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Kastus

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Kastus® Technologies
IndustryBiotechnology
Founded2014
FounderJohn Browne
Headquarters
Dublin
,
Republic of Ireland
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsAntimicrobial solutions
Websitewww.kastus.com

Kastus Technologies is an Irish multinational nanotechnology company that specialises in patented, visible-light-activated, photocatalytic, antimicrobial coatings. These coatings prevent the growth of bacteria on surfaces such as ceramics, glass, and touchscreens, with no negative side effects for the end user.[1] Founded in Dublin in 2014, Kastus’ antimicrobial coatings were in development for over 10 years as part of a collaboration with Dublin Institute of Technology and the Advanced Materials and Bio Engineering Research (AMBER) Centres.[2]

History

[edit]

John Browne, Kastus CEO, founded the company in 2014 in Dublin following 10 years of collaborative research with Dublin Institute of Technology.[3] It was developed out of an increasing demand for a reduction in the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections commonly found on indoor surfaces. In October 2017, the Department of Health published “Ireland’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020”, which highlighted the threat antimicrobial resistance poses and the urgent need for new technology to combat this.[4]

In April 2016, the Sligo Institute of Technology, which is funded by Kastus, announced the creation of a non-toxic antimicrobial nanotechnology, which Kastus plans to market globally.[5][6] This research is supported by a €1.5 million funding investment from Atlantic Bridge.[7][8]

In 2018, Kastus partnered with Oman-based ceramic tile producer Al Maha Ceramics, which exports to 15 countries in Asia and Africa. The deal saw Kastus use its antimicrobial technology to produce a range of new tiles called iProtect.[9]

In 2019, Kastus partnered with Faytech to enhance their development of touch display manufacturing capabilities.[10]

In 2020, Kastus developed antimicrobial and antiviral technology used on touch screens to prevent the spread of diseases such as COVID-19.[11] The screen technology has been shown to kill up to 99% of harmful bacteria, fungi, and antibiotic-resistant superbugs, including human coronavirus.[12] Kastus was awarded EU funding to further develop and expand these technologies and their applications,[13] and has partnered with companies such as Lenovo,[14] Zagg,[15] and Lavazza[16] for a range of commercial applications for their products.

In 2021, Kastus raised €5.65 million in a Series A round to build out its global commercial team to meet growing demand for its antiviral surface protection technology.[17]

Awards

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  • Spin-out Company Impact Award (2017)[18]
  • Irish Times Innovation of the Year award (2017)[19]
  • Irish Times Life Sciences and Healthcare award (2017)[19]
  • KTI Impact Award Winners 2017[20]
  • Med Tech Award Finalists 2020 [21]
  • EY Entrepreneur of The Year Finalists [22]

References

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  1. ^ "Kastus® - TouchScreens". Kastus®. Retrieved 2019-10-18.
  2. ^ "Amber". ambercentre.ie. Retrieved 2019-10-18.
  3. ^ Staff Writer (April 21, 2016). "Irish based scientists make superbug breakthrough". The Irish Times. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  4. ^ Department of Health (October 2017). Ireland's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (PDF) (Report). Department of Health. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  5. ^ McMahon, Conor (June 3, 2017). "An Irish med-tech firm could make your smartphone and toilet 'superbug'-free". The Journal. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  6. ^ Staff Writer (April 21, 2016). "Irish discovery could stem spread of 'superbugs'". RTÉ. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  7. ^ O'Brien, Ciara (December 1, 2016). "Tech firm Kastus gets €1.5m investment led by Atlantic Bridge fund". The Irish Times. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  8. ^ "DIT Hothouse spinout Kastus has raised €1.5m investment as it seeks to boost international sales of its antimicrobial technology to control superbugs". www.dit.ie. Dublin Institute of Technology. December 1, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  9. ^ Ronan, Leonard (February 27, 2019). "IRISH COMPANY KASTUS LAUNCHES SUPERBUG-RESISTANT TILES INTO MIDDLE EAST". Irish Tech News.
  10. ^ "Kastus teams with Faytech on touch display manufacturing". www.kioskmarketplace.com. 2019-09-06. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  11. ^ Alston, Fiona (2020-10-13). "Kastus screen protection to eliminate bacteria on contact". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  12. ^ Taylor, Charlie. "Coating developed by Irish company Kastus effective against coronavirus". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  13. ^ GALVIN, Grainne (2020-06-08). "Coronavirus: EU grants €314 million to 72 innovative companies to combat the virus and support recovery – 8 Irish companies among those to receive funding". Ireland - European Commission. Retrieved 2021-03-23.
  14. ^ Hancock, Ciarán. "Irish tech company Kastus agrees partnership with Lenovo". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
  15. ^ Inc, ZAGG (2020-08-03). "InvisibleShield Debuts Glass Screen Protection for the Google Pixel 4a Phone". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release). Retrieved 2021-03-29. {{cite press release}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  16. ^ "Lavazza introduces Kastus antimicrobial surface protectors for Flavia brewers". www.vendingtimes.com. 2020-09-24. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
  17. ^ Keane, Jonathan (2021-06-21). "Kastus raises €5.65m for its anti-viral coating tech". Silicon Republic. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
  18. ^ Staff Writer (March 30, 2017). "Kastus Wins SpinOut KTI Impact Award". Biz Plus. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  19. ^ a b McAleer, Michael (October 11, 2017). "Superbug killer Kastus wins overall prize at Irish Times innovation awards". The Irish Times. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  20. ^ admin, admin. "KTI Impact Award Winners 2017". www.knowledgetransferireland.com. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  21. ^ "Finalists announced for Medtech Rising | Irish Medtech Association". IMDA. Retrieved 2021-03-19.
  22. ^ Harford, Sarah (2021-05-13). "Check out the 24 finalists for EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021". Silicon Republic. Retrieved 2021-06-24.
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