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AlmaScience has just launched PaperWeight AI, an innovative spin-off specializing in advanced technology for the retail sector. PaperWeight AI leverages paper sensor technology to transform traditional retail operations and offer real-time data analysis solutions for better inventory management, waste reduction, theft detection, and increased operational efficiency. The technology has already attracted significant interest from both national and international companies and is already being tested by a leading retailer in Portugal. PaperWeight AI is also attracting VC attention, as the smart retail market size was valued at USD 30 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% until 2030.

Incubated in AlmaScience, a Collaborative Laboratory (CoLab) within Portugal's innovation ecosystem, PaperWeight AI marks a significant milestone in the lab's mission to convert cutting-edge research into viable economic solutions. Developed over four years, this technology exemplifies AlmaScience's enduring commitment to innovation and reinforces its dedication to bolstering Portugal's innovation ecosystem by creating qualified jobs and fostering high-value, technology-driven enterprises.

PaperWeight AI leverages paper sensor technology to transform traditional retail operations and deliver a suite of real-time data analytics solutions to better manage inventory, reduce waste, detect theft, and increase operational efficiency. In addition to sensors, the system integrates AI algorithms to detect weight, pressure, and touch in real-time. This provides retailers with real-time data on stock levels, theft detection, and planogram nonconformities, without expensive cameras or load sensors.

Key benefits include:

1. Low cost and easy to install: PaperWeight AI technology can be retrofitted to existing shelves in minutes, without the need for downtime or extensive calibration processes. Its paper-based sensors are affordable, making it scalable for small and large retailers.

2. Real-time inventory monitoring: The system provides instant feedback on stock availability and discrepancies, allowing staff to efficiently manage stock levels and respond to out-of-stock or theft situations in real time.

3. Low operating costs: Unlike cameras or payload sensors, which require ongoing maintenance and calibration, PaperWeight AI's paper-based sensors have minimal maintenance, reducing operating costs.

4. Sustainable from production to end of life: The sensor is made almost entirely from paper, making its manufacturing and disposal safe for the environment.

Aligned with the EU Green Deal and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AlmaScience leverages research and innovation to create tangible economic value beyond academia. This focus on sustainability and innovative technology ensures that its solutions meet both environmental and commercial needs.

Carlos Silva, President of AlmaScience, commented: "PaperWeight AI represents a pivotal moment in AlmaScience's journey, showcasing our ability to transform cutting-edge research into market-ready solutions. This spin-off embodies our commitment to driving sustainable innovation that creates tangible economic value. By bridging the gap between advanced technology and practical application, we're not just developing eco-friendly solutions – we're reshaping industries and contributing to Portugal's position as a leader in sustainable innovation."

Yoni Engel, CEO and co-founder of PaperWeight AI, added: "The launch of PaperWeight AI marks a significant milestone in retail technology. Built on AlmaScience's groundbreaking research, our easy-to-install solutions are set to revolutionize inventory management and provide retailers with insights that improve operations and, ultimately, their bottom line. We're proud to carry forward AlmaScience's vision of sustainability and innovation, bringing to market smart, paper-based sensor technology that addresses critical challenges in retail operations. PaperWeight AI is poised to deliver substantial value to businesses while contributing to a more sustainable future."

Driving innovation and qualified employment in Portugal

The creation of PaperWeight AI marks a crucial step in advancing Portugal's role in Industry 4.0 and the global transition to sustainable practices. This spin-off is set to create numerous qualified jobs in high-tech sectors, contributing to the relocation of workers to value-added tasks and enhancing Portugal's competitive edge in the global innovation landscape.

About AlmaScience

AlmaScience is a leading collaborative innovation lab and technology incubator focused on developing sustainable functional materials and green electronics. Leveraged by the combination of state-of-the-art scientific knowledge from our academic associates and business-driven challenges posed by our business associates, AlmaScience nurtures early-stage technologies from concept to commercialization, driving both economic success and environmental responsibility. As a CoLab, AlmaScience continues to lead in transforming scientific research into viable economic solutions that contribute to a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future. For more information, visit https://www.almascience.pt.

About PaperWeight AI

PaperWeight AI, a Portuguese-based spin-off of AlmaScience CoLab, offers a revolutionary paper-based shelf event-sensing system powered by AI. Designed for effortless installation, the solution provides retailers with advanced data analytics and real-time insights to enhance operational efficiency and minimize losses. Tackling critical retail challenges such as inventory management and theft detection, PaperWeight AI delivers a cost-effective solution that can operate independently or integrate seamlessly with existing vision systems. For more information, please visit https://www.paperweight.ai.