Ghezzi says it can also be used by mass transit systems.

“So aircraft, where perhaps air is being recycled every 15 minutes, buses, subways and anywhere crowds gather in tight spaces for prolonged periods of time.”

Ghezzi calls it a game-changer in the fight against COVID-19, especially in classrooms, where it’s important to detect the virus as quick as possible.

“When we look at the entire ecosystem of how do we survive this pandemic, having this safe space technology allows us to identify the virus more quickly, allows us to contact trace more quickly. Perhaps we can close down the classroom, as opposed to an entire school.”  

Independently tested

The company has been working on the technology at its London office since March and arranged for testing at two independent labs that are part of Western University, Ghezzi said.

One of the testers was Dr. David Heinrichs, a professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Western.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this technology can quickly and effectively detect an array of airborne pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Our results are absolutely conclusive,” said Heinrichs.

Kontrol Energy hopes to produce as many as 20,000 BioCloud units per month at a cost of $12,000 U.S., though Ghezzi said discounts would be offered on large orders.

The detection chamber is replaceable after it comes into contact with the coronavirus and can be replaced for continuous use, the company said in a news release.

There are no immediate plans for developing a unit that would work in the home. Ghezzi said the company has considered the concept of a breathalyzer that would detect the coronavirus, but it would require a longer development cycle and the approval by Health Canada.

Ghezzi said, for now, the primary focus of the company is to sell its technology to schools, hospitals and mass transportation systems.