The Dicar research group (UniCT) is the winner of the challenge "Exploit my Patent" related to the development of a patented technology for the repair of composite material structures.

Several industrial and academic entities, startups and research centers from all over Italy answered to this Leonardo call. After the selection phase, the project proposal of the group from the University of Catania, led by Prof. Gianluca Cicala, was proved to be the one with the highest potential for the development of a prototype and a consequent business plan for the application of the patented technology also in business other than Leonardo's core business.

The proposal presented by the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr) of UniCT is focused on 3D printing techniques, using selected materials, for building a prototype of HPRD (High Pressure Repair Dome), whose main aim is to reduce repair costs of composite structures, while simultaneously providing high quality standards. The possibility of mass production of the patented system and its marketing will also be evaluated.

The development program, lasting a total of eighteen months, provides some Leonardo funding to research and a grant of a royalty-free, temporary permissive patent license for the development of the prototype, in addition to support from the Leonardo laboratories for functional checks.