e.g. using FiWARE – Future Internet Ware). H e will bring contribution to
feasibility study in the following tasks: marke t research, technical feasibility and business plan preparation.
2.2 Measures to maximise impact
a) Dissemination and exploitation of results
GreenRIS intend to own commercialization. The project feasibility study partly funded by this grant will
allow GreenRIS to advance the product development and to develop the best commerci alization plan for this
product. Analyzing the feedback received from the market research, we may consider licensing filter
technology for incorporation into existing manufacturing plants.
Research performed to develop the nanotechnology (partially funded by this project) will also allow
GreenRIS to test and demonstrate to potential investors the efficacy of a fundamental technology is capable
of what research suggests, and the market viability of our innovative solution. The fundamental technology is
potentially highly disruptive. GreenRIS ’s basic design and technology should result in filters that are above
25% efficient (i.e., more powerful from smaller footprint), hove specific characteristics tailored for PM2.5
filtration and can be produced at lower cost than the high-quality filters . This would be a market -dominating
technology and would allow eithe r (a) significant increase in filtering PM2.5 or (b) dramatic increases in
filter/sensor indoor adoption or both.
The competition is also the potential customers. Ultimately, GreenRIS will produce the indoor
sensor/filter “fabless” or license the technolog y to larger potential competitors like LG, Haier, and
Electrolux. The integrated IoT SmartFX filter and sensor can be produced by manufacturing technology in
broad use today. A larger competitor/customer would benefit greatly by using GreenRIS filter becau se the
resulting product can be either much smaller or much more powerful and, because of a patented feature, the
GreenRIS filter can monitor and filter better than any alternative technologies. The result is a smaller, more
powerful, and inexpensive modul e.
b) Intellectual Property, knowledge protection and regulatory issues
Through the course of on- going patent efforts, GreenRIS has reviewed all key patents by competitors and
has not discovered any that are capable of delivering the performance expected from GreenRIS technology.
We research on the competitors that use nanotechnology in manufacturing of indoor filters and sensors to
analyze t he patent landscape and freedom to operate. We searched first the firms that use nanotechnology in
home appliances: LG, Panasonic, BSH Hausgeräte, Samsung, Daewoo Electronics, General Elect ric, Haier ,
Media Group, Electrolux, Zanussi, Ariston, Toshiba, Whirlpool , Arcelik , Dyson , Miele , Philips , Indesit Co.
etc. Among them, the most innovation in the field of nanotechnology usage in home appliances
manufacturing is the Korean corporation LG w ith about one -third of the patents, followed by Panasonic and
BSH Hausgeräte [19].
GreenRIS has two patent applications in prep aration. The freedom to operate includes both utility patents
and design patents , and possible software. GreenRIS has funding needed to continue current and anticipated
patent prosecutions. The technology GreenRIS is testing can be incorporated into commercial format filters ,
replacing or augmenting current air filters . The filters are designed for easy integration into existing devices
to allow them to remain plug-compatible with existing components and systems. The technology relates to a
nano-based filter that can be produced by contracted manufacturing partners or under licenses to established
filter manufacturers. Due to the early stage of development of the SmartFX product , GreenRIS cannot yet
discuss the technology with potential customers, like LG.
In Phase 1, we will not address any regulatory and/or standard requirements for the exploitation of the
innovation since the indoor PM2.5 is not regulated. These will be addressed in Phase II , if any .

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SmartFX template v20170221 3. Implementation
3.1 Work plan – Work package and deliverable
Work Package Title:
SmartFX Feasibility Study

Objectives : Feasibility study to assess the viability of business concept and to design final user tests and
market strategy for SmartFX.

Description of work
Task 1 Market Research : 20,000 euros
• Research possible competitors that use nanotechnol ogy in manufacturing of indoor filters
and sensors. To date, we were unable to identify any literature
• Elaborate a study on the web -based research of relevant manufacturer
• Market analysis for indoor sensors and filters
• Measure and test devices
Task 2: Technical Feasibility : 6,000 euros
• Meet with large filter manufacture representative
• Search for location that best match facility needs
• Participate to international workshops, conferences/expo to promote the SmartFX
Task 3: Managerial Feasibilit y: 6,000 euros
• identify business structure, potential joint venture partners and other key stakeholders,
availability of consultants and service providers.
• Conduct search for key stakeholders and partners
• Conduct search for service providers
Task 4. Intellectual Property Assessment : 12,000 euros
• Research on the competitors and analyze the patent landscape and freedom to operate
• Work with a patent lawyer to develop the intellectual protection strategy.
• Assemble a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio to cover all aspects of technology
platform
• Research other patenting considerations and strategic significance
Task 4. Feasibility Study Conclusion: 6,000 euros
• Analyze, discuss and conclude the results of measurements in the field
Task 6: Business Plan: 21,425 euros
• Develop a technology concept and business model;
• Develop a strategy for sales and chose sales channels

Deliverable:
Feasibility report, including a business plan
Feasibility report and business plan will be delivered at the end of the project.
3.2 Management structure and procedures
Management of this feasibility project will be implemented through an integrated structure that include
monitoring activities, management of measurements, data collection and analysis, and financial management.
The management structure is outline in the following figure
Project Coordinator: The coordinator of this project (PC) will have supervising responsibil ities to
monitor the progress in all the activities in the work -package, will ensure communication among team’s
members, supervise financial management. The PC will manage the IPR activities.
Deputy Project Coordinator (DPC): The deputy project coordinator will work with PC to manages tasks
and will replace the PC in case of absence. DPC will provide monitoring of PM2.5 measurements, data
processing and analysis, will contribute to the writing of reports and to the preparation of the deliverables.
IoT Coordinator: The IoT Coordinator will work with smart telemetry, M2M -IoT solutions so
consumers will be provided with information about many types of parameters (KPI -Key Performance

10
SmartFX template v20170221 Indicators) not usually managed with the impact on the quality of environment. The knowledge of this data
by local authorities drives them to a best position to support the decision process making (e.g. health of
citizens). New wireless networking technologies (as 4G, 5G and Fiber to the Home) an d the IoT supporting a
mass of devices connected everywhere, every time and every way are motivating examples. he will contribute to the writing of reports and preparation of the deliverables. will contribute to the writing of
reports and to the preparatio n of the deliverables.

3.3 Consortium as a whole (if applicable)
Not applicable.
3.4 Resources to be committed
GreenRIS will commit to a contribution of at least 21,429 euros. The contribution will be both in
cash and in -kind.

A. Costs of the
feasibility
study/Direct and
indirect costs of the
action Total costs
Reimburse
ment rate %
Maximum
EU
contribution
Maxim
um grant
amount
Form of
costs Lump sum
50 000 71 429 70 % 50 000 50 000

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