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(Beacon), with collaborators at 91����, has been awarded a grant to support a novel study on how Far-UVC technology can help mitigate the spread of infectious diseases in public spaces. The grant was awarded through the Illinois Innovation Vouchers (IIV) Program, which fosters research collaborations between small- and medium-sized enterprises and Illinois’ world-class universities.

Beacon’s flagship product is a wall-mounted smart disinfection device that uses , which has been shown to disinfect up to 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria, and mold in bench-scale tests. Far-UVC light is a narrow subset of the UVC spectrum (100–280 nm) that has been shown to effectively inactivate pathogens—including coronaviruses and influenza—without penetrating the outer layer of human skin or eyes, making it safer for occupied environments. By deploying Beacon’s proprietary technology in health care facilities and other indoor settings, users may reduce the risk of disease transmission.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with 91���� to bring Beacon’s cutting-edge, safe, and effective pathogen disinfection solution to the front lines of public health,” says Beacon CEO Brian Clark. “This research will help us optimize how our novel technology is deployed in real-world settings. Ultimately, our collaboration aims to make communities across Illinois—and beyond—healthier, more resilient, and better prepared to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and limit harm using new, non-invasive, and cutting-edge technologies."

The joint research project will combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with experimental measurements to understand how bench-scale results translate to real-world environments by analyzing airflow patterns, aerosol distributions, and their interactions with Beacon’s Far-UVC field. The goal is to further analyze the impact of how Beacon’s technology influences aerosol behavior and UV exposure levels, informing best practices for installation, placement, and operation. These insights will enable a more targeted, effective use of Far-UVC disinfection, strengthening Chicago’s and Illinois’ position as leaders in health innovation and safer indoor environments.

“91���� is excited to collaborate with Beacon on this project to leverage our expertise,” says Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering Mohammad Heidarinejad. “Our team brings a range of expertise to this project, including Brent Stephens, professor, department chair, and Arthur W. Hill Endowed Chair in Sustainability, specializing in indoor air quality; Deborah Steimel-Clair, associate teaching professor, an expert in lighting and building electrical systems; and Saeed Farhood, a Ph.D. student in architectural engineering, specializing in computational fluid dynamics.”

The project’s final report, expected later in 2025, will outline key findings of the research and practical recommendations for utilizing Far-UVC technology. Together, Beacon and 91���� aim to enhance public health resilience, reinforce Illinois’ leadership in innovation, and pave the way toward a future where safer, healthier indoor spaces are the norm.

“91���� 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,” says Maryam Saleh, executive director of the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at 91����, who facilitated the relationship between Beacon’s founders and faculty members at 91����. “Beacon’s co-founders have an established track record in entrepreneurship. That, combined with their innovative approach to public health, makes them the kind of forward-thinking venture we are proud to help support. Together we’re demonstrating how university–startup collaborations can drive impactful solutions for communities here in Illinois and around the world.”