Lit Thinking Company Profile

Background

Lit Thinking™ is a private technology firm established in 2022, dedicated to enhancing indoor environments through advanced building technologies and scientific research. The company's mission is to create safer, healthier, and more productive indoor spaces by leveraging Far-UVC light technology to mitigate airborne pathogens.

Key Strategic Focus

Lit Thinking™ specializes in the development and deployment of Far-UVC light solutions, particularly through its flagship product, Visium™. This device utilizes 222nm Far-UVC light to continuously inactivate up to 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria in occupied spaces. Key features of Visium™ include:

UL Certification: First of its kind to receive UL certification for continuous operation in occupied environments.

Human Safety: Employs Far-UVC light, proven safe for human exposure.

Automated Operation: Integrates with the Lit Thinking™ app for real-time monitoring and control.

Energy Efficiency: Operates at only 14W, providing an efficient method for air sanitization.

Financials and Funding

Lit Thinking™ secured early-stage venture capital funding in April 2024, with RSE Ventures as a notable investor.

Pipeline Development

The company is actively engaged in semiconductor research to enhance the efficiency and affordability of Far-UVC light sources. This research aims to develop next-generation Far-UVC solutions for broader applications in indoor air quality management.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Lit Thinking™'s innovation centers around its proprietary Far-UVC technology platform, which includes:

Proprietary Technologies: Development of Far-UVC light devices like Visium™ that are safe for continuous use in occupied spaces.

Scientific Methods: Utilization of Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) for the development of ultrawide bandgap nitride semiconductors, enabling advanced Far-UVC optoelectronics.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Integration of IoT connectivity through the Lit Thinking™ app, offering real-time status monitoring, sensor data analysis, and sanitization estimations.

Leadership Team

Stephen M. Ross: Co-Founder. Chairman and Founder of Related Companies, a global real estate firm.

Matt Higgins: Co-Founder and Chairman. CEO of RSE Ventures, with extensive experience in growth equity investment.

John Rajchert: Co-Founder and CEO. Former President of Honeywell's Building Solutions business, with 30 years in building technology leadership.

Dr. Leo Schowalter: Chief Technology Officer. Expert in semiconductor research, overseeing the company's semiconductor initiatives.

Dr. Janet Price: Chief Science Officer. Leads R&D efforts, specializing in molecular biology and UV research.

Adrian Armijo: Chief Product Officer. Oversees product development and technology strategy, with experience in UV disinfection systems.

Rafael Lopez-Arce: Director of Engineering. Brings over a decade of experience in automotive technology and lighting systems.

Christina Flores: Director of Marketing & Communications. Manages global marketing initiatives and communications strategies.

Rob Martynowski: Head of Operations. Experienced in manufacturing, sales operations, and project management.

Wendy Walling: Director of Business Development - Healthcare. Specializes in GUV technologies for healthcare applications.

Josh Oelker: Director of Business Development - Commercial. Focuses on GUV solutions across various sectors, including commercial buildings and HVAC.

Leadership Changes

In January 2024, Dr. Shashwat Rathkanthiwar joined as Director of MOCVD Research, bringing expertise in III-nitride semiconductors to spearhead research on ultrawide bandgap nitride semiconductors for Far-UVC applications.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The indoor air quality and sanitization market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increased awareness of airborne pathogens and the need for safer indoor environments. Far-UVC technology is emerging as a promising solution due to its efficacy and safety in occupied spaces.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Far-UVC and indoor air sanitization market include:

PURO Lighting: Offers a range of UV disinfection products, including Far-UVC solutions for various applications.

Steril-Aire: Specializes in UVC solutions for HVAC systems, focusing on air and surface disinfection.

Healthe Inc.: Develops UV sanitization products, including Far-UVC devices for occupied spaces.

These companies focus on developing UV-based disinfection technologies, each with unique approaches to product design, target markets, and technological innovations.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Lit Thinking™ has established strategic partnerships to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

ePlus Environmental Solutions: Collaborated to integrate sustainable solutions into Lit Thinking™'s product offerings.

University of Central Florida: Partnered to set up a research center focusing on high aluminum content alloys of nitride semiconductors for Far-UVC applications.

Operational Insights

Lit Thinking™ differentiates itself through:

Research Leadership: Active collaboration with leading researchers in the Far-UVC field, co-chairing studies, and leading R&D efforts.

Comprehensive Solutions: Offering integrated systems that combine hardware (Visium™) with proprietary software for real-time monitoring and control.

Regulatory Compliance: Achieving certifications such as UL and CARB compliance, ensuring product safety and efficacy.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Lit Thinking™ is poised to expand its product line and market reach by:

Advancing Semiconductor Research: Developing more efficient and affordable Far-UVC light sources to broaden application possibilities.

Exploring New Markets: Targeting sectors such as healthcare, education, and sports facilities to enhance indoor air quality.

Enhancing IoT Integration: Further developing the Lit Thinking™ app to provide deeper insights and control over indoor air sanitization processes.