1. 1 Model of the Academic-Industrial Cooperation and Dynamic Innovations in the Hradec Králové Region – Role of Clusters Prof. Zdeněk Zadák, M.D.,Ph.D Charles University in Prague, Faculty Hospital Hradec Králové, Department of Research and Development

2. 2 The role of the Regional Authority Regional Council for Research and Innovation was established as a cooridinating body. It comprises representatives of all regional stakeholders involved in implementation of innovation: - universities - hospitals - regional chamber of commerce - SMEs - regional authority Regional Innovaton Strategy is being elaborated by Regional Council for Research and Innovation. Possible funding from Regional Operational Programme of NUTS II Northeast.

3. 3 The role of the Regional Authority In 2006 survey on cluster creation potential was carried out in the region. The survey was part-financed by the EU, in cooperation with Czechinvest agency. The production of new product AMARANTH is a concrete example of cluster-type cooperation within the region.

4. 4 Amaranth Amaranth grain Raw material

5. 5 The basic raw material is the amaranth grain characterized by high biological and nutritional value 1. Oil with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (over 70%) and squalene (6%) 2. Remarkable content of high quality protein (16 - 17%) 3. Fine starch granules (45 - 48%) size of granules only 1 - 3µm 4. High proportion of dietary fibre - insoluble and soluble - amylopectin, gums, etc. (total fibre 18%, insoluble fibre 3-6%) 5. Extremely rich in minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, K, P) 6. High content of vitamins (C, B, E)

6. 6 19 Comparison of Amino Acids Content in Amaranth and Wheat

7. 7 Amaranth Starch – Applications and Perspectives Suitable for nutrition children (weaning food, digestion problems) Suitable for nutrition children (weaning food, digestion problems) Patients with gastrointestinal diseases (liquid diets) Patients with gastrointestinal diseases (liquid diets) Special nutritional products (functional food - for elderly people, for athletes, convalescents etc.) Special nutritional products (functional food - for elderly people, for athletes, convalescents etc.) Considering physical - chemical features amaranth starch is suitable for cosmetics and external medical products (very fine starch granules) Considering physical - chemical features amaranth starch is suitable for cosmetics and external medical products (very fine starch granules)

8. 8 Metabolic Diseases effect of DFs Obesity and diabetes type II (slow down sugar absorption and reduces fat absorption) Obesity and diabetes type II (slow down sugar absorption and reduces fat absorption) Treatment of high cholesterol levels (reduce cholesterol absorption and bile acid reabsorption) Treatment of high cholesterol levels (reduce cholesterol absorption and bile acid reabsorption) Reduce incidence of cardiovascular diseases Reduce incidence of cardiovascular diseases 30

9. 9 Czech Products Amarantol SQ ® amaranth oil enriched by vitamin E Czech Products Amarantol SQ ® amaranth oil enriched by vitamin E In bottles Amarantol SQ - L In bottles Amarantol SQ - L In capsules Amarantol SQ - C In capsules Amarantol SQ - C 16

10. 10 Amaranth products in the Czech Republic Amaranth products in the Czech Republic Crunches Crunches Pastries – various forms Pastries – various forms Milled grain - flour Milled grain - flour Defatted flour Defatted flour Popped grain - POP Popped grain - POP Gluten free mixtures Gluten free mixtures Cookies Cookies Sweets Sweets

11. Conclusions A Amaranth grain is unique nutritional substrate for conventional nutrition and for production of special dietetics, supplements and functional food: 1. Gluten free diet 2. High biological value protein concentrate rich in lysine (athletes, elderly people, convalescent) lysine (athletes, elderly people, convalescent) weaning food for children weaning food for children non allergic amaranth milk non allergic amaranth milk component for supplementation of nutritionally incomplete plant proteins component for supplementation of nutritionally incomplete plant proteins 3. Amaranth oil prevention of cardiovascular diseases prevention of cardiovascular diseases protection against pollutants, toxic compounds and X-irradiation protection against pollutants, toxic compounds and X-irradiation immunomodulator immunomodulator ingredient of cosmetics ingredient of cosmetics 37

12. 12 Thank you for your attention.