UV4Good featured in Advanced UV for Life - Association Interview
Interview between Thomas Neicke, Managing Director, Advanced UV for Life - Member Association, and Tatiana Koutchma & Britt Hafner, Co-founders of UV4Good
In a world where access to clean water is increasingly threatened by conflict and crisis, technology can serve as a lifeline. That’s the mission behind UV4Good, a nonprofit organization that uses ultraviolet (UVC) disinfection technology to provide safe water in emergency situations - and is now expanding its applications and extending support to new geographic regions.
Transcript
UV4Good recently joined Advanced UV for Life as a member. Thomas Neicke, Managing Director of the Association, sat down with Tatiana Koutchma (CEO) and Britt Hafner (Director of Communications) to discuss their journey, the challenges of creating impact without profit, and how collaboration can drive the industry forward.
Thomas: Thank you, Tatiana and Britt, for taking the time to talk. Can you start by telling us where UV4Good is today and what you’re focusing on?
Tatiana: Right now, UV4Good is at a pivotal moment. We began as a rapid-response initiative during the early days of the war in Ukraine, delivering 80 portable UV-based water disinfection units to areas in urgent need. Our work has also extended to Kenya, where access to clean drinking water remains scarce in remote communities. That mission, bringing safe water to those who need it most, remains at our core. But we’re evolving. We're looking beyond emergency response and expanding into broader applications, with a growing focus on education and raising awareness about the power and efficacy of UV technology.
Britt: We remain entirely volunteer-run, a structure that presents funding challenges, particularly as we continue our efforts in Ukraine. As a registered nonprofit operating in a difficult funding climate, securing consistent support isn't easy. But this independence also gives us the flexibility to stay true to our mission and values. We’re not here to sell a product - we’re here to advance a cause.
Thomas: Your water disinfection units have already made a tangible impact. Can you walk us through the technology behind them?
Tatiana: The current devices use a combination of multi-stage filtration and UVC disinfection. They can treat approximately 2 to 4 liters of water per minute and were designed for rapid deployment in emergency situations. Crystal IS (*) generously donated around 100 UV reactors, which enabled us to build and distribute those initial units.
Britt: While the emergency units have served their purpose well, they’re not without limitations. We're working to refine the design, reducing their overall footprint, increasing their output, and making them more robust. Our goal is to incorporate solar power, integrate flow sensors, and boost capacity to 10 or even 20 liters per minute, enabling the units to function as small community water stations. Achieving that requires both funding and technical collaboration, which is why partnerships like this one with Advanced UV for Life are so valuable.
Thomas: That’s exactly why we’re excited to have UV4Good as a new member. We want to help amplify your work. Are there specific collaboration opportunities you’re exploring?
Tatiana: Absolutely. One key area is connecting with additional UV and UV-LED reactor manufacturers for donations or system engineering support. These UV-based reactors can be a prohibitive cost in system design. Depending on how the units are built, the total cost per system can range from US$200 to $500, which makes it difficult to scale and meet the demand from our local partners in emergency regions.
Britt: We’re also actively involved in regulatory efforts and standardization, working alongside organizations like NIST and the EPA. At the same time, there's a powerful opportunity for the UV industry to lead in corporate social responsibility (CSR). While many companies highlight the benefits of their UV technologies, they often overlook the direct role they can play in delivering life-changing impact. By aligning innovation with purpose, companies have the chance to contribute meaningfully to global water access and public health.
Thomas: Speaking of education, UV4Good has an upcoming webinar, right?
Britt: Yes, we’re hosting one on June 4th, focused on the social impact of different types of UV technology. It’s part of our efforts to raise awareness about how this technology can be applied in real-world humanitarian contexts, not just in labs and cleanrooms.
Tatiana: We hope this helps spark more CSR initiatives across the industry. It’s not just about what UV can do - it’s about using it where it matters most
Thomas: You mentioned in our pre-interview that support from some larger foundations has been limited. What are your hopes moving forward?
Tatiana: We’re optimistic about the future. Even small steps, like being featured through Advanced UV for Life or connecting with communities, especially within the UV industry, willing to support us, can make a significant impact. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move closer to our goal of creating lasting change.
Britt: We’re also educating on the ground to help demonstrate that impact and further the general public’s understanding of what UV can do for them. We believe in storytelling as a powerful tool to connect with partners, donors, and the public.
Thomas: Last question - what’s one thing you want the UV industry to know about UV4Good?
Tatiana: We’re open to collaboration. Whether it’s funding, tech support, or simply helping us spread the word, every bit helps. We are deeply passionate about this technology and committed to providing sustainable solutions that make a real difference.
Britt: This technology, which we all care about, can and should be part of real-world solutions. We’re just one example of what’s possible when UV is used for good. It’s not only about showcasing its potential, but also about educating the public on how they can benefit from UV technology. We aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of how advanced UV design can be leveraged to solve pressing global challenges, empowering individuals and communities to harness its full potential for lasting impact.
Thomas: Thank you!
UV4Good is an official member of Advanced UV for Life. Please explore our site to learn more.
To learn more about Advanced UV for Life Association follow them on LinkedIn: Advanced UV for Life - Association
(*) Crystal IS is member of Advanced UV for Life. To learn more, visit: Crystal IS on LinkedIn.
About Advanced UV for Life
Advanced UV for Life Association is a European-based industry- and science-oriented organization dedicated to fostering the development and application of eco-friendly UV technologies. The association brings together industry partners, research institutions, standardization & regulation authorities, and end-users to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation in the field of UV technologies. Advanced UV for Life advocates for the responsible and sustainable use of UV applications to address global challenges in healthcare, environmental protection, research, and industrial production.
