Innovation and Development LLC – INOVIRAJ is a project partner in ZDRAV K’O DREN – A System for Preserving the Nutritional and Functional Value of Food in Real Time, implemented under the Collaborative Scientific Research funding call (ERDF). The project brings together the Istrian University of Applied Sciences as the research lead and three industry partners to develop a new generation of technologies for monitoring food quality.
During storage and distribution, fresh and functional foods may experience a significant decline in vitamins, antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. Existing smart packaging solutions primarily monitor temperature, freshness or signs of food spoilage, but generally do not provide reliable information about how much of the product’s actual nutritional and functional value has been retained by the time it reaches the consumer. ZDRAV K’O DREN addresses this gap by developing a scientifically based system for monitoring nutritional quality throughout the supply chain.
The project will develop a TRL 4 prototype of a hybrid monitoring system combining baseline laboratory analysis of key bioactive markers, smart sensor-based packaging and a digital model. The analytical station will determine the initial antioxidant capacity (TAC), polyphenol content and other relevant parameters, while sensors integrated into the packaging will monitor environmental conditions during transport and storage, including temperature, humidity, light and vibration. The collected data will be processed through a digital twin model designed to predict the retention of the product’s nutritional value until it reaches the end user. Information will be communicated through visual indicators and a QR/NFC-enabled digital interface.
The key innovation of ZDRAV K’O DREN is its shift from simply determining whether food has spoiled towards determining how much of its original functional and nutritional value has actually been preserved. This creates the basis for a new concept of a “digital nutritional shelf life”, helping producers and distributors optimise processes and reduce losses while providing consumers with greater transparency regarding the actual quality of food products.
The project will develop four interconnected technological solutions: the Smart Label System, a sensor-based label for monitoring transport and storage conditions; the Baseline Analyzer, an analytical station for establishing the initial nutritional quality of food; the FoodTwin AI Platform, a digital twin system predicting nutritional retention; and the SmartFresh App, a user interface providing access to relevant product information. Together, these components will form an integrated TRL 4 prototype ready for further validation and technological development towards market application.
INOVIRAJ plays an important role in the digital, environmental and market-oriented development of the system. The company participates in research activities related to the predictive digital twin model, while the basic user interface will be developed according to technical requirements defined jointly by INOVIRAJ and Istrian University of Applied Sciences. INOVIRAJ also contributes to life-cycle, environmental sustainability, cost-efficiency and regulatory analyses aimed at ensuring that the technology has a sound basis not only for technical validation but also for further implementation and commercialisation.
The project also foresees intellectual property protection, development of commercialisation models and continued joint research after project completion, with the aim of advancing the technology towards higher Technology Readiness Levels and potentially establishing a joint spin-off company for further development and market deployment.
Project at a glance
- Project title: ZDRAV K’O DREN – A System for Preserving the Nutritional and Functional Value of Food in Real Time
- Project ID: PK.1.1.13.0014
- Funding call: Collaborative Scientific Research
- Project start: 1 September 2026
- Duration: 36 months
- Total project value: EUR 1.114.525,59
- Total eligible costs: EUR 1,098,235.75
- INOVIRAJ eligible project budget: EUR 324,572.84
Project partners:
Istrian University of Applied Sciences (Applicant / Project Lead), AUDIO-VIDEO TREND Ltd. (AVT), BD-PBD Ltd. and Innovation and Development LLC – INOVIRAJ.
