Pilkington Technology Management Ltd. received a 100 percent award from Innovate UK, part of the U.K. government’s funding for research and innovation for its project to develop an antiviral glass.
“Businesses from all over the U.K. have answered our call rapidly to meet the challenges we face today and in the future through the power of innovation. The ideas we have seen can truly make a significant impact on society, improve the lives of individuals, especially those in vulnerable groups and enable businesses to prosper in challenging circumstances,” says Ian Campbell, executive chair, Innovate UK
The project evaluates the antiviral functionality of two coated products to actively reduce viral load on glass surfaces, specifically SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19. The product developments, already in an advanced stage, have been accelerated by the COVID-19 rapid response innovation funding at the company’s European Technical Centre in Lathom, Lancashire. The project is managed within the R&D Incubator portfolio, which advances future technologies through innovation and collaboration with commercial and academic partners.
“We are excited about the award. It will truly motivate our R&D team who have rapidly responded to a market demand under challenging working conditions during the pandemic. At this moment in time there aren’t any antiviral coated glass products with these properties. If successful, a product with high durability will be available for immediate use in buildings, public transport, contactable surfaces and barriers,” says Mike Greenall, chief technology officer at NSG Group.
