Five years ago, University of Technology student Rayvon Stewart set about finding a way to curb the spread of harmful germs.
Today, Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Sutherland has pointed to an invention by a young Jamaican as a possible key weapon in the fight to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
XERMOSEL is a simple device that uses ultraviolet light technology to kill bacteria found on door knobs, thereby reducing the risk of an individual contracting a germ upon contact.
The innovation would be particularly useful in public spaces such as hospitals and health care facilities in reducing the spread of bacteria and viruses. The unique device is simpler than similar products which require the installation of new door knobs.
Rayvon and his team placed fourth in the National Business Model Competition (IBMC) and went on to compete up to the semi-final round in the International Business Model Competition held May 9 – 10, 2019 in Utah, USA.
Despite not winning either competition, Rayvon’s impressive showing at the IBMC led to an invitation by the Commonwealth Secretariat in London to Geneva Switzerland to participate in the Young Innovators Exhibition at the Commonwealth Health Ministries Meeting hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19, 2019.
At the meeting he had the privilege of sharing his innovative product with some 53 health ministers across the wider Commonwealth. He informed that the Commonwealth Secretary General has committed to assist all six (6) young innovators across the Commonwealth who were chosen to attend the conference. They will receive assistance through the newly established Commonwealth Innovators’ Hub.
Story via Jamaica Observer and UTECH
