How Chicago startup Beacon plans to grow smart disinfection device
A Chicago startup born out of the pandemic is ready to move into more homes and businesses after spending a number of years in research and development.
Founded in 2020, Beacon Technology Solutions — winner of Inno Madness 2025, Chicago Inno's annual bracket-style head-to-head startup competition — makes a wall-mounted smart device that uses Far-UVC 222 nm light to disinfect a room.
Beacon CEO Brian Clark said the Chicago startup has delivered its flagship product to hundreds of customers and will look to continue to expand its customer base in 2025.
"That's a big focus on 2025," Clark told Chicago Inno. "We're really excited to continue to tweak the product and make upgrades based on customer feedback and bring more features to them that solve the problem of staying safe from bacteria, molds and viruses."
Clark said Beacon's customers include both immunocompromised individuals and different types of businesses in the medical and education sectors to keep spaces safe, open and operational.
Clark added that developing a physical product has inherent advantages in today's market where every startup is looking to incorporate artificial intelligence and add .ai to the end of its name.
"It's something real. It's something tangible," he said. "It's something that creates value for people that can't be easily replicated in software."
Beacon fulfilled all its preorders and sold out of its initial product run in 2024, and Clark expects to announce a release date soon for the second-generation Beacon Light, which already has a growing waiting list.
The company recently received a grant from Illinois Tech to study how its light technology can be used to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases in public spaces.
"The big thing about technology like this is you have to continue to show people, not just help them," Clark said.
Sign up for the Business Journal's free daily newsletter to receive the latest business news impacting Chicago.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Journals
21 hours ago
- Business Journals
The Beat: Meet the Fire Awards Blazer winners for 2025
Welcome to Chicago Inno's The Beat, a twice-weekly look at the people, companies and ideas that are shaping Chicago's innovation economy. The Big One This year's Chicago Inno Fire Awardees spanned fintech, quantum technology, health and biotech, and robotics. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events The 25 ventures — sorted into five categories — collectively have raised millions of dollars (in some cases hundreds of millions), expanded their reach, launched new funds and otherwise made a name for themselves in the local tech scene in 2025. Now we're ready to recognize the Blazers, the standouts in each of the Fire Awards categories that truly shaped tech and innovation in Chicago over the past year. READ MORE: Meet the Fire Awards Blazer winners for 2025 More Inno news to know Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie is making a $195M investment to expand its manufacturing capacity in North Chicago. is making a $195M investment to expand its manufacturing capacity in North Chicago. Chicago startup ReloShare was featured in the No. 2 spot on this year's Inc. 5000 list. Portal Innovations launches $100M fund Chicago is ready to take its next step forward as a global life-sciences hub. That's at least what local venture-capital firm Portal Innovations is betting. The firm is launching a $100M fund geared primarily toward pre-seed and seed-stage biotech startups. The fund comes as life-sciences funding is having its moment in Chicago. While venture-capital funding for life sciences companies nationally is slightly off last year's pace, the numbers locally tell a different story. READ MORE: Chicago life-sciences funding surges as VC firm unveils $100M fund Sign up for Inno's free twice-weekly newsletter to receive the latest innovation news impacting Chicago.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Past is prologue: Rising container volumes portend falling rates
