PRESS RELEASE
Daycare Reports 91% Reduction In Student Absences From HFM Outbreak After Utilizing Beacon's Disinfecting Technology
Montessori Kids Universe Bannockburn Expands Its Deployment of Beacon’s Technology Throughout Its Facility. Beacon Is Proven To Eliminate Up To 99.99% Of Viruses, Bacteria, And Molds
CHICAGO — August 12, 2026 — Beacon Technology Solutions, Inc. (Beacon), a Chicago-based healthtech company, today announced new pilot results from Montessori Kids Universe (MKU) Bannockburn demonstrating rapid, sustained environmental pathogen reduction in classrooms. Unlike traditional cleaning protocols, Beacon uses Far-UVC 222nm light to continuously disinfect occupied indoor spaces without chemicals or disruption.
MKU Classroom Pilot Results
In the MKU pilot, Beacon’s proprietary smart disinfection technology delivered measurable environmental pathogen reduction during an average school timeline: meaningful improvement by the end of a class block, and near‑total suppression over the course of a half day. In one example, Beacon measured a 99.01% reduction in environmental pathogens in two hours, reaching 99.98% in four hours (from 8 million CFU down to 940 CFU). As a result, MKU elected to expand the use of Beacon units throughout its facility.
“The safety and well-being of our children is our highest priority. Our families trust us with what matters most to them, and we are committed to creating a thoughtfully prepared environment where children can learn and grow safely,” commented Megan Tinsley, owner of Montessori Kids Universe Bannockburn. “The incredible results from Beacon’s real-world testing at our school has led to our decision to put a Beacon in every classroom, adding another layer of protection for our children, families, and staff.”
In addition to the proven pilot results, MKU provided information about an occurrence of Hand, Foot, and Mouth (HFM) at its facility in multiple rooms. All rooms maintained and followed state-required best practices for cleaning and sanitizing. It shared the following details over a two-week period:
- The room that did not utilize Beacon’s environmental disinfection reported nine (9) absences out of nine (9) students with the reason cited being HFM (100%).
- The room that added Beacon’s environmental disinfection technology reported just one (1) absence out of eleven (11) students with the reason cited being HFM (9.1%).
- The room that utilized Beacon thus had a 90.9% lower reported absentee rate due to HFM.*
The Science: How Beacon Works
Beacon uses Far‑UVC 222nm light to inactivate pathogens like the viruses and bacteria that cause Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Safe for humans, children, and pets, Beacon’s patented smart system integrates sensing technology for safe occupied‑space deployment and custom operation schedules.
Built for Real World Operations
Beacon addresses a critical disinfection gap that exists with continuous re‑introduction of germs as students and teachers move, talk, touch, and breathe during the course of an average school day. A “set‑it‑and‑forget‑it” layer of protection, Beacon is easy to install, is non-toxic, and requires no change to daily operations while delivering measurable pathogen reductions in occupied spaces.
“Classrooms, healthcare facilities, and workplaces don’t need to disrupt or alter their current cleaning protocols,” said Andrea Clark, co-founder and Head of Public Health Research. “With Beacon, they can easily layer in continuous, autonomous protection that works around the clock, offering an added layer of disinfection while people are present.”
For classroom deployments, Beacon recommends optimization guidelines of approximately one Beacon lamp for up to 1,000 square feet, or one per room, depending on configuration and goals.
“Traditional infection control measures create recontamination gaps, pathogens get reintroduced with every new person in a room, with every breath. Beacon closes that gap with continuous antimicrobial activity and with zero workflow disruption,” said Howard Fullman, Chief Medical Officer of Beacon.
*Anecdotal field observation; not a controlled clinical study.
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About Beacon
Beacon Technology Solutions, Inc. (Beacon) is the leader in Far-UVC 222nm continuous disinfection for occupied spaces. Using patented Far-UVC 222nm light technology, Beacon’s products safely inactivate up to 99.99% of airborne and surface pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, and mold—in real-time. Unlike traditional disinfection methods that require evacuation or provide only temporary disinfection, Beacon operates continuously in homes, healthcare facilities, schools, offices, and other critical environments without disrupting daily operations for continuous disinfection of environmental pathogens. With intelligent sensors and proprietary algorithms that maintain stringent safety thresholds, Beacon delivers measurable pathogen reduction while reducing operational costs and illness burden. Beacon is an EPA-registered product, is compliant with exposure and photobiological safety standards under the ACGIH, IES, and IEC, and is UL867 and UL153 compliant. Learn more at www.meetbeacon.com.
About Montessori Kids Universe
Montessori Kids Universe Bannockburn is an early childhood education center serving children from six weeks through six years of age. The school combines Montessori education with Reggio Emilia-inspired learning and meaningful outdoor experiences to support each child’s academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Through thoughtfully prepared classrooms, individualized learning, practical life activities, and highly qualified educators, MKU Bannockburn helps children develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. The school is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and dependable environment for families in the surrounding communities. For more information, visit www.mkubannockburn.com
Media Inquires:
Susie Spigelman
susie@beaconlight.co | 847-757-2066
