Beacon Technology Solutions, in collaboration with Illinois Institute of Technology, has secured a grant to advance research on Far-UVC disinfection technology. The funding was provided by the Illinois Innovation Vouchers Program, which encourages partnerships between small enterprises and Illinois universities.
Beacon’s main product is a wall-mounted disinfection device using Far-UVC 222nm light, which eliminates up to 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and mold in tests. This form of UVC light effectively inactivates pathogens without harming human skin or eyes, making it suitable for occupied spaces and potentially reducing disease transmission.
“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,” stated Beacon CEO Brian Clark. He hopes the research will optimize the technology's deployment in real-world settings, aiming to make communities healthier and better prepared to handle infectious diseases.
The project will combine computational fluid dynamics simulations with experimental measurements to translate bench-scale results to real environments, analyzing how the technology affects aerosol behavior and UV exposure. Outcomes should provide guidance on installation and operation best practices, bolstering Chicago's and Illinois’ status in health innovation.
“Illinois Tech is excited to collaborate with Beacon on this project to leverage our expertise,” said Mohammad Heidarinejad, Associate Professor at Illinois Tech. Contributing team members include Brent Stephens, Deborah Steimel-Clair, and Saeed Farhood, each bringing specific expertise to the project.
The study's final report, expected in 2025, will provide key findings and recommendations for Far-UVC technology. Beacon and Illinois Tech aim to enhance public health resilience and reinforce Illinois’ innovative leadership.
Maryam Saleh from the Ed Kaplan Family Institute at Illinois Tech noted, “Illinois Tech is committed to fostering an innovative environment where promising entrepreneurs can collaborate with academic researchers, and this collaboration with Beacon is an embodiment of this aspiration.” She emphasized the collaboration's potential for community impact in Illinois and globally.