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Optical Waters
Amherst, US · 1 known investors
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Optical Waters manufactures UV-C optical fibers that emit germicidal light along their entire length for disinfection applications. The fibers are flexible and customizable, designed to be integrated into various surfaces and equipment to deliver ultraviolet sterilization where contamination is a concern.
Founders & leadership
ML
Mariana LopesCTODr. Mariana Lopes is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UMass Amherst and founder of Optical Waters, where she develops UV-C optical fiber technology for water disinfection applications. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton and M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Arizona State University, with research expertise in UV-based disinfection systems and light-driven water treatment technologies.
Investors · 1
Non-dilutive funding · 2 SBIR/STTR awards
Federal grants — no equity taken| Agency | Phase | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Science Foundation | Phase II | 2023 | $983.8K |
| National Science Foundation | Phase ISTTR | 2022 | $255.5K |
Source: SBIR.gov award data (U.S. Small Business Administration). SBIR/STTR awards are competitive federal R&D grants and contracts — non-dilutive capital alongside any venture rounds above.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Optical Waters do?
- Optical Waters manufactures UV-C optical fibers that emit germicidal light along their entire length for disinfection applications. The fibers are flexible and customizable, designed to be integrated into various surfaces and equipment to deliver ultraviolet sterilization where contamination is a concern.
- Who are Optical Waters's investors?
- Optical Waters's investors include Maroon Venture Partners Fund.
- Where is Optical Waters headquartered?
- Optical Waters is headquartered in Amherst, US.