ITRI researchers work on a new form of magnetic microparticle for cancer treatment, winner of a bronze at the U.S.-based Edison Awards March 18. (Courtesy of ITRI)

State-backed Industrial Technology Research Institute won bronze in the cellular research medical/dental category at the U.S.-based Edison Awards March 18 for its development of an innovative cancer treatment, spotlighting Taiwan’s R&D prowess.
 
ITRI’s iKNOBEADS, short for biomimetic knobby magnetic beads, are microparticles with tailorable sizes and shapes that can strengthen and activate T cells to fight cancer more effectively. Unlike a normal spherical bead, its morphologies can create a larger surface area to improve interactions with the key regulators of inflammation in the human immune system.
 
Edwin Liu, president of the Hsinchu County-based institution in northern Taiwan, said the honor highlights the country’s commitment to improving health and well-being around the world. ITRI will continue working on further applications of the technology while collaborating with the biomedical industry to promote advance immunotherapies and precision medicine, he added.
 
ITRI has won Edison Awards for four consecutive years, claiming prizes for an ultrafast rechargeable aluminum battery, a device for boosting visibility during fires and the iRoadSafe traffic accident prevention system in 2017-2019, respectively.
 
Founded in 1973, ITRI fosters innovation-driven sectors in Taiwan, with recent research endeavors focusing on such fields as quality health, smart cities and sustainable development. It has helped incubate over 270 high-tech companies, including global integrated circuit powerhouse Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
 
The Edison Awards, established in 1987, honor excellence in new product and service design, R&D and marketing. The winners of this year’s prizes were chosen from a selection of around 400 of the world’s top innovations by more than 3,000 leading business executives. (YCH-E)