French inventor Franck Zal, founder of the biotechnology company Hemarina, is among the finalists for the 2026 European Inventor Award, organized by the European Patent Office (EPO). He has developed a universal oxygen carrier based on hemoglobin derived from marine worms to protect organs and tissues.

From marine biology to transplant medicine

During his research in marine biology at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Franck Zal studied organisms adapted to extreme environments. Convinced of the medical potential of the hemoglobin* from some of them, he left the CNRS to found the biotechnology company Hemarina.

During transport, organs, isolated from the circulatory blood system, are deprived of oxygen before being suddenly reoxygenated, which can damage their cells and increase the risk of failure of the transplants for which they are intended.

The solution developed by Franck Zal is based on an extracellular hemoglobin molecule derived from the marine worm Arenicola marina, a species adapted to survive long periods without oxygen.

It helps to protect organs and tissues during storage and transport, in order to prolong their viability for transplants.

The oxygen carrier developed by Hemarina has since been used for organ preservation (particularly kidneys and lungs). Its application in other medical fields is currently being investigated, especially in regenerative medicine and cell therapy.

I believe that research must serve society. A person who lived for three months without a face once told me that the worm had saved his life, before adding, "Life is beautiful." That phrase has stayed with me ever since.

The final of the European Inventor Award in Berlin, July 2, 2026

Thanks to his innovation, Franck Zal is one of the three finalists in the "SME" category of the 2026 European Inventor Award.

In addition to the four existing award categories (Industry, Non-OEC Countries, Research and SMEs), a public award will be given based on a combined vote of the public and an independent jury.

The public can vote from 12 May 2026 until 2 July 2026, the date on which the EPO will announce the winners at a ceremony broadcast live from Berlin.

*Hemoglobin is a protein that gives blood its red color and ensures the oxygenation of our entire body.

Source: https://www.inpi.fr/en/in-one/European-Inventor-Award-2026