A German startup company's solar-powered hand sanitizing machine was one of the winners in a competition devoted to sharing and developing ideas that could help fight COVID-19.
SunCrafter's disinfection station, which kills germs on hands using ultraviolet light created by upcycled solar cells, won the company 20,000 Euros at Global Hack, a competition of more than 12,000 participants from more than 100 countries, according to the European Space Agency. In total, there were 12 winners in the competition across as many topics.
The disinfection station uses light at wavelengths to kill germs on hands without endangering skin or eyes.
SunCrafter is currently working on manufacturing the station for use over the coming weeks and months. The startup says the station could be especially helpful in field hospitals, refugee camps and urban slums that lack energy.