News: LEDs
13 January 2021
Asahi Kasei & Crystal IS launch second round of UV Accelerator funding initiative
Crystal IS Inc of Green Island, NY, USA, which makes proprietary ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UVC LEDs), and its parent company Asahi Kasei have announced the second round of their UV Accelerator funding initiative for supporting the development of new disinfection products that use ultraviolet-C (UVC) LEDs. Following the funding of two companies in the first round (launched in June 2020), the endeavor again aims to team up with innovative companies that have ideas for new applications of UVC LEDs in a post-COVID world by providing investments of up to $250,000 per company.
Led by Dr Steven Berger, managing director of Asahi Kasei America and former CEO of Crystal IS, the UV Accelerator has been established as a proactive measure for developing solutions that can be used to stop the spread of deadly viruses and bacteria and help to provide information to further contribute to the ongoing fight against COVID.
At its sole discretion, Asahi Kasei will fund successful applicants up to $250,000 per company to support and accelerate product development. Crystal IS will provide engineering expertise for the design and control of the UVC LED light source, as necessary. Applications are currently being accepted and screened for organizations with ideas for UVC LED-based disinfection products, and discussions are expected to begin this March.
In the first round of the AK UV Accelerator, many creative ideas for UVC-based products were received and, as a result, two investment awards were made. In this second round the Accelerator is again looking for creative product ideas but particularly encourages ideas on how UVC-based hardware and software can be safely used to help people (employees or customers) to become comfortable with returning to offices or commercial buildings.
Second-round applications for funding to www.uvaccelerator.com will be accepted until 31 March.
Crystal IS and Boston Uni demo Klaran UVC LEDs’ effective wavelength for inactivating SARS-CoV-2
Asahi Kasei & Crystal IS launch UV Accelerator funding initiative
