CyClean
University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business
Industry: Public Health Technology
Founding Student Name(s): Chase Hood
Brief Description of Solution: CyClean is building the first public health operating system using filtered Far UV-C disinfection to eliminate pathogens continuously, protecting businesses, schools, facilities, and people worldwide.
Funding Dollars: Pre-Seed
What led you to launch this venture? I launched CyClean during my Freshman year at USC because I was acutely aware of the need for a better way to prevent the spread of illness indoors.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far with venture? My biggest accomplishment so far has been launching CyClean’s first pilot with Tessellations School in Cupertino, California, in August. CyClean has installed our filtered Far UV-C disinfection devices in a classroom at Tessellations School to help eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria in the air and on surfaces.
How has your business-related major helped you further this startup venture? Majoring in business administration at the USC Marshall School of Business opened the door to a network of successful entrepreneurs and business minds. By accessing and contributing to this supportive community, I have been able to build CyClean.
Which business class has been most valuable in building your startup and what was the biggest lesson you gained from it? BUAD 497: Strategic Management has been the most valuable business class in building my startup. This class expanded my thinking about how businesses of all sizes succeed and fail, which are valuable lessons.
What business professor made a significant contribution to your plans and why? Professor and Director of USC Incubator Paul Orlando encouraged me to think through all aspects of the CyClean business and continue to test ideas. Professor Orlando also helped me answer some hard questions about the company early on, which has helped me lead CyClean toward gaining traction.
What founder or entrepreneur inspired you to start your own entrepreneurial journey? How did he or she prove motivational to you? I can’t name a specific entrepreneur who inspired me to start my journey. I started my first business at 8 years old, and I have had many since then. That said, I am motivated by almost all entrepreneurs, as they are determined to pursue something really hard with adventure as the only promise.
What is your long-term goal with your startup? My long-term goal is to see CyClean’s technology being used to disinfect air and surfaces in buildings across communities worldwide.
How has your local startup ecosystem contributed to your venture’s development and success? Being part of the USC Incubator and involved with the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies sparks innovation and encourages executing your ideas. This ecosystem has enabled CyClean to persist through all the challenges early-stage startups face.
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