Covid update: 21 January 2021 21 Jan 2021 A round up of this week's coronavirus-related news and countermeasures from the photonics industry. UV Accelerator supports development of UV-C LED disinfection systems.Asahi Kasei and Crystal IS have announced the second round of their UV Accelerator funding initiative for supporting the development of new disinfection products that use UV-C LEDs. Crystal IS manufactures aluminum nitride UVC LEDs, and through its Klaran product line offers UVC LEDs and modules to disinfect pathogens on surfaces and in water and air. Following the successful funding of two companies in the first round, this endeavor again is intended to partner with innovative companies that have exciting ideas for ânew applications of UVC LEDs in a post-Covid worldâ by providing investments of up to $250,000 per company. The partnership is accepting applicants for new product development ideas regarding the utilization of UVC LEDs until March 31, 2021. Up to $250,000 funding is available for selected companies, from Asahi Kasei America.