Pride in a European-supported Smart Label Project
The Spanish government will back the Science Park initiative at Miguel Hernández University in Elche (PCUMH), advancing a smart, compostable label designed to detect spoilage in food and indicate safety for consumption. This funding aligns with broader efforts to modernize local research ecosystems and accelerate the adoption of intelligent packaging technologies across the industry.
As a result of this progress, Oscillum has secured 1.5 million euros from the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) through the Ayudas PYMES Sello de Excelencia program. This financial boost enables PCUMH to continue refining and optimizing its SmartLabel system, moving toward scalable production and market readiness.
The news was welcomed by the founder team, who emphasized the significance of the support for ongoing development and commercial deployment.
Experiments and Ambitions for SmartLabel
“It is a source of pride that CDTI has decided to back our company’s innovations. The non-refundable financial support strengthens the momentum of our work and marks a clear vote of confidence in what we are building,” said Luis Chimeno, co-founder of the PCUMH-based venture. He added that the funding will help optimize various business facets and accelerate the product’s path to market.
From Concept to Market: Measuring Food Freshness
Chimeno notes that the grant will do more than fine-tune the technology; it will also support broader goals such as label certification and the industrialization process. The project is expanding to a new smart tag aimed at Europe to monitor fruit quality while the current technology, already proven for meat and fresh fish, continues to mature.
Funding and European Prestige
Direct aid from CDTI underscores projects that have earned the European Horizon Seal of Excellence and are part of the European Innovation Council accelerator program, including the EIC Accelerator 2022 cycle. This recognition highlights the strength of the initiative and its potential impact on the food packaging sector.
Technology Against Food Waste
The Oscillum approach combines engineered polymers with chemical sensors that monitor real-time molecular changes as food decomposes. The label shifts color according to the level of spoilage, giving consumers a simple, intuitive signal about safety and quality. By empowering buyers with visible indicators of freshness, the system supports better decision-making and helps reduce waste across supply chains.
UMH Marathon Winners
Oscillum originated from the efforts of UMH alumni in biotechnology. The venture was developed by Luis Chimeno, Pilar Granado, and Pablo Sosa, and emerged as a winner at the UMH Marathon. The team has since been recognized in a Forbes list highlighting 30 under 30 talents who are driving high-impact projects.
European Market Ambitions for Quality Labels
An initiative from the University of Elche aims to bring a label that informs about the quality of fruit, meat, and fish to markets across Europe and Asia, reflecting a growing demand for transparent, easily interpretable freshness signals in diverse regions.
Participation in the Food4Future Event
Oscillum recently traveled to Bilbao to participate in Food4Future, a meeting dedicated to presenting innovative food-tech to industry players and professionals in the sector. The event, held in Bilbao from 16 to 18 May, showcased the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of food science and packaging.