The Beat: Beacon prepares to launch next-gen disinfecting product
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
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.
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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.
READ MORE: Inno Madness winner Beacon preparing to launch next-gen disinfecting product
More from Chicago Inno
Chicago VC firm Portal Innovations , which focuses on life-sciences innovation, announced an international expansion through a new partnership with Dublin City University that hopes to create new opportunities for biotech, medtech, quantum and AI startups across Ireland, the U.K. and Europe.
, which focuses on life-sciences innovation, announced an international expansion through a new partnership with that hopes to create new opportunities for biotech, medtech, quantum and AI startups across Ireland, the U.K. and Europe. Chicago tech giant Tempus announced the launch of Tempus Loop this week, a new oncology-focused platform.
Chicago boosts life-sciences growth
While Chicago's life-sciences market is showing some signs of growth with developments such as Evanston Labs coming online, it still lags behind other major metros in key traits.
In a Colliers report looking at local ecosystems' ability to support and sustain growth in the life-sciences industry, Chicago ranked ninth in the country, held back slightly by a lack of new developments.
Boston received the top score in the second annual analysis of 18 markets, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area at No. 2 and San Diego in the third spot.
READ MORE: How Chicago is building up life sciences — and where it still lags
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