LIGC
Pioneering new disruptive technology, offering a scalable approach for producing and patterning porous graphene foam, using a commercially available laser in ambient temperature.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
$3.0m | Series A | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
LIGC Application Ltd. was an Israeli-based company founded in 2014 that specialized in the production of Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) filters. The company's technology was based on the groundbreaking work of Professor James Tour at Rice University, who in 2013, discovered a method to create porous graphene foam by using a commercial laser at ambient temperatures. LIGC leveraged this discovery, holding core patents from Rice and Ben-Gurion University, to develop its own process for producing and patterning this conductive, flexible, and antimicrobial material.
The firm's primary business focus pivoted to address the global demand for improved air purification following the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to the development and commercialization of active air filtering systems. Their flagship product, the ViralWall™, utilized a graphene-coated filter that not only captured airborne particles but also actively eliminated bacteria and viruses with a low electrical current. Even without power, the inherent antimicrobial properties of graphene prevented pathogen growth on the filter, a significant advantage over traditional passive filters like HEPA. The ViralWall™ was designed to create a protective 'air wall' by venting purified air vertically, making it suitable for creating safer indoor spaces in workplaces, schools, and other public areas.
While air filtration became their initial market entry, LIGC operated as a technology platform company with broader ambitions. They aimed to apply their laser-induced graphene technology to other significant markets, including water purification, biosensors, and energy applications such as electrodes and catalysis. In September 2020, LIGC secured $3 million in a Series A funding round to advance these goals. Despite its promising technology and initial product launch, LIGC Application went out of business in 2022.
Keywords: Laser-Induced Graphene, LIG, air purification, graphene filters, antimicrobial filter, ViralWall, active air filtration, graphene commercialization, water purification technology, biosensors, advanced materials, patented technology, air treatment, pathogen elimination, indoor air quality