Jul 31, 2023

<strong> Courtesy UV Angel </strong> A venture fund of the Michigan State University (MSU) Foundation made an investment in Grand Haven-based UV Angel. East Lansing-based Red Cedar Ventures said Thursday, April 14, it made its first “major investment” in UV Angel , a pathogen control technology company based in Grand Haven. The size of the investment was not disclosed. Red Cedar Ventures’ investment comes as UV Angel continues to integrate its technology into MSU’s high-capacity spaces. “At Red Cedar, we foster strong relationships with the companies we invest in, especially those whose mission focuses on the health and well-being of all,” said Jeff Wesley, executive director of Red Cedar Ventures. “Combined with our direct connection to MSU, our investment and partnership with UV Angel was perfectly aligned. “As health care continues to be a priority in every aspect of our lives, we look forward to supporting UV Angel’s growth at MSU and beyond and are proud of their commitment to create a better, safer environment for all.” Engineered to continuously clean the air and operate when people are present with no chemicals or harmful byproducts, the UV Angel Clean Air Upper-Room UVGI technology integrates a patented infection control platform into the room-ceiling space. The Upper Room UV Angel Clean Air operates 24/7 independently from a building’s heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems and pulls room air into a sealed UVGI infection control chamber, where up to 99.99% of viruses, bacteria and fungi are killed. The clean, treated air then is returned to the room. “UV Angel has worked tirelessly during this pandemic to bring awareness to the air as a transmission pathway for the coronavirus and other infectious pathogens, and we’re proud to partner with MSU to help reduce pathogens and create healthier environments for MSU students, athletes and staff,” said Linda Lee, chief medical affairs and science officer of UV Angel who holds a doctorate in public health in occupational and environmental health. “Students and staff need to continue to get back to the classroom and experience the benefits of full university life. People are the main source of transmission, and our pathogen control technology provides an engineered and automatic layer of safety against harmful viruses, bacteria and mold where it’s needed most: indoors, in occupied spaces as people are gathering to work, train and care for others.” Red Cedar Ventures was founded to accelerate the commercialization of companies, creating opportunities for MSU technologies, ecosystem partners and the state of Michigan. It invests in the form of pre-seed funds and opportunity funds, acting as a partner from early- to late-stage funding for startups. On average, MSU said it has seen reductions of bacteria levels between 70% and 80% using UV Angel’s technology at the Michigan State University Breslin Student Events Center, Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Olin Health Center and Wonders Hall. More spaces are being considered for UV Angel’s product across campus. TAGS