About SafeTouch

Surface contamination contributes to millions of infections every year, including Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) and Community Acquired Infections (CAIs), leading to severe health outcomes and substantial economic impacts. Current disinfection practices are often costly, labour-intensive, environmentally damaging, and frequently inadequate—especially in busy, high-touch environments.

To directly address these critical issues, SafeTouch—funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme—introduces the groundbreaking iSafeTouch (iST) technology. iST is an ultra-thin, flexible microfilm integrating advanced thermal microheating and intelligent sensing technologies, delivering automated, rapid surface decontamination within milliseconds.

How iST Technology Works

The iSafeTouch microfilm leverages precision microfabrication, combining:

Flexible Substrate:

Adapts seamlessly to nearly any high-touch surface.

Instant Thermal Activation:

Touch-sensitive sensors immediately activate microheaters, reaching temperatures up to ~150°C and eliminating pathogens in milliseconds.

Safe, Durable Protective Coating:

Ensures robust, long-term performance, rapid cooling after activation, and complete safety for frequent human contact without risk of irritation.

Upcoming Real-World Validation

Pilot installations planned in healthcare and senior-care facilities will validate SafeTouch’s real-world effectiveness, practicality, and user acceptance, providing critical evidence for future implementation in hospitals, schools, transportation hubs, and other public spaces.

The Smart Hygiene Grid (SHG)

SafeTouch aims to go beyond individual solutions by establishing the Smart Hygiene Grid (SHG)—an intelligent, interconnected ecosystem of hygiene-aware surfaces. Through wireless connectivity, the SHG enables continuous pathogen control, improved hygiene compliance, and optimised resource management across entire facilities and public environments.

Commitment to Sustainability & Innovation

SafeTouch actively supports global sustainability and technological advancement by:

Reducing Environmental Impact:

Chemical-free operation with minimal energy consumption and waste generation

Economic Benefits:

Significantly lowering healthcare costs by reducing infection rates and their associated economic impacts

Advancing Scientific Knowledge:

Driving breakthroughs in microbiology, thermal engineering, microfabrication, and digital connectivity