Events
"DO-RA"
Russian scientists have invented a radiation dosimeter that can be integrated into any mobile device. Their invention is absolutely unique given that no similar device can be found anywhere in the world. However, scientists are no entrepreneurs, and they had to face the challenge of financing and commercializing their project. To find out more about the invention itself as well as the challenges facing the project, we talked to Vladimir Elin, Ph.D., CEO of Intersoft Eurasia and the man behind the DO-RA project.
Where
did the original idea for the DO-RA project come from?
The first time I thought about designing the device was when I was asked to
write an article on the events at the Fukushima nuclear plant. In many respects
with this invention I simply followed the principals we were taught at the
Bauman Technical University: do not understand – figure out; have doubts –
start believing; feel certain – do it yourself! The DO-RA name is derived from
the first syllables of the word combination "dosimeter-radiometer".
What are the challenges facing inventors in Russia and the ways of
overcoming them?
One of them is to find funding for the research and development of projects. There
are virtually no banks in Russia prepared to commit funds to such projects;
whereas venture capital funds specializing in this type of financing are still
far and few between in our vast country. My best advice to potential inventors:
try to get a grant for your project, for example, in Skolkovo.
How
big is the role played by Skolkovo in this project?
I'm grateful to them for help with drafting a project summary, developing a
roadmap and preparing a commercialization plan. After going through the process
of preliminary evaluations by five Russian and five foreign field-specific
experts, I was issued an expert committee's conclusion on the compliance of the
project with the Skolkovo's requirements. I became a fully-fledged participant
in the innovation process currently taking place in Russia and was granted
unique rights to apply for tax deductions: from now on, Intersoft Eurasia – the
owner of the DO-RA project – will only have to pay 14 percent out of the labor
compensation fund and no other taxes.
How exactly does
your invention work?
Currently the DO-RA device has four operating modes:
1. Radiometer mode: the background radiation level is displayed on a smartphone screen.
2. Dosimeter mode: the device displays your radiation dose status.
3. Map mode: a location's radiation level is displayed in real time on a world map shown on a smartphone screen. The device owner can update this map by taking measurements via his smartphone's GPS / GLONASS navigation capabilities.
4. Personal Account mode: a mobile phone receives the latest and most appropriate information about possible health risks. This Personal Account data can be accessed from anywhere in the world by, let's say, the device owner's personal doctor.
It's
become known that a Japanese company has ordered 1000 DO-RAs for testing in the
area around the Fukushima plant. When are these tests scheduled to take place?
It's true. In October 2011, we were among the participants of the CEATEC
international exhibition held in Tokyo. Shortly after returning to Moscow, I
got a call from Japan and was asked to deliver 1000 DO-RA units urgently. Although,
I still haven't been told who specifically placed the order. Currently we are
looking for a company in Japan to produce the device locally and would be happy
to consider any offer.
When do you expect the first DO-RA devices to hit the shelves?
It should be in March or April 2012. In the best-case scenario, the mass
production will begin immediately after the New Year holiday period.
November 9, 2011