Beacon Technology Solutions and Illinois Institute of Technology have been awarded a grant from the Illinois Innovation Vouchers Program to advance research on Far-UVC disinfection technology. This collaboration aims to explore how this technology can help reduce the spread of infectious diseases in public spaces.
Beacon's product, a wall-mounted smart disinfection device, uses Far-UVC 222nm light, which has shown effectiveness in disinfecting up to 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and mold in tests. The light is part of the UVC spectrum that can inactivate pathogens without harming human skin or eyes, making it suitable for use in occupied areas.
Brian Clark, CEO of Beacon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Illinois Tech to bring Beacon’s cutting-edge, safe, and effective pathogen disinfection solution to the front lines of public health.” He added that the research would optimize their technology's deployment in real-world settings.
The project will combine computational fluid dynamics simulations with experimental measurements to understand airflow patterns and aerosol distributions interacting with Beacon’s Far-UVC field. This analysis will guide best practices for installation and operation of the technology.
Mohammad Heidarinejad, Associate Professor at Illinois Tech, stated: “Illinois Tech is excited to collaborate with Beacon on this project to leverage our expertise.” The team includes experts like Brent Stephens and Deborah Steimel-Clair from various fields related to indoor air quality and lighting systems.
A final report expected later this year will provide key findings and recommendations for using Far-UVC technology effectively. Maryam Saleh from Illinois Tech highlighted the importance of such collaborations: “Illinois Tech is committed to fostering an innovative environment where promising entrepreneurs can collaborate with academic researchers.”
Beacon Technology Solutions focuses on improving health through intelligent disinfection technologies. Their products are designed for continuous use in occupied spaces while maintaining safety standards. They also contribute a portion of proceeds towards bringing their technology to underserved communities.
Illinois Institute of Technology offers diverse programs aimed at advancing technology and innovation. Located in Chicago, it provides students with hands-on experiences through its Elevate program.