As Shakepeare may have put it, when it comes to container shipping, the past, very much, is prologue. So while the busiest U.S. ports hailed tariff-averse volume records in July, that elation was short-lived as container rates continue to fall on demand apparently sated by frontloading. Market average rates on the benchmark trans-Pacific trade from the Far East to U.S. West Coast ports were just above $2,000 per forty foot equivalent unit for the week ending August 13, consultant Xeneta said in an update, the lowest it has been since the end of 2023, as the Red Sea crisis was unfolding. That compares to $2,098 for the week ending August 6. Far East to U.S. East Coast prices were $3,174 per FEU, down from $3,311 w/w. North Europe to the U.S. East Coast was $1,941 per FEU, from $2,015. Xeneta said capacity management by carriers and less tariff uncertainty had helped brake the overall rate decline to 6% in July, after prices plunged by as much as 53% on the trans-Pacific in June. No immediate cargo rush is expected, after the Trump administration extended the pause on higher tariffs for Chinese imports another 90 days into early November. Among Far East fronthauls U.S. East Coast rates have decreased 12.8% or $464 per FEU since the end of July, second only to South America's 18.3% drop or $1,020 per FEU. Far East to North Europe rates fell to $3,247 per FEU from $3,330, while Far East to the Mediterranean slid to $3,337 from $3,372. Prices on the Far East to Mediterranean are down 8.2% since July 31, Xeneta said, adding that expected increases in vessel capacity will only exacerbate declining spot rates absent higher demand.'The further 90-day extension of current tariff levels between U.S. and China will not have a significant impact on shippers and we should not expect another cargo rush, as we saw immediately following the initial lowering of tariffs mid-May,' said Xeneta Chief Analyst Peter Sand, in a note. 'Shippers have already embraced the first 90-day window of opportunity to frontload goods – there is no longer a pent-up demand to get goods into the U.S., so spot rates are expected to decline further in the coming weeks as capacity also increases.'The massive challenge facing carriers is not restricted to the U.S.-bound fronthauls, with offered capacity also increasing from Far East to North Europe and Mediterranean in the coming weeks, potentially putting further downward pressure on spot rates here, too.' Find more articles by Stuart Chirls What panic? Port of Los Angeles sees record 1 million containers in July Intermodal veteran Cannizzaro to OCEMA carriers group as deputy executive director China volumes, tariff anxiety helps surging US container imports challenge '22 record Retailers: Tariff-battered import volumes to be 5.6% weaker in 2025 The post Past is prologue: Rising container volumes portend falling rates appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Light Reflective Film Market Analysis and Demand Forecast 2025-2030: Revenues to Grow by $660 Million at 7.11% CAGR
The light reflective film market offers growth potential through energy-efficient regulations and innovative technologies in architecture, automotive, and electronics. Key opportunities lie in leveraging advanced multi-layer films, adapting to tariff impacts with nearshoring, and embracing digital supply chain solutions. Dublin, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Light Reflective Film Market by Application (Architectural, Automotive, Electronics), Product Type (Ceramic, Metallic, Polymeric), Function, End User, Thickness, Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to reflective film is gaining prominence as an essential component for architects, automotive leaders, and electronics manufacturers seeking functional and aesthetic enhancements across diverse applications. This report enables senior executives to benchmark strategies, anticipate regulatory shifts, and leverage innovation to enhance operational efficiency in evolving markets. Market Snapshot: Light Reflective Film Market Growth and TrendsThe Light Reflective Film Market grew from USD 1.51 billion in 2024 to USD 1.62 billion in 2025. It is expected to continue expanding at a CAGR of 7.11%, reaching USD 2.28 billion by 2030. The market's upward trajectory is driven by rising adoption of advanced coatings, energy efficiency mandates, and innovative multi-layer composites across multiple sectors. Stakeholders are increasingly focused on optimizing glare reduction, UV protection, and thermal management within architectural, automotive, electronics, and signage & Segmentation: Deep Dive into the Light Reflective Film SectorGain comprehensive insight into competitive positioning, solution development, and market opportunity across the following segments: Applications: Architectural (curtain walls, storefronts, skylights, windows), automotive (aftermarket aesthetic, replacement, commercial, passenger vehicles), electronics (mobile devices, monitors, televisions), and signage (indoor exhibitions, retail displays, billboards, road signage). Product Types: Ceramic (multi-layer, nano ceramic), metallic (aluminum-based, silver-based), polymeric (ethylene vinyl acetate, polyester). Functions: Anti-glare (hard coat, matte), decorative (color-tinted, patterned), privacy (frosted, one-way), safety (ballistic, shatter resistance), UV protection (UVA, UVB, UVC). End Users: Aftermarket for both architectural and automotive sectors, OEMs supplying architectural and automotive markets. Thicknesses: Thin, medium (up to 150 microns, 151-200 microns), thick film variants. Distribution Channels: Direct, local distributors, national distributors, e-commerce (B2B, B2C platforms). Geographies: Americas (including key US states and countries in North and South America), Europe, Middle East & Africa (comprising major EU economies and Middle Eastern hubs), Asia-Pacific (notably China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Oceania). Featured Companies: 3M Company, Avery Dennison Corporation, ORAFOL Europe GmbH, Nitto Denko Corporation, FLEXcon Company, Inc., Morgan Adhesives Company, Eastman Performance Films, Inc., Sumitomo 3M Limited, Changzhou Evercare Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Tatek Film Co., Ltd. Key Takeaways Advanced nano-ceramic and multi-layer film technologies are transforming performance benchmarks in heat rejection, optical clarity, and sustainability-providing competitive leverage for manufacturers committed to continuous innovation. Architectural and automotive segments lead demand, with tailored film solutions optimizing both function and design for commercial buildings, vehicles, and consumer electronics displays. Alignment with energy efficiency regulations and evolving environmental standards is vital, as product innovation increasingly focuses on recyclability, low-volatile organic compound emissions, and compliance-driven material compositions. Supply chain agility, supported by nearshoring, robust scenario planning, and strategic supplier partnerships, is now a critical capability for mitigating tariff-related and geopolitical risks. Digital transformation-through real-time supply chain monitoring and predictive analytics-enables faster response to market signals and strengthens customer engagement across B2B verticals. United States Tariff Impact: Adaptation, Cost Strategies, and Value EngineeringFollowing the introduction of new US tariffs on imported ceramic, metallic, and polymeric film materials in 2025, industry stakeholders faced notable shifts in cost structures and supply chain strategies. Sourcing adjustments favored North American suppliers and spurred manufacturers to invest in domestic production lines, while procurement protocols increasingly emphasized nearshoring, scenario planning, and value-engineered components to sustain profitability. These changes prompted downstream sectors-such as construction and electronics assembly-to reconsider total cost of ownership models for film & Data Sources for the Light Reflective Film MarketThis report utilizes a blended methodology-integrating primary interviews with executives and product managers, quantitative market analysis from proprietary and public databases, and triangulated validation via technical reports and regulatory filings. Differentiation of market segments is based on clustering and benchmarking, with rigorous peer review ensuring data accuracy and This Report Matters to Senior Leaders Identifies actionable growth opportunities and emerging risks across the global value chain, directly informing procurement and R&D decisions. Equips C-suite leaders with insights into tariff adaptations, sustainability imperatives, and end-user customization needs for strategic planning. Enables benchmarking of competitive strategies and rapid detection of sector-specific shifts in technology, regulation, and distribution. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 196 Forecast Period 2025-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $1.62 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $2.28 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.1% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered1. Preface2. Research Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Overview4.1. Introduction4.2. Market Sizing & Forecasting5. Market Dynamics5.1. Adoption of graphene-infused reflective films for enhanced thermal management in electronics5.2. Rising demand for customizable LED-integrated reflective films in smart building facades5.3. Development of biopolymer-based reflective films to meet stringent sustainability regulations5.4. Integration of UV-resistant coatings in reflective films for outdoor signage longevity5.5. Growing use of retroreflective microprismatic films in high-visibility workwear and public safety gear5.6. Shift toward digital printing compatibility in reflective films for personalized advertising displays5.7. Collaboration between film manufacturers and automotive OEMs to develop next-generation adaptive headlights6. Market Insights6.1. Porter's Five Forces Analysis6.2. PESTLE Analysis7. Cumulative Impact of United States Tariffs 20258. Light Reflective Film Market, by Application8.1. Introduction8.2. Architectural8.2.1. Commercial8.2.1.1. Curtain Walls8.2.1.2. Storefront8.2.2. Residential8.2.2.1. Skylights8.2.2.2. Windows8.3. Automotive8.3.1. Aftermarket8.3.1.1. Aesthetic Film8.3.1.2. Replacement Film8.3.2. Original Equipment8.3.2.1. Commercial Vehicles8.3.2.2. Passenger Vehicles8.4. Electronics8.4.1. Mobile Devices8.4.1.1. Smartphones8.4.1.2. Tablets8.4.2. Monitors8.4.2.1. Desktop8.4.2.2. Laptop8.4.3. Televisions8.4.3.1. LED8.4.3.2. OLED8.5. Signage8.5.1. Indoor8.5.1.1. Exhibition8.5.1.2. Retail Displays8.5.2. Outdoor8.5.2.1. Billboards8.5.2.2. Road Signage9. Light Reflective Film Market, by Product Type9.1. Introduction9.2. Ceramic9.2.1. Multi Layer Ceramic9.2.2. Nano Ceramic9.3. Metallic9.3.1. Aluminum Based9.3.2. Silver Based9.4. Polymeric9.4.1. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate9.4.2. Polyester10. Light Reflective Film Market, by Function10.1. Introduction10.2. Anti Glare10.2.1. Hard Coat10.2.2. Matte10.3. Decorative10.3.1. Color Tinted10.3.2. Patterned10.4. Privacy10.4.1. Frosted10.4.2. One Way10.5. Safety10.5.1. Ballistic10.5.2. Shatter Resistance10.6. UV Protection10.6.1. UVA10.6.2. UVB10.6.3. UVC11. Light Reflective Film Market, by End User11.1. Introduction11.2. Aftermarket11.2.1. Architectural Aftermarket11.2.2. Automotive Aftermarket11.3. OEM11.3.1. Architectural OEM11.3.2. Automotive OEM12. Light Reflective Film Market, by Thickness12.1. Introduction12.2. Medium12.2.1. 151 To 200 Microns12.2.2. Up To 150 Microns12.3. Thick12.4. Thin13. Light Reflective Film Market, by Distribution Channel13.1. Introduction13.2. Direct13.3. Distributors13.3.1. Local Distributors13.3.2. National Distributors13.4. E-Commerce13.4.1. B2B13.4.2. B2C14. Americas Light Reflective Film Market14.1. Introduction14.2. United States14.3. Canada14.4. Mexico14.5. Brazil14.6. Argentina15. Europe, Middle East & Africa Light Reflective Film Market15.1. Introduction15.2. United Kingdom15.3. Germany15.4. France15.5. Russia15.6. Italy15.7. Spain15.8. United Arab Emirates15.9. Saudi Arabia15.10. South Africa15.11. Denmark15.12. Netherlands15.13. Qatar15.14. Finland15.15. Sweden15.16. Nigeria15.17. Egypt15.18. Turkey15.19. Israel15.20. Norway15.21. Poland15.22. Switzerland16. Asia-Pacific Light Reflective Film Market16.1. Introduction16.2. China16.3. India16.4. Japan16.5. Australia16.6. South Korea16.7. Indonesia16.8. Thailand16.9. Philippines16.10. Malaysia16.11. Singapore16.12. Vietnam16.13. Taiwan17. Competitive Landscape17.1. Market Share Analysis, 202417.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 202417.3. Competitive Analysis The companies profiled in this Light Reflective Film market report include: 3M Company Avery Dennison Corporation ORAFOL Europe GmbH Nitto Denko Corporation FLEXcon Company, Inc. Morgan Adhesives Company Eastman Performance Films, Inc. Sumitomo 3M Limited Changzhou Evercare Co., Ltd. Hangzhou Tatek Film Co., Ltd. For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
