A British technology start-up developing innovative Far-UVC technology has credited a 2025 trade mission to Atlanta organised by West London Chambers of Commerce with helping to kick-start its expansion into the United States.
Human Sun Light, founded in 2020 by Robert Emms, is developing applications using Far-UVC, a particular wavelength of ultraviolet light being researched for its ability to inactivate airborne and surface pathogens.
The company is exploring how Far-UVC technology can be incorporated into everyday devices and indoor environments, with potential applications spanning indoor shared spaces, aviation, hand hygiene and water purification.
Emms previously worked in technology with IBM in Dubai and has a background in aviation as a private pilot and flight operations. During the pandemic, he began exploring how technology could help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens, particularly in enclosed environments such as airports and aircraft.
That research led him to Far-UVC and ultimately to establish Human Sun Light.
Taking a Prototype to the US Market
Since its establishment, the company has developed a number of concepts, including a prototype Far-UVC hand sanitiser that is completely hypoallergenic and does not rely on gels or liquids.
As an unfunded start-up, apart from a small grant towards prototype development in 2024, accessing international markets would ordinarily have been difficult.
The opportunity to participate in West London Chambers of Commerce’s 2025 Atlanta trade mission gave Human Sun Light a chance to take its technology directly into the US market.
The company brought its prototype to Atlanta, where it was able to introduce the technology to potential partners and organisations, including representatives connected with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The visit proved to be an important catalyst for Human Sun Light’s US ambitions and has led to relationships that continue to develop.
The company is now working with American businesses exploring applications for its technology, including water purification. A business partner is also returning to Atlanta in September to build on the connections established through the original trade mission.
Building Transatlantic Partnerships
Robert Emms, founder of Human Sun Light, said the Atlanta mission had played an important role in helping the small start-up gain access to the US market.
“Atlanta really kicked things off for us in the US. As a small, largely self-funded start-up, it is incredibly difficult to get in front of the right people internationally. The trade mission gave us an opportunity to take our prototype into the market, have conversations and start building relationships. Those initial connections are continuing to develop and we now have a genuine transatlantic collaboration which West London Chambers of Commerce helped bring together. My business partner is going back to Atlanta and we are also working with American companies on new applications for the technology.”
Human Sun Light’s international ambitions now extend beyond the United States.
A prototype is currently in Germany with a Swiss company, described as the largest European hygiene services provider, which is interested in evaluating the technology. The business is also developing opportunities in the Middle East.
Why Trade Missions Matter for SMEs
For West London Chambers of Commerce, Human Sun Light demonstrates the practical role chambers can play in helping smaller businesses overcome barriers to international trade.
While large companies often have dedicated export teams, overseas offices and established networks, SMEs can find it considerably more difficult to identify potential partners, secure introductions and understand new markets.
Trade missions can provide a route into those markets by bringing businesses directly into contact with decision-makers, investors and potential commercial partners.
Alan Rides, CEO of West London Chambers of Commerce, said Human Sun Light was a strong example of why international trade missions can be valuable for SMEs.
“Human Sun Light is a great example of why international trade missions matter. This was a small British start-up with an innovative technology and global potential, but without the resources of a major multinational behind it. Our role is to open doors. We can make introductions, create opportunities for businesses to meet the right people and give SMEs the confidence and connections to explore markets that might otherwise feel out of reach. The fact that relationships which began in Atlanta are now developing into an ongoing transatlantic collaboration is exactly what we want these missions to achieve. International trade isn’t only for large corporations. Some of the most exciting export opportunities are sitting within Britain’s SMEs.”
International Trade as a Route to Growth
West London Chambers of Commerce has made international trade a central part of its support for businesses, building relationships with overseas chambers, governments and business networks while organising both inbound and outbound trade delegations.
The Chamber works to ensure businesses across West London can benefit from the area’s international connectivity, including its proximity to Heathrow, while helping companies establish relationships in markets around the world.
Rides added that face-to-face connections made through trade missions can develop into long-term commercial opportunities.
“You cannot underestimate the value of getting businesses into a room together. An introduction made during a trade mission can become a partnership, an export opportunity or the beginning of a completely new market for an SME. Human Sun Light shows what can happen when you give an ambitious small business that opportunity. We want to see many more West London businesses using international trade as a route to growth.”
