What we learned at ICFUST

What we learned at ICFUST

The very First International Congress on Far-UVC Science and Technology (ICFUST) took place at Columbia University in New York City last week on June 14-16, 2023. Academics and industry partners from all over the world including the United States, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, and China convened to discuss the latest in disinfection and Far-UVC technology and research.
More than 150 attendees joined discussions on ongoing research in labs and real world settings, as well as practical uses and the current rules and regulations related to Far-UVC technology. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attended, as did the General Service Administration (GSA), which recently awarded funding toward Far-UVC in an effort to promote commercialization.
Beacon’s team was in attendance and enjoyed all of the lively and encouraging conversations on how the Far-UVC industry will continue to take shape. 
Here are a few of our takeaways:
  1. Far-UVC is novel. What exactly does this mean? The research on Far-UVC is still in its infancy. Research, testing, and development of products have really only started over the past three years since it has become known as a valuable opportunity for pathogen reduction. People are ready for Far-UVC, but we need to make it understandable. All over the world, Far-UVC is beginning to be utilized. People are looking for safe solutions, but the research/academia, governments, and companies building Far-UVC products must educate and inform the public on what it is, how it works, and how it will positively impact their lives.
  2. U.S. Government agencies are funding the commercialization of Far-UVC. The U.S. Government is taking an interest in Far-UVC products to fund and test them in real world settings to help prepare for ongoing and future epidemics.
  3. Real world case studies show promise. Across real world settings including long-term nursing facilities, schools, day cares, offices, and homes, research is showing positive outcomes.
  4. There is no “one size fits all” solution. This is partly due to the fact that every indoor space is unique, with its own size, layout, and airflow. These factors impact how Far-UVC works within the space. And although the solution of Far-UVC is the same from space to space, the manner in which it should be deployed for optimal outcomes is different. This is where Beacon’s intelligent sensors and operating modes shine. They are enormously beneficial in supporting customized disinfection based on each user’s needs.
  5. Get ready for growth! Although there was debate on certain topics related to deployment, there was a resounding agreement in the safety and efficacy of Far-UVC and the harm reduction this new technology enables. Beacon is at the forefront of bringing Far-UVC to consumers and businesses, and is designed to stay current with the latest regulations and research as they evolve.
  6. Want more directly from the conference? Aaron at OSLUV live tweeted the whole event here: https://twitter.com/masknerd.
Beacon believes in getting Far-UVC into the hands of as many people as possible, to support a better quality of life through better disinfection and preparedness where you live, work, and play. To learn more about how we’re making that happen, visit us at www.beaconlight.co.