Optical Waters

Optical Waters LLC, a Massachusetts-based seed-stage company founded in 2020, is focused on developing novel disinfection technologies. The firm was co-founded by Dr. Mariana Lopes, who holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Arizona State University, and Dr. Katrina Fitzpatrick, who has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Their combined expertise in environmental and chemical engineering underpins the company's core technology.

The company's primary business is the provision of ultraviolet optical fiber systems designed to disinfect small channels and complex geometries where conventional methods are ineffective. It operates in the B2B environmental services market, with applications spanning the medical, commercial, residential, and laboratory sectors. Revenue is generated through the sale of its custom disinfection solutions and evaluation kits to companies that require sterile environments for their products.

Optical Waters has developed a patent-pending technology consisting of flexible optical fibers that emit germicidal UV-C light along their entire length, functioning similarly to a glowstick. This method allows for the controlled distribution of ultraviolet light within narrow-diameter pipes, tubing, and other intricate structures, a significant advantage over traditional UV-C disinfection which is limited by the need for direct line-of-sight exposure. The technology is chemical-free, relying on mercury-free UV-C LEDs, and offers a long-term disinfection solution capable of operating for years. Key milestones include receiving an NSF SBIR Phase II award in January 2022 to optimize manufacturing, and securing funding from the Maroon Venture Partners Fund in March 2023.

Keywords: UV-C disinfection, germicidal optical fibers, biofilm prevention, water-stable disinfection, microbial inactivation, small channel sterilization, complex geometry disinfection, chemical-free cleaning, long-term disinfection solutions, medical device sterilization, laboratory equipment disinfection, residential water purification, commercial water treatment, ultraviolet light technology, environmental services, woman-owned business, NSF SBIR recipient, UMass startup, custom disinfection systems, pathogen inactivation