Many life-saving biodefense technologies, like far-UVC light systems and advanced PPE, struggle to reach their full potential because their ideal users—hospitals, schools, or immunocompromised individuals—often don't know these solutions exist or how to adopt them. This gap slows down innovation and leaves high-risk environments vulnerable to preventable infections. One way to address this could be by systematically identifying and developing market segments for these technologies, creating clear pathways from labs to the people who need them most.

Building the Market for Biodefense

The idea centers on four key steps: First, research would pinpoint where these technologies are needed most, like hospitals with high infection rates or schools in flu-prone areas. Next, pilot deployments with early adopters would test real-world effectiveness—for example, installing far-UVC in a hospital wing to measure reduced infections. Then, educational campaigns could showcase results through case studies and ROI tools, helping potential buyers understand the value. Finally, a matchmaking platform could connect technology developers with buyers, investors, and regulators to streamline adoption.

Why Stakeholders Would Participate

Hospitals and schools benefit from fewer outbreaks and lower costs, while technology developers gain access to validated markets. Investors get scalable, high-impact opportunities, and public health agencies see reduced disease burdens. For immunocompromised individuals, this could mean safer spaces tailored to their needs. Early pilots could use leasing models or subsidies to overcome upfront cost barriers, and partnerships with regulators could fast-track approvals for promising technologies.

How This Differs from Existing Efforts

Unlike companies that focus solely on selling their own biodefense hardware, this approach would act as a neutral marketplace for multiple technologies, matching them to niche segments like home care or small clinics. It goes beyond awareness platforms by actively facilitating deployments, and it avoids the limitations of single-technology solutions by offering a range of options for different needs.

An MVP might start with a small-scale pilot in one high-need segment, like nursing homes, paired with a basic matchmaking tool for developers and buyers. Success here could lay the groundwork for expanding to other sectors and refining the model based on real-world feedback.