CleanAir · Project

Ozone-Free Air Purification System Ready for Series Production in Healthcare Facilities

healthMarket-readyTRL 8

Imagine an air purifier that zaps viruses and removes particles from the air — but without producing any of the harmful ozone or nitrogen oxides that most ionizers on the market do. The trick is a specially shaped electrode that cleans the air electrostatically without creating the electric sparks (corona discharges) that generate those nasty byproducts. The team took this from a lab-proven concept all the way to a CE-certified, market-ready device designed to fit dental offices, doctor's offices, and hospital rooms of different sizes.

By the numbers

consortium partners

countries involved (AT, DE, IL, IT)

industry partners in the consortium

healthcare application areas (dental, doctor's offices, hospital rooms)

EUR 2,303,250

EU contribution

SMEs in consortium

67%

industry ratio in consortium

The business problem

What needed solving

Healthcare facilities — dental clinics, doctor's offices, and hospitals — face persistent airborne infection risks, made urgent by COVID-19 but relevant for any respiratory pathogen. Current air ionizers on the market produce harmful ozone and nitrogen oxides as byproducts, making them problematic for continuous use in occupied treatment spaces. Facility managers need air decontamination that works effectively without creating new health hazards for patients and staff.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered a market-ready, CE-certified air decontamination device using a geometrically extended electrode design for ozone-free and NOx-free air ionization. Completed deliverables include the market-ready product itself and marketing materials, along with a sales and business plan for series production across 3 healthcare application areas.

Audience

Who needs this

Dental clinic chains and dental equipment suppliersHospital facility managers and infection control officersMedical device distributors serving the European healthcare marketPrivate clinic operators (GP offices, specialist practices)Healthcare architecture and HVAC integration companies

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Dental care

SME

Target: Dental clinic chains and dental equipment distributors

If you are a dental clinic operator dealing with airborne pathogen risks during close-contact procedures — this project developed a market-ready air decontamination device specifically designed for dental treatment rooms. It removes airborne particles and pathogens without producing ozone or NOx, making it safe for continuous use during patient treatment. The system was developed with 9 consortium partners across 4 countries and is ready for series production.

Hospital facility management

enterprise

Target: Hospital groups and healthcare facility managers

If you are a hospital facility manager dealing with infection control in patient rooms — this project built an air ionization system that fits rooms of different sizes and heights, targeting hospital patient rooms specifically. Unlike conventional air ionizers, it produces zero harmful byproducts, which matters in spaces with vulnerable patients. The device is CE mark certified and designed for easy integration into existing room infrastructure.

Medical equipment distribution

mid-size

Target: Medical device distributors and wholesalers

If you are a medical equipment distributor looking for differentiated air purification products — this project delivered a market-ready product with marketing materials already prepared, plus a sales and business plan for series production. The system covers 3 application areas (dental rooms, doctor's offices, hospital rooms) and was developed by a 9-partner consortium including 6 industry players and 3 SMEs.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does this device cost and what is the pricing model?

The project data does not disclose unit pricing. The total EU contribution was EUR 2,303,250 across 9 partners, which covered development through to series-production readiness. Based on available project data, a sales and detailed business plan was prepared, so pricing models exist but are not public.

Can this be manufactured at industrial scale?

Yes — the project's explicit goal was to develop the technology to series production readiness. The electrode can be manufactured in different sizes and various 3D geometries. With 6 industry partners in the consortium, the manufacturing pathway is established.

What is the IP situation and can I license this technology?

The project was coordinated by Villinger GmbH, an Austrian SME. IP arrangements would need to be discussed directly with the coordinator. The technology is based on a geometrically extended electrode design that was pre-tested before the project started, so background IP likely exists.

Is this device certified for use in the EU?

The project objective explicitly states achieving CE mark certification. A 'Market ready product' deliverable was completed, which strongly suggests certification was obtained. Contact the coordinator to confirm the specific CE marking scope and any country-specific requirements.

How is this different from existing air purifiers on the market?

The key differentiator is zero ozone and zero NOx emissions. Conventional air ionizers produce these harmful substances through corona discharges. This electrode design eliminates corona discharges entirely while still achieving electrostatic disinfection and particle removal.

What room types and sizes does it work for?

The device was developed for 3 specific healthcare settings: dental treatment rooms, medical doctor's offices, and hospital patient rooms. The electrode can be manufactured in different sizes and 3D geometries, making it adaptable to rooms of different sizes and heights.

When can I start purchasing these devices?

The project ended in January 2023 and delivered a market-ready product along with marketing materials and a business plan for series production. Based on available project data, the technology should be available for commercialization now. Contact the coordinator for current availability.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a strongly industry-oriented consortium with 6 out of 9 partners (67%) coming from industry, including 3 SMEs. The coordinator, Villinger GmbH, is an Austrian SME — meaning the commercial drive sits at the leadership level, not buried in an academic lab. The consortium spans 4 countries (Austria, Germany, Israel, Italy), with 3 universities providing the scientific backbone. This composition is a strong signal for commercialization: the majority of partners have a direct business interest in bringing this product to market, and the mix of countries gives access to multiple European healthcare markets from day one.

VILLINGER GMBHCoordinator · AT
MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAT INNSBRUCKparticipant · AT
JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAET FRANKFURT AM MAINparticipant · DE
DANUBE PRIVATE UNIVERSITY GMBHparticipant · AT
INSTITUTO NEUROLOGICO MEDITERRANEO NEUROMED SOCIETA PER AZIONIparticipant · IT

How to reach the team

Villinger GmbH (Austria) — Austrian SME that coordinated the project. Reach out through the project website or CORDIS contact form.

Order a report on this consortium See VILLINGER GMBH profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the CleanAir team to discuss distribution, licensing, or bulk purchase? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the right person at Villinger GmbH.

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