CleanKey

Revolutionizing Hospital Hygiene: The Ultimate Keyboard Cleaning Solution

UV-C is the most efficient way to clean surfaces in hospitals. We're targeting keyboards to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Our device automatically closes, cleans, and disinfects, providing a seamless solution for healthcare environments.

Learn About Our Research
CleanKey Pro UV-C Keyboard Sanitizer integrated with medical workstation

The CleanKey Device

An automated UV-C sanitation solution integrated with medical workstations for seamless, cost-effective keyboard disinfection

Targeted Sanitation

Specifically designed to sanitize hospital keyboards, one of the most frequently touched and contaminated surfaces in healthcare settings.

UV-C Technology

Utilizes proven UV-C light technology to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without chemicals or residue.

Fully Automated

Eliminates human error and the need for additional cleaning protocols, ensuring consistent and reliable sanitization.

Substantial Cost Savings

Dramatically reduces the average cost of $1,189 per keyboard per year for manual cleaning, eliminating recurring costs of wipes and significantly reducing labor expenses.

Increased Cleaning Frequency

Automatically increases cleaning frequency without additional labor, enhancing overall hygiene and reducing the risk of HAIs.

Keyboard Compatible

Engineered to work with standard hospital keyboards without causing damage to electronic components.

Our Research

Exploring the impact of UV-C technology on Healthcare-Associated Infections

The HAI Problem

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) represent a significant challenge in modern healthcare, affecting patient safety and hospital efficiency.

1 in 31

Hospital patients develop an HAI

99,000+

Annual deaths attributed to HAIs

$45B

Annual direct hospital costs from HAIs

The Keyboard Connection

Research has shown that hospital keyboards can harbor dangerous pathogens including MRSA, C. diff, and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As high-touch surfaces used by multiple healthcare workers, keyboards represent a significant but often overlooked vector for cross-contamination.

Current cleaning protocols for keyboards are often inadequate or inconsistently applied. Traditional disinfection methods may damage electronic equipment or leave residues that can affect functionality.

Our Research Goals

  • Measure the efficacy of UV-C technology in eliminating common HAI pathogens from keyboard surfaces
  • Determine optimal exposure times for maximum sanitization without equipment damage
  • Assess the integration of the device into existing hospital workflows
  • Evaluate potential reduction in HAI rates with consistent keyboard sanitization

The Invisible Threat

Bacteria and pathogens on keyboards are invisible to the naked eye. Under specialized imaging, we can see the extent of contamination that exists on these frequently touched surfaces.

Studies have found that hospital keyboards can harbor dangerous pathogens for days or even weeks, creating an ongoing risk for cross-contamination between healthcare workers and patients.

UV light revealing bacterial contamination on a keyboard

Bacteria visualization on a keyboard under specialized imaging

About the Founders

Meet the innovative minds behind the CleanKey project

Samantha Child

Samantha Child

Co-Founder

A dedicated current student at San Diego State University, Samantha is passionate about developing innovative solutions to real-world healthcare problems. Her focus on reducing Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) through targeted UV-C sanitation technology drives the CleanKey project forward.

William McCaffrey, a light-skinned man with short brown hair styled neatly, wearing a dark purple suit jacket, a light lavender shirt, and a dark green tie with a pleasant, smiling expression against a light beige wall with square tiles

William McCaffrey

Co-Founder

William, who graduated last fall, brings his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for healthcare to the CleanKey project. His innovative approach ensures that the technology addresses real-world needs in healthcare settings, with a focus on making a significant impact in patient safety and hospital efficiency.

Our Journey

The CleanKey project was born out of our participation in a NASA competition, where we were challenged to develop innovative solutions for healthcare-related issues. Our success in this competition fueled our passion to bring this life-saving technology to fruition.

Currently, we are proud members of the ZIP Launchpad program at San Diego State University. This entrepreneurship incubator has provided us with invaluable resources, mentorship, and support as we work to transform our research into a real-world product that can make a significant impact in healthcare settings.

San Diego State University Research Program
ZIP Launchpad Program
NASA Competition Participants

Participate in Our Testing Program

We're seeking healthcare facilities interested in testing our UV-C keyboard sanitization device. Your participation will help advance this important research.

Research-Backed

Be part of a university-supported research initiative aimed at improving patient outcomes

No Disruption

Testing is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing workflows

Early Access

Be among the first to evaluate this innovative technology

Request Testing Information

Click the button below to fill out our testing program participation survey. Your input will help us advance this important research.

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