Quincy DeYoung

Name: Quincy DeYoung

Eligibility: student

Describe your innovation: I suggest that we improve COVID safety in the Zucker School of Medicine and select patient rooms by placing Coway air purifiers in the Northwell Hospital system and PEARLS classrooms at the Zucker School of Medicine. The Coway Airmega 400 air purifier draws contaminated air through a filter in rooms that are up to 1,560 square feet. Therefore, this particular air purifier is an apt choice for larger, public spaces. Select models contain additional UV light technology to further cleanse the air of pathogens.

The Coway contains a pre-filter to capture large particles and Max2 HEPA filter to capture 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns in size. While the COVID spore is estimated at 0.12 microns, this innovation would aim to deter virus droplets. Airborne transmission is a serious consideration in COVID protection, and deterring respiratory droplets with a HEPA filter will be a useful innovation in the hospital and academic setting.

How does your innovation support our community’s recovery from COVID-19?: Firstly, the physical presence of air purifiers in the academic and clinical setting will help patients, medical professionals and students feel safe in the public space.

Overall, the goal of this innovation is to diminish the spread of airborne pathogens with first rate air purification technology.

What is the timeline for implementation?: The timeline for innovation would take 2-4 weeks, depending on the size of the order, funds available, and personnel involved.

How will the prize funding be used?: The prize funding would be used to acquire a calculated quantity of Coway Airmega 400 air filters which are priced at $551.65 with free shipping.

Pitch deck link: