An anti-microbial air purification method is employed by the air filters.
Researchers from IIT Kanpur and IISc Bangalore created it.
In the winter, an AC can purify the air with 99% filtration effectiveness thanks to this technology.

IIT Kanpur researchers have created a revolutionary technology that transforms air conditioners into reasonably priced air purifiers. The innovative device was conceived and developed using IIT Kanpur's infrastructure and R&D assistance as the research team discovered a means to convert normal air conditioners into air purifiers during the winter.

This technology is anticipated to benefit a lot of people because smog and pollution are serious problems in many places, especially during the winter. The development is in keeping with IIT Kanpur's tireless efforts in the field of monitoring and assessing air quality. Several state governments and organisations have received help from IIT Kanpur in implementing technologies to reduce air pollution.

This technology is offered as a straightforward handy gadget that can be quickly mounted on top of standard air conditioners and used by activating 'fan mode.'

The 'Anti-Microbial Air Purification Technology' was created by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and is installed in the air filters. It has undergone testing at a NABL-accredited lab and has demonstrated a 99.24% efficiency in deactivating SARS-CoV-2 (delta variant).

The market's current air filters function by capturing particles; but, with prolonged use, the filter itself turns into a petri dish-like germ-breeding environment. A fan and an air filter are typically included in these air purifiers, which have a starting price of roughly INR 10,000 in the market. While purifying the air, this novel class of air filters created at IIT Kanpur has shown to inhibit microbial growth and is effective at removing PM 2.5, PM 10, dust, pollen, allergens, and germs.

AiRTH, a startup supported by IIT Kanpur's Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre, has been granted a marketing licence for the invention. It has been released as a product called 'Clean Air Module' and costs a reasonable Rs. 2000. It is asserted that one 'Clean Air Module' is just as efficient as ten regular AC filters. The item is currently for sale on AiRTH's website and other e-commerce platforms.

As the company's CEO and a graduate of IIT Bombay, Ravi Kaushik founded AiRTH. Prof. Amitabha Bandopadhyay, the professor in charge of the Startup Incubation and Innovation Center at IIT Kanpur at the time, provided direction and support for AiRTH's incubator at IIT Kanpur in 2020.