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The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) is an independent academy with a mission “...to promote engineering and economic sciences and the advancement of business and industry for the benefit of society.” We bring together leading engineers, economists, researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders in business and the public sector, who contribute generously to IVA’s operations through their intellectual capital and their engagement.

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IVA believes in humanity’s capacity to contribute positively to society through the engineering and economic sciences. We run a number of projects and programmes, produce reports, knowledge bases and policy proposals, and organise open seminars and meetings nationwide. We also recognise and encourage the efforts of others by awarding distinctions and grants.

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PhotoPhlox: Light-Activated Healing Patches

PhotoPhlox: Light-Activated Healing Patches

Infected wounds can be hard to heal when bacteria resist antibiotics. PhotPhlox is a drug-free patch activated by visible light. It disinfects wounds when needed, helping healing while reducing antibiotic use.

Year:

2026

University:

Stockholm University

Responsible Researcher:

Supervisor: Prof. Georgios Sotiriou, CEO and founder of Aetherphlox AB,Team member: Dr. Reshma Ramachandran, CTO

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Infected wounds are becoming harder to treat because bacteria can survive antibiotics, causing complications, long hospital stays and rising healthcare costs. PhotPhlox is a drug-free patch that uses visible light to disinfect wounds when needed, without antibiotics. It could be used in hospitals, wound care clinics and home care for infected wounds, burns and surgical wounds. The goal is to reduce antibiotic use, treatment failures and healthcare costs while improving recovery. The technology can be scaled for global wound care markets, and we seek clinical, regulatory and industry partners to help validate and commercialize it